Earlier this year I had my first experience purchasing a case of wine in a foreign country and having it shipped home. In the past I have often taken advantage of the duty-free laws and brought home a bottle of wine or whisky, but this was the first time I purchased a quantity of wine.

The purchase of the wine was made at the time I visited a winery in Bordeaux, France.  The six bottles of wine I purchased cost 315 euros plus a shipping fee of 99 euros for a total of 414 euros. Once the exchange rate was applied my total came to $660 CDN.

After my return home I received an email from the shipper advising that they required a copy of the transaction receipt and/or credit card payment confirmation statement verifying the purchase. This information was then forwarded to the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) for valuation purposes prior to the delivery of my wine. I was also advised that there would be additional costs associated with importing alcohol that had to be paid prior to the release of my shipment.

The additional costs included a levy of 102.2% which was applied to the total value of the shipment. There was also a brokerage fee of $49.17+HST, duties, taxes and a government filing fee of $12.50 as well. The total import fees ended up being $605. The result was that a bottle of wine sold at a Bordeaux winery with a price tag of $52.50 euros or $83 ended up costing me $184! Lesson learned.

Sláinte mhaith