Reguarding Bringing Tequila Back From Mexico (Importing)

[bn087]

I have been wondering what the limitations are to bringing Tequila back from Mexico. I'm sure tequila is the same as any distilled spirit but I did a google search and found some unassuring results. I'm a Texas resident so I searched that and here is what I found.

How much alcohol can I bring back from Mexico and other locations outside of Texas?

If you are a Texas resident (including persons in the armed forces stationed in Texas), the maximum quantity of alcoholic beverages that you can bring back into Texas is:

1 quart of distilled spirits
3 gallons of wine and
24 twelve-ounce containers of beer.

This doesnt make me too happy as I would only be able to bring one 750ml bottle back when I venture down south. I've read so many posts of people bringing back 3,4,5 different bottles and I would like to know what to do to get this. A trip to Mexico really isnt worth just bringing back one discounted bottle you know? And if I have to do a little hiding of bottles in my car what would yall reccomend....although I would want to be extra safe.

[Patron]

Hola bn087
I'm also a Texas resident, in El Paso, and cross the border everyday into Juarez, Mexico.

The limitations are indeed different for residents of Texas, the maxium quantities you have listed are correct and it is per month (don't ask me how they keep track) 1 liter of spirits, 3 gallons of wine and 1 case of beer, per month. I don't know about beer or wine, but I know that non-residents of Texas can bring back up to 4 liters of spirits at one time. Friends visiting from the North can bring back 4 bottles.

If you're not from the border area, you could try and plead ignorant, but always declare or you'll loose it.

[hestrada77]

I live in California. In the past I have usually gotten away with 2-4 bottles in the luggage. The most that I have brought were 7...yeah I know---too much!
but I try to do is buy bottles that come in boxes and maybe wrap them as---as presents so to speak. if i was to get stopped by customs, I would say it was presents to my family...
Haven't said anything in the past. guess I have been lucky!

[CaliTequilaSipperGirl]

No Lime .... No guts


I've been down to the tequila area 4 times and have come back with no less than 15 bottles each time When you go through the airport, they don't ask for the number of bottles, they ask for a declararion. During the 'interview' they sometimes ask .... but just be honest. They usually laugh (I pre-select my line based on how I see him/hear interact with people) Also, I have this "girl next door - I wouldn't possibily be smuggling tequila into the US" look

[wichie13]

Hahah, I would describe it more like a up to no good mischievous look myself.......

Originally Posted by CaliTequilaSipperGirl

Also, I have this "girl next door - I wouldn't possibily be smuggling tequila into the US" look

[Patron]

Flying might be a little different than driving across.

A friend was driving back from Juarez to catch a plane in El Paso and he forgot to declare 2 bottles he had in his luggage in the trunk. U.S. Border Patrol checked the trunk and his luggage, and smiled as they took his tequila and detained him for over 3 hours. Needless to say he also missed his flight home.

[RJC5XTC]

Just out of curiousity - what would the duty be one "extra" bottles?


Robert

[Patron]

Texas tax is $1.00 per bottle, but a Texas resident can only bring back 1 bottle per month, there is no provision for an "extra" bottle. Most of the time, if they find it they take it.

Non-residents who pass through a Texas border crossing station (not the airport) can legally bring back up to 4 bottles, tax is $1.00 a bottle.

[CaliTequilaSipperGirl]

I guess again it depends on where you cross. We cross in TJ .... and have crossed several ways. *45 WALKED across with 6 bottles in his arms. When we drive, we hide them in the trunk well and tell the kids to start arguing when we get up to the booth

Originally Posted by mccorml

Flying might be a little different than driving across.

A friend was driving back from Juarez to catch a plane in El Paso and he forgot to declare 2 bottles he had in his luggage in the trunk. U.S. Border Patrol checked the trunk and his luggage, and smiled as they took his tequila and detained him for over 3 hours. Needless to say he also missed his flight home.

[Patron]

Hi CaliTequilaSipperGirl, what's the legal quantity you can bring back into CA ?