Bringing back tequila to us thru Nogales, Over the Limit of Tequila per person

[Raul Duke]

I have been in Jalisco for several months and have a few more than the 2 bottles per person. I'm going to Tequila tomorrow and the Tequila Express on Sunday.
I was wondering how to declare more than that at the Border. Or should I not even say anything but "a few" and just try and sneak it thru. I would hate to have to choose to leave something, or have it confiscated.

Probably will wind up with 3-4 bottles per person a total of 8 or so. But a few more if I can do it.

Can you just pay duties on the extra bottles or does anyone have any experience with this situation ?

Also are there any Anejo's reposada's or silvers not available in the US anyone can recommend ?

I can't seem to stop picking up Tequilas : ) and don't want to stop if I don't have to.

I'm willing to pay a duty .

[barrera49ers]

I recently returned from Jalisco to Sacramento, and brought back three bottles of tequila, which I declared and had no problems. Here is some info from the Customs and Border Protection:

Question
Can I bring back alcohol for my personal use or as a gift?

Answer
Generally, one liter per person may be entered into the U.S. duty-free by travelers who are 21 or older, although travelers coming from the U.S. Virgin Islands or other Caribbean countries are entitled to more. See our publication, "Know Before You Go" for additional information.

Additional quantities may be entered, although they will be subject to duty and IRS taxes.

Duty is generally 3% of value and the IRS excise tax is generally between 21-31cents per 750ml bottle of wine, 67 cents/champaigne, and $2.14/ hard liquor.

It is not legal for travelers under the age of 21 to import alcohol - even as a gift.

The total amount of alcohol you may enter the country with is primarily determined by the laws of the state where you will arrive back into the U.S. Each state's ABC board (or equivalent ) sets the amount of alcohol a person may bring into the state without a license or permit from that state. Travelers must check with the appropriate state ABC board, as the amounts vary from state to state. We regret that we are unable to provide this information, but CBP staff is not able to maintain information about each of the 50 State's various requirements.

There is no federal limit on the amount of alcohol a traveler may import into the U.S. for personal use, however, large quantities might raise the suspicion that the importation is for commercial purposes, and a CBP officer could require the importer to obtain an TTB import license (which is required for all commercial importations) before releasing it. If you do intend to travel with a large quantity of alcohol, we suggest you contact the entry branch of the port you will be entering the country through to discuss your situation in advance.

Duty rates on alcoholic beverages can be obtained in Chapter 22, "Beverages, Spirits and Vinegar," in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Alcoholic beverages purchased in duty-free shops are subject to duty when you bring them with you into the United States.

[MrAgave]

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/...eforeyougo.pdf

[Raul Duke]

Thanks for everyone's swift reply.

Looks like I will have to go through Texas or California.

I called the Nogales CBP twice and got the same answer that Arizona state law has a maximum of 1 liter bottle per person no exceptions regardless even if you are a California, or Texas Resident.

So I'm going to have to go back through Mexicali.
California will let you bring as much as we will have @ 5 bottles per person and then pay the duties and the IRS tax.

Off Topic but has any one driven along Mexico 2 it looks like it goes right along the border for quite a ways (Sounds scarier)
Anyone's experiences would be much appreciated.

Thanks again


Raul

[barrera49ers]

It's been a while, but Mexico 2 from Santa Ana to Mexicali is pretty much flat desert. From Mexicali to Tijuana very mountainous, a section of the road is called La Romurosa which has lots of curves. But other than that its no more dangerous that driving from Jalisco to Nogales.

[*45*]

when traveling by foot or auto from Mexico into California, you are allowed only one liter per person (you might have some good luck if you push it though) and up to 60 liters when traveling by steamship or airplane (but you may have to pay the current tariff of $1.62 per liter). Good luck with your travels.

[mwegryn]

Claim it all. Customs can be bastards if they want. If you have to pay a tax, you have to pay a tax. I've claimed 5 bottles. He looked at my papers and asked if I had a good time. It will still be quite a bit cheaper than the States most likely even after tax. Not to mention more fun than going to the local liquor store.

[Piña]

A very delayed response, but one to keep in mind is Centinela blanoc. Its no longer available here in the US

[bankerjoe]

Originally Posted by barrera49ers

Alcoholic beverages purchased in duty-free shops are subject to duty when you bring them with you into the United States.

Doesn't that defeat the idea of duty-free?

[3libras]

Not sure about driving across, but I just recently flew across from Guada back to LA. Between the 2 of us, we had 7-8 bottles with us. The customs form we filled out didn't ask for the amount of bottles we had, just a US dollar amount. Because our total $ amount wasn't too over the top I think, they looked at our form and welcomed us back to the US no problems.