A wine sample is a wine shipment like any other. To the carrier and to the authorities of the destination country, the bottle travels with the same obligations as an order. The recipient changes, whether an importer, a distributor or a journalist, but the rules of wine transport stay the same.
What Is a Sample For?
A sample is often the first step of a commercial relationship: an importer tastes before listing an estate, a distributor compares before choosing, a journalist tastes before writing.
Delivery time and the condition of the bottles on arrival therefore matter as much as the wine itself. A sample that is held up or damaged misses the tasting it was meant for.
Who Receives Samples?
Importers and distributors are the most frequent recipients. Depending on the country, receiving a parcel of wine may require precise details about the recipient. It is therefore useful to warn them before sending.
For journalists, critics and influencers, the difficulty often lies in the address: a newsroom, a home and an office are not handled in the same way for a delivery. An address where a person can receive the parcel, a contact name and a phone number reduce the risk of a failed delivery.
Are Duties and Taxes Due on Samples?
Yes. Duties and taxes are due on every wine shipment, whatever its value. Samples are not exempt, and missing required wording causes clearance delays and additional charges.
Key point
A sample is declared for its real value and for what it is: a sample. An inaccurate value or purpose can lead to delays or holds.
Who Pays the Duties and Taxes: DDP or DAP?
Two options exist for duties and taxes at destination. Under DDP, they are borne by the sender: the recipient receives the parcel without paying anything. Under DAP, they are borne by the recipient.
The choice depends on the relationship with the recipient and on their import set-up. The simulator gives a transport estimate before ordering.
Which Documents for a Sample Shipment?
The commercial invoice describes each wine and its value. It accompanies the shipment and serves as the basis for the declaration. The guide to the commercial invoice details its content, and the page on the EORI number presents the identifier used in dealings with customs.
How to Pack Sample Bottles?
A few bottles have more room to move than a full case. For parcel shipments, you must use packaging designed for transporting bottles, which keeps the bottles separated, protected and properly secured.
A photo of the packaging before pick-up provides proof in case of a dispute. The season matters too: wine is sensitive to high heat, which can affect the wine as well as the labels. The guide to preparing a wine shipment details these points.
Samples at Vastorg
Vastorg ships wine samples to any destination and organises pick-up, transport and customs formalities from France. Parcels fall under the parcel shipping service, larger volumes under the B2B services, and the rate is obtained in the Ship tool.
Frequently asked questions about packaging and professional shipments
Who can use Vastorg?
Vastorg is reserved for wine professionals: producers, négociants, wine merchants, distributors, importers, agents and online retailers.
The platform is built for shipments from a professional to their end customer, whether that customer is a business or a private individual.
Can I ship several pallets?
Yes. On a quotation basis, Vastorg can arrange B2B shipments for pallets, groupage, full loads, and containers, depending on the destination and logistical need.
Where can Vastorg pick up the bottles?
Pickup takes place at the professional shipper’s premises: estate, winery, warehouse, wine merchant’s shop, and so on.
The pickup address is entered at booking, and the collection is then scheduled from your member area.
Can I choose a pickup date?
Yes, subject to operational availability.