Shipping your samples

1. Hellmann Consolidated Shipping (Recommended)

The easiest, safest and most cost-effective option

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is the IWC's approved international shipping partner.
Most entrants choose this option because it:

● avoids customs delays
● includes duty, taxes, and UK clearance
● is significantly cheaper than private couriers
● uses teams experienced in handling wine shipments
● ensures correct paperwork every time

Shipping cost per entry

These 2026 fees reflect the IWC’s move to a single round of judging and include all UK duties, taxes, customs clearance and handling:

Standard Rates

£52 per entry (Europe)
£62 per entry (Americas, Australasia, South Africa, Japan, etc.)

This fee includes:

✔ UK duty
✔ UK taxes
✔ Carriage and UK clearance
✔ Storage
✔ All wine-sample import charges

To use the Hellmann service, you must:

1. select consolidated shipping during the entry process

2. use an approved Hellmann agent (list provided after entry)

3. attach the official Hellmann IWC delivery label to each box

Important: Invoice Required on Every Case

Every case shipped via Hellmann must have a commercial invoice attached to the outside of the box.
The invoice must include:

● number of bottles
● wine name / type
● bottle size (e.g. 0.75 L)
● ABV %
● value (FOB), shown as regional value in euros
(for customs use only — not retail value)

Always use the Commercial Invoice provided by the IWC.
Hellmann relies on this specific template to ensure correct customs processing.

How to Use the Hellmann Service

● Contact your local Hellmann Beverage Logistics office (see locations below) before sending samples
● They will confirm the local delivery deadline and required paperwork
● Pay all local delivery charges up to the point Hellmann receives your samples
● European Hellmann warehouses can only accept samples from within the same country
● Attach five copies of the airway bill emailed to you after submitting your entry
● Ship before the deadline — late arrivals cannot be accepted; no credits or refunds apply

Hellmann Shipping Deadlines

Tranche 2 (Hellmann): 6 March 2026

UK Duty (Included in the Hellmann Fee)

Approximate UK duty rates (already included in your Hellmann fee):

£2.92 for 11% ABV still / sparkling wines
£4.12 for 15.5% ABV wines
£5.32 for fortified wines (20% ABV)

2. Shipping via a UK Distributor

If you already have a UK importer or distributor and the wines you wish to enter are listed by them, you may be able to ship your wines directly from within the UK. No customs procedures are required once the wines are already in the country.

This is a simple and reliable option for producers with existing UK representation.

3. Private Courier Shipping

(DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.)

This option is permitted, but entrants are fully responsible for:

● all courier arrangements
● all customs paperwork
● all duties, taxes and handling fees
● ensuring the wines are shipped DDP (Duty Paid)

If duties or taxes are unpaid, the shipment will be blocked by customs and returned at your cost.

⚠ CRITICAL: Do NOT Use Automated Courier Invoices

Always use the Commercial Invoice provided by the IWC.

Automated invoices generated by DHL/FedEx/UPS do not include the required alcohol-import details, and your shipment may be:

● delayed
● held by customs
● or completely refused

This is one of the most common causes of late or failed deliveries.

Required Information for DDP Shipments

Importer of record:
IWC Events Ltd
12 St. George's Industrial Estate, White Lion Road, Amersham, HP7 9JQ

UK VAT: GB 472 6202 96
EORI: GB473620295000

IWC Events Ltd will not accept charges from courier companies.
If a shipment arrives with outstanding fees, it will be returned at your cost.

Sending Your Samples – IWC Delivery Labels

After submitting your entry, you will receive:

● your IWC delivery label
● your airway bill
● your commercial invoice template

Please attach the IWC label to the side of every box.
If using a private courier, ensure the courier label does not cover the IWC address label.

Legal Duty Requirements

UK law requires full evidence of duty and VAT payment on all imported alcoholic products.
This is enforced under:

● Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979
● Customs & Excise Management Act 1979

Avoiding payment of duty is a criminal offence.

For guidance, contact HMRC National Advice Service:
+44 (0)845 0109 000

Your Pre-Shipment Checklist

Before sending your wines, check:

☑ I used the IWC commercial invoice
☑ I attached IWC delivery labels to all boxes
☑ My shipment is DDP (Duty Paid)
☑ I contacted my local Hellmann office (if applicable)
☑ I attached the airway bill (Hellmann: 5 copies)
☑ I shipped before the correct deadline
☑ The correct number of bottles is included (3 per entry, due to the new single-round judging system)

Hellman Shipping Agents List