FWIW, I have not yet seen an update to the US Customs travel page. They have explanations for some prior tariff implementations, but have not gotten to this one yet.
But of course traditionally any wine brought back from vacation has been waved through given the miniscule duties that would have been due. We’re all waiting to see if that changes with the new tariffs.
I think the real answer here is you’re given a duty free allowance. If you declare the wine to CBP upon arrival in excess of the duty free amount, they may or may not decide to collect the taxes on the wine. From past experience they just wave you through. I really don’t see that changing.
Hopefully not, but previously the duty on most cases of wine would have been about $1 whereas now it could easily be 100x that. So they have more of an incentive to spend time on it.
How will they know what to charge? Is it a law to keep your retail receipts? Some sort of dumbfoundingly massive database? Some sort of default tariff? Actual tariffs must be based on reported prices communicated by an importer. Why can’t an individual just say $5 or $10/bottle? A case might then generate a whopping $15 - $30.
Apparently you are supposed to have your receipts on hand. I’ve never done this:
What to Expect When You Return
Complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B
You have several entry options once you return from your trip. All travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B itemizing all purchased merchandise and agricultural products.
Here are your options:
Complete a paper form that may be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise.
Complete the online form at a Global Entry kiosk. (Only preapproved Global Entry members are allowed to use these kiosks.)
Complete the online form at an Automated Passport Control kiosk. Keeping all your purchase receipts handy in an envelope in your carry-on bag will ease this process. If warranted, the CBP officer will calculate the duties to pay on your newly acquired goods.
Legit question. Not trying to circumvent the system. If someone gifts me bottles of wines and I bring them in through checkin luggage, do I need a note from the person that gifted me the wines?
I highly doubt you will have to pay anything if you exceed it by 1 or 2 litres. I have done this probably 15 times now with 6-9 bottles, and I’m always waved through. Make sure you go through the red lane to declare it though - you’ll be in far more trouble if you get caught not doing so.
I understand that if it’s less than 10GBP of duty, the customary rule is that they don’t bother.