Cheers! Ship Alcohol Globally with UPS

The alcohol industry is one of the biggest markets ont he planet. The global alcoholic beverage market is booming: expected to reach $1,594 billion by 2022, resulting in a compound annual growth rate of 2.1 percent increase from 2016 to 2022, according to Allied Market Research. Breaking it down further, the wine industry is predicted to reach $380 billion globally by 2022, and the global beer market is expected to grow to $688.4 billion by 2020.

With the rise of both eCommerce and alcohol sales, it should have been guessed that sooner or later UPS would want to tap into this market. The ability to ship liquor internationally will be critical to the growth of the market itself. Now that UPS is opened up to international shipping of alcohol, competition within the industry will change completely.

Many wine, beer, and liquor merchants have understandably been hesitant to set up online spirit shops, due to the U.S. regulations for shipping alcohol. But, recent news that UPS will be joining FedEx and expanding its global alcohol service means there’s never been a better time to start sellingand shipping beer, wine and spirits online.

UPS Expanding International Alcohol Service

On July 31, 2017, UPS reported that customers using UPS Express™ can now ship alcohol internationally to customers directly. In fact, according to the press release, “UPS is helping wineries reach consumers living in 24 of the top 35 wine importing countries and distilleries in nine of the top 25 spirit importing countries.” UPS shipping wine will drastically affect the wine industry in a positive manner, making it even more of a competitive industry.

Guarantee all global consumers receive time-definite delivery on their international shipments with UPS Express. The UPS Express shipping portfolio features three unique service levels to meet shipment needs:

• UPS Worldwide Express Plus™ – For early morning delivery
• UPS Express – For midday delivery
• UPS Express Saver™ – For end-of-day delivery

Here’s the updated list of countries where alcohol can be delivered:

 *See the UPS guide for restrictions by country.

Using ShipStation to Ship Alcohol

Now that you can start shipping liquors and beer with UPS, ShipStation has added support for sending alcohol globally. Shipping alcohol overseas can easily be done with ShipStation. The only requirements UPS has for the shipper before shipping with ShipStation are:

• They must have a contract signed with UPS that states they can and will ship alcohol
• They must select “Adult Signature” as the delivery confirmation option

If you are a ShipStation customer and are using UPS to ship alcohol, you can integrate with UPS Paperless™ Invoice, which will streamline and simplify your paperwork by allowing you to digitally transmit necessary information for the customs clearance process. By uploading all the required alcohol-related documentation to each country electronically, wineries, distilleries, and breweries can avoid delays.

Alcohol Packaging Requirements

Before you start shipping alcohol, be sure your packaging meets the UPS requirements, including:

Inner packaging

UPS will accept molded Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam, a folded corrugated tray, or a molded fiber tray. For reference, these secure the bottles in the center of the package, keeping them away from the side walls.

If you choose to use molded pulp or die-cut corrugated inner packaging, confirm that it is pre-shipment tested by the manufacturer to meet ISTA or UPS Package Design and Test Lab procedure requirements.

Outer packaging

Of course, sturdy outer corrugated containers are also required. Make sure all closure flaps are sealed securely on top and bottom with pressure-sensitive tape.

For more details on proper packaging for shipping alcohol, visit the UPS international alcohol shipping guide.

With the alcohol industry expecting steady growth, coupled with the boom of ecommerce, it’s important for any current or aspiring liquor sellers to take a hard look at online opportunities. Expanding into new international markets through ecommerce will open up new and exciting revenue streams for your business.

With ShipStation, there’s no need to worry when shipping alcohol internationally. Our support center has a comprehensive international shipping guide when using our software. We offer a 30-day free trial of ShipStation with complete access to all its features. Want to start shipping alcohol overseas? Get started with ShipStation today!

Adam Foster

More articles by Adam Foster