Get your samples into the U.S. We'll be your importer.

To ship wine to a U.S. importer, distributor, or competition, you need an importer with a federal permit. We handle the permits and customs, and give you everything you need to ship from your country. One shipment at a time, no subscription or ongoing commitment.

Ship my samples

How it works

You order online. We take care of the permits and customs.

01

Place your order

Tell us which wines you're sending, how many bottles, and who they're for.

02

We file the permits

We request the TTB label waiver for samples and prepare the FDA prior notice.

03

You ship the box

With your courier, using our shipping guide, commercial invoice, and box label. Depending on your country, we can also arrange the waybill for you.

04

We receive it in Miami

We clear it through customs and deliver it to your recipient.

ImportersWho asked for samples to evaluate your wine.
DistributorsWho only accept samples with the right paperwork.
Competitions and trade showsThat require an importer to accept your bottles.

One price per shipment

  • Importer of record with a federal permit
  • TTB label waiver for samples
  • FDA prior notice
  • Receiving and customs clearance in Miami
  • Delivery within Miami-Dade
  • Shipping guide, commercial invoice, and box label
  • Import duties and taxes: billed at cost, no markup
  • International shipping: booked by you, or quoted if we arrange it
  • Delivery outside Miami-Dade: quoted separately

Prepare your shipment

Every country and courier has its own rules. With this, your box ships properly prepared, and we handle customs clearance when it arrives.

Plan ahead: about 15 days for the waiverTTB usually takes about 15 days to process the label waiver and doesn't expedite requests. Add your courier's transit time. For a competition or trade show, order at least 4 weeks before the deadline.
See the step-by-step guide
  1. Wait for our confirmationWe send you the waiver number and the Miami delivery address. Don't ship before that: your package would be held.
  2. Pack for glassA certified wine shipper, molded pulp or foam, for 6 or 12 bottles. Couriers won't accept regular boxes.
  3. Label every bottleThe waiver replaces label approval, not every labeling rule. Before the box reaches the U.S., each bottle needs: a sticker reading "For Sample Purposes Only – Not for Sale", the U.S. Government Warning, and "Contains Sulfites". We send you the exact text with your confirmation.
  4. Fill in the commercial invoicePrint 3 copies: one inside the box and two in the documents pouch on the outside.
  5. Create the waybill with your courierDHL Express or FedEx, express service only. Both accept wine only from shippers with an alcohol agreement in your country: check with your local office before you order. Description: "Wine samples, not for resale". HS code 2204.21. Declare cost value, never zero. Incoterm DAP: duties are paid at destination and we bill them to you at cost.
  6. Stick on the box labelOne on top and one on the side, with the waiver number.
  7. Send us the tracking numberJust reply to the confirmation email. We track it all the way to Miami.
Commercial invoice for samplesFillable PDF, with Buenavida Imports already listed as importer.
PDF
Box label"Wine samples · Not for resale", with the importer details.
PDF

What you'll need

  • Your winery's FDA registration number (required for the prior notice).
  • Alcohol content and bottle size for each wine.
  • Sample stickers, Government Warning, and "Contains Sulfites" on every bottle.
  • Authorization to export wine from your country. Some countries require shipping through a customs agent: check with your courier's local office.

Place your order

We'll confirm your order and send you a payment link, the waiver number, and the delivery address.

Service subtotal

We got your order. We've emailed you a confirmation. We'll review it and send your payment link.

FAQ

Do I need a U.S. importer?

No. For this shipment, we are your importer.

Does my label need to be approved?

No approval is needed: we request a TTB label waiver that covers that shipment. Every bottle still needs a "For Sample Purposes Only – Not for Sale" sticker, the U.S. Government Warning, and "Contains Sulfites" before it reaches the U.S.

How long does it take?

TTB usually takes about 15 days to process the waiver and doesn't expedite requests. Then add your courier's transit time. For competitions and trade shows, order at least 4 weeks ahead.

How many bottles can I send?

Who pays for international shipping?

Usually you book it with DHL or FedEx, following our shipping guide. If you'd rather we arrange it, we quote it by country and box size and add it to your payment link.

Can the samples be sold?

No. They enter as samples with no commercial value and can only be used for evaluation, tastings, or competitions.

What if I want to sell in the U.S. later?

We can be your structure in the U.S.: importing, warehousing, invoicing, and collections. Find the right way in for your winery.