Start planning now to ship a wine collections back home Published April 3, 2008 By tips provided by the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Having permanent change of station orders does not mean that extensive wine collections will be left behind. When sending wine, beer or any other liquor back to the states with a PCS move, people just need to plan ahead and follow a few simple guidelines. Prior to making an alcohol shipment research the import laws for the state it is going to. If the state charges any duty taxes on the shipment, it is the individual's responsibility to pay the fees. It is also the individual's responsibility to ensure customs requirements are met -- whether it is a government shipment or a personally procured move with a private shipping company. Links to state alcohol control boards are at www.hqusareur.army.mil/opm/state.htm. After deciding what and how much alcohol to ship to the states, a visit should be made to Spangdahlem's Personal Property Shipping Office in building 103. Individuals moving are required by regulations to have a minimum of 500 pounds, or about 250 bottles of wine, in order to arrange a government shipment. If the amount being shipped is less than 500 pounds, the Personal Property Shipping Office will make a referral to a local moving company. This type of shipment is considered a personally procured move that can be reimbursed up to the amount paid, but not to exceed the government's cost. In addition, reimbursement is also dependent upon having weight left on the members shipping entitlement. The decision to make an alcohol shipment, government or personally procured, should be acknowledged when arranging a household goods move. The U.S. Postal Service does not mail wine and express shipping companies are usually not willing to ship wine. However, some airlines will allow small collections to be checked as excess baggage for a fee. Planning ahead and following the rules will give individuals an opportunity to enjoy alcoholic beverages purchased here at a new stateside home for years to come. One final note: The Personal Property Shipping Office cannot contract or commit moving services without PCS orders.