Safe, compliant, and reliable transport of alcoholic beverages
Key Markets: Japan, UK, AU, NZ and Europe

Safe, compliant, and reliable transport of beer, wine, and whisky.

We are experts in international shipping of alcoholic beverages, ensuring every consignment is packed, documented, and cleared through customs with ease. Whether you’re exporting wine to Europe, importing whisky from Japan, or sending beer across the Tasman, we’ve got the knowledge and systems to make the process smooth and simple.

Compliance You Can Rely On

Shipping alcohol isn’t like shipping general goods. Every step is regulated .

• Customs & Excise Duty:

  • New Zealand
    All alcohol shipments are subject to excise duty and GST when imported into NZ, or excise when removed from licensed premises. NZ Customs – Alcohol & Excise Rates are reviewed yearly, with changes effective from 1 July. NZ Customs – Excise Rates Notice

  • Australia
    Alcohol excise duty rates are indexed to the CPI and updated regularly. See current details on the Australian Taxation Office website

• Duty-Free Permits: Special permits may be available for certain business or industrial uses.

  • New Zealand
    Customs Duty-Free Alcohol Permits
  • Australia
    Only personal use and Indirect Tax concession Scheme (ITCS) for missions/posts/diplomatic personnel within limits. No commercial duty-free permits as seen in NZ
• Wine Exports
  • New Zealand
    Grape wine exports require an Export Eligibility Statement under the Wine Act. MPI – Exporting Wine
  • Australia
    If you want to export wine (or other grape-based wine products) from Australia, you need a licence from Wine Australia via the WALAS system. This licence is required for shipments over 100 litres, and covers details such as labelling; conformity to Australian standards for additives, processing aids, and allergens; lab certificates for destinations that require them; and certificate of origin depending on destination.

How the Process Works

1. Plan Your Shipment
Check requirements for the destination country and confirm permits.

2. Prepare Documentation
Commercial invoices, ABV details, product descriptions, and wine export certificates (if required).

3. Customs Clearance
We lodge import or export entries directly with Customs and manage any duty or GST payable depending on the shipping options chosen for your shipment.

4. Packing & Transport
Specialist packaging prevents breakage, with clear labelling and compliance to carrier requirements.

5. Delivery
Smooth handover at destination with trusted carriers ( including our own fleet within New Zealand), minimising risk of delay or rejection. If you are splitting a larger shipment into multiple smaller shipments within New Zealand, then please see our 3PL services to manage New Zealand distribution.

Why Choose Method Global

• Experts in Australian & NZ import/export compliance

• Specialised network – we have our own pick up and delivery fleet in New Zealand’s urban centres, and work with freight providers experienced in handling alcohol in other regions.

• End-to-end service – from paperwork to final delivery.

• Risk management – packaging, insurance, and contingency planning built in as desired.

Risks & Considerations for Alcohol specific shipments

• Avoid delays by assuring your paperwork and labelling meet overseas regulations.

• There can be higher excise duty or import taxes than other product types depending on alcohol type and strength.

• Keep an eye on changing rules in overseas markets.

• Leave the freight packing to us to assure you avoid breakages if not shipped to professional standards. Alcohol is a very specialised freight type being consumable, sensitive to temperature changes, highly regulated, and often packaged in fragile bottles.

Ready to Ship?

If you’re looking to export wine, import premium spirits, or simplify your cross-border beverage logistics, talk to Method Global. We’ll guide you through compliance, handle the paperwork, and get your goods moving.