Customs rules for the import and export of alcohol in luggage and hand luggage

At international airports and in neutral territories between two land border checkpoints, there is a treasured place where all tourists aspire, regardless of age and nationality. We are talking about duty-free sales points, namely Duty Free shops. The fact is that you can buy expensive alcohol there (for example, as a gift or as a souvenir) at a significant discount, since excise taxes account for the lion’s share of the cost of elite wines and other strong drinks. However, it is very important to know how much alcohol can be carried across the border so that the purchase does not have to be left on the other side.

Basic rules

Each adult traveler can import 3 liters of any alcohol (beer, vodka, wine, cognac, cider, etc.) into Russia duty-free. Over the limit, it is allowed to carry an additional 2 liters, but this alcohol will have to be declared and a fee of 10 euros per liter must be paid. Anything over 5L will be confiscated.

The total value of imported alcohol should not exceed 1500 euros. In addition, all bottles must be kept in their original packaging. This means that although there is no direct ban on the import of moonshine, customs may not allow the product to pass without marking.

You can export alcohol from Russia in any quantity, but only if you can prove that the products are intended for personal consumption, and not for trade. However, the host country has its own rules and import limits, so you should focus on them (check in advance).

It is important to know:

• The rules in force on the territory of the Russian Federation are the same for all passengers, regardless of citizenship.
• Violation of customs rules entails administrative liability and a fine in the amount of 0.5 to 2 times the cost of undeclared alcohol (with the possibility of subsequent confiscation) (Articles 16.2, 16.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
• A solid batch of alcohol (with a total value of 250 thousand rubles) can be regarded as a commercial unit. For the absence of a declaration, a fine of 300 thousand rubles or up to 12 years in prison is provided (Article 200.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
• The fee of 10 euros is fixed and does not depend on the type of imported alcoholic beverages.

• The rules for the importation of alcoholic beverages do not depend on the mode of transport, however, airlines may have their own internal rules for carrying hand luggage and baggage.

• It doesn’t matter where exactly the alcoholic beverages were purchased: in a regular store or in a “dutik” – the volume of all alcoholic beverages is summed up.

Carrying alcohol on the plane

Only small bottles of 100 ml with a total volume of no more than 1 liter can be taken on board. Thus, carrying a lot of alcohol in hand luggage will not work. The exception is alcoholic drinks from Duty Free. Duty free shops are already located directly at the waiting rooms and become available only after the luggage has been safely sent for loading. However, please note that the packaging must not be opened until the destination.

As for alcohol in aircraft baggage, airlines do not limit the transport of drinks with a strength of up to 24%, however, the volume of alcohol with a strength of 24-70% is a maximum of five liters per person, and the transportation of alcohol over 70% is completely prohibited.

However, these internal rules apply only to transportation; the laws adopted in the country apply at the customs itself.

F.A.Q.

1. Can alcohol be combined in checked baggage and carry-on baggage?

According to customs rules – yes.

2. Since there are no norms for the export of alcohol, and no one checks the suitcases upon arrival, it turns out that I can bring a few extra bottles?

Theoretically, yes. But this is a violation of the law, and if it opens, you will have to pay a serious fine. The editors of the Alkofan website recommend abandoning this idea, although it looks tempting.

3. And how much alcohol can be brought across the border of Turkey (France, Spain, Vietnam, etc.)?

This information should be clarified immediately before the trip in order to obtain the most up-to-date data.