Step-by-step guide on the complex legal procedures involved in this process.
Importing wine from a third country is not just logistics. In Estonia, it is regulated by the Alcohol Act and EU law, in particular Commission Regulation (EC) No 555/2008.
1. Who May Import Alcohol?
Alcohol may be imported by an undertaking engaged in:
- wholesale trade
- retail trade
- catering
provided that its Economic Activities Register (MTR) data includes:
- The definition of the alcohol handled
- information on alcohol import or export
Imported alcohol must be entered into the national alcohol register before release for free circulation. Customs verifies the registration.
The customs declaration must include, among other things: product type, name, producer, sales package volume, ethanol content, and batch identification.
Special Rule for Wine: The VI1 Document
For most wines imported from third countries (e.g., CN code 2204), a VI1 document is mandatory.
The VI1 is a single document consisting of:
- a certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of origin
- An analysis report issued by an officially recognized laboratory in that country
Customs requires the original VI1 and a copy (or a VI2 extract).
Important to Know
- For liqueur wines, box 14 of the VI1 must state:
โThe alcohol added to this wine is wine alcohol.โ
Without this note, the document is invalid. - Geographical indication claims can also be certified via the VI1.
- Corrections must be officially endorsed.
- Limited exceptions may apply for small quantities (e.g., up to 100 litres in specific cases).
Conclusion
Wine import into Estonia requires:
โ Correct MTR activity registration
โ Entry in the national alcohol register
โ Proper customs declaration
โ Valid VI1 documentation
In practice, wine import means paperwork โ and very little margin for error.
