The Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella is in charge of all household goods operations throughout the 6th Fleet area of operations.

As PCS season looms closer, many of you are asking how to ship those bottles of wine collected on myriad MWR trips over the years.

Your Responsibilities:

1. Research all requirements to ship alcohol to the U.S.
2. Contact the state Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC) for shipment destination and obtain your state's permits/exemptions (in writing) or pay required state taxes for shipment, when required.
3. Pay ALL Federal Internal Revenue Tax (IRT) and state taxes on all alcoholic beverages BEFORE it is picked up at origin OR upon arrival of shipment in the U.S.
4. Acquire appropriate importation permits or licenses when required.
5. Comply with all federal and state alcohol beverage shipment laws.
6. Provide an accurate inventory to your local Personal Property Office.
7. Complete the Alcohol Shipping Counseling Worksheet and turn it into the Personal Property Office.
8. After obtaining information from your destination state, you MUST contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry with the following:
a. Who you are
b. Why you are requesting a permit
c. Address at final destination
d. Accurate email address
e. Copy of permit from destination state
f. Copy of detailed alcohol inventory

Note: Failure to comply with these responsibilities could result in refusal of a government arranged shipment.

Before You Ship:

1. Prepare an accurate inventory spreadsheet of the shipment, to include:

a. Description (Producer/Vineyard)
b. Type of alcoholic beverage (red, white, sparkling, beer, etc.)
c. Year of vintage
d. Liquid content of each bottle (750 ml etc)
e. Alcoholic content by volume (percentage)
f. Quantity of each type
g. Total value each bottle in U.S. dollars
h. Total (overall) value in U.S. dollars
i. Origin (Ex. France, Spain, Italy, etc.)

2. Obtain a signed Power-of-Attorney giving the Transportation Service Provider (aka moving company) agent authority to act as the clearance agent with U.S. Customs at the port of entry.

NOTE: If TSP requires a brokerage service, this cost is included as part of the shipment service. Service members and employees ARE NOT required to pay brokerage fees, if requested by TSP.

USMC Policy:

1. Alcohol WILL NOT be shipped as part of the HHG shipment or any other government arranged shipment.
2. You may ship alcohol as a Personally Procured Move (PPM) and seek reimbursement from the Transportation Voucher Certification Branch.
3. Follow instructions in MCO 4600.39, Chapter 3, para-graph 1, subparagraph g(4) for proper submission of a PPM claim.
4. The weight of any alcohol shipments counts toward the overall maximum authorized weight allowance.

Prohibited Items in Alcoholic Beverages:

*Beverages containing wildlife/wildlife parts, such as snakes, scorpions, etc.
*Beverages with agricultural products, such as root products, etc.
*Beverages carbonated or under pressure to include champagne, pressurized beer products
*Open containers

Federal IRS Excise Tax Rates on Alcohol and Beer:

(FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY, MAY VARY)
<14% ALCOHOL $0.21/750ml Bottle
14-20% ALCOHOL $0.31/750ml Bottle
21-24% ALCOHOL $0.62/750ml Bottle
Naturally Sparkling $0.67/750ml Bottle
Beer (Regular Rate) $0.05/12 oz. Can

Disclaimer:
Customs and Border Protection district directors have wide discretion whether or not a particular shipment is, in fact, for personal use only.

Helpful Links:
State Alcohol Beverage Control Boards: www.ttb.gov/wine/state-ABC.shtml
US Customs and Border Protection: help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/356/kw/household%20goods/related/1

U.S. Ports of Entry Contacts:

BALTIMORE: (410) 865-2020 /
Fax: (410) 865-2025

CHARLESTON: (843) 579-6533/6524

LOS ANGELES: (562) 366-5712 /
Fax: (562) 628-7902 /
Email: la_app_712@cbp.dhs.gov

NORFOLK: (757) 858-6196 /
Fax: (757) 858-6274

Contact information:

Navy Assistance:
Email: householdgoods@navy.mil
Customer HHG website: https://www.navsup.navy.mil/household
Customer Contact Center: 855-HHG-MOVE (855-444-6683)

Marine Corps Assistance:
usmcpersonalproperty@usmc.mil

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