The delivery deadlines for samples are:
Tranche 1
Wines sent via consolidated shipping: 26 September 2025
Tranche 2
Wines sent via consolidated shipping: 6th March 2026
IWC entrants have three shipping options:
1- Consolidated shipping – Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.
2- UK Distributor – If you have a UK distributor you can arrange to send your samples from there.
3- Private shipping arrangements (eg DHL, UPS, FEDEX). Please note, you will be responsible for all arrangements and transportation costs. The samples must be sent Duty Paid e.g. paying customs’ costs, taxes and duties associated with sending your samples.
Sending your samples – IWC Delivery Labels
1 - Use the IWC delivery label and airway bill emailed when you submit your wine entry. Each IWC delivery label has a unique entrant barcode which will allow the IWC to inform you when your wines have been processed.
2 - If you are using a private courier please stick your official IWC labels on the side of your boxes. This is to prevent courier companies sticking labels over IWC address labels.
3 - If you are using a private courier please mark "Shipper accepts charges" on your couriers' shipping forms to ensure that all costs get charged to you. If the above is not completed, then the samples will be stopped in Customs and may not arrive in time for the competition.
IMPORTANT: Use the Commercial Invoice we send to you. DO NOT USE the automated invoice system that DHL/FedEx provisde as they do not cover all the information required for alcohol. It will get stuck!
When sending DDP (Duty paid) please use the following information
Importer of record: IWC Events Ltd
UK VAT: GB 472 6202 96
EORI: GB099202593000
PLEASE NOTE: IWC Events Ltd will not accept any charges from courier companies and if you fail to send Duty Paid samples, your entries will be returned to you at your cost.
Please use the IWC Hellmanns shipping service where possible. It is considerably cheaper than private couriers.
Hellmann Consolidated Shipping
Important notice: From 1 January 2021, producers will be required to include an invoice on the outside of the case that includes the following information:
Number of bottles
Type of wine
Bottle size (0.75l)
ABV%
Value (FOB), shown as the regional value in EUROS (this is for customs purposes only)
To avoid delay in shipment, it is essential that suppliers provide the above information at the time of delivery to Hellmann. PLEASE USE THE COMMERCIAL INVOICE WE PROVIDE TO YOU VIA EMAIL.
1- Many entrants will be able to save money by using our consolidated shipping offer, which you can select during the entry process. The cost is £60 (Old World) or £68 (New World) per entry and covers: all charges associated with duty, storage, carriage, UK clearance and taxes on samples supplied. For this you must use an approved Hellmann Worldwide Logistics shipping agent from the list below and use the Hellmann IWC delivery label on your boxes.
2- You must contact your local Hellmann Beverage Logistics agent prior to sending them your samples before the Hellmann shipping deadline.
3- It is the responsibility of the entrant to pay all delivery charges up to the point where their local Hellmann Worldwide Logistics approved shipping agent receives the samples.
4- European warehouses can only accept shipments from the same country.
5- Submitters using a Hellmann Worldwide Logistics agent for shipping their samples will have to attach 5 copies of the airway bill which will be sent to them by email after submission of their entry.
6- Late arrivals will not be accepted and neither credits nor refunds will be issued if the forms or wines fail to arrive on time.
7- The value shown on the airway bill (commercial invoice) is extrapolated from the regional value in EUROS, US $, Sterling or Japanese Yen (this is for customs purposes only).
8- UK Duty. All wines entering the UK are liable for duty. Current duty rates for still & Sparkling wines are £2.92 per bottle (75cl) of 11% wine to £4.12 for 15.5% Alc wine, fortified wines £5.32 for 20% Alcohol. The fee for the IWC Global Shipping Service includes ALL OF these charges.
Payment of Duty
The commissioners of HMR&C require evidence of payment of duties and VAT as enshrined in The Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979 and enforced by The Customs & Excise Management ACT 1979. Procedures to achieve this are stipulated in the Customs Tariff and Public Notice covering alcoholic products. It is an offence to avoid payment of these taxes on samples. Further guidance may be obtained from HMR&C National Advice Service – telephone +44 (0)845 0109 000.