Bringing Tequila from Mexico to the US: Rules & Limits

Yes, you can bring tequila from Mexico to the US—but **strict limits and declarations apply**.

Personal Exemption (Duty-Free)

• 1 Liter (33.8 oz) per person (age 21+).
• Must be **for personal use / gift** (not resale).
• Must **accompany you** (in checked luggage — not carry-on, liquids >3.4 oz prohibited in cabin).
• **No federal duty/tax.** State taxes *may* apply upon arrival (rarely enforced for personal qty).

Beyond 1 Liter

• Declare on CBP Form 6059B / verbal declaration.
• Duty Rate: **$1.63 per liter** (distilled spirits, HTS 2208.20).
• Federal Excise Tax: **$13.50 per proof gallon** (1 proof gal = 1 gal @ 50% ABV). For 40% ABV tequila: ~$10.80/gal = **~$2.86/L**.
• Total ~$4.50/L in federal charges + possible state markup.
• **No quantitative limit** for personal use, but >5L (1.3 gal) may trigger commercial presumption.

Packaging & Transport Rules

• Sealed retail bottles only. No homemade, bulk, or opened containers.
• Checked luggage only. Wrap well (clothes, bubble wrap). Declare if asked.
• No "duty-free" shop purchases on Mexican side count toward exemption — they're *additional* to your 1L.

State Laws Matter

• Some states (PA, UT, NH, VA, NC, etc.) **control liquor importation**. Technically you may owe state tax/license. Enforcement at airport rare but possible.
• Check your state's ABC/liquor control board.

Prohibited

• Absinthe (thujone >10 ppm) — unless FDA compliant.
• Counterfeit / non-compliant labels.
• Products from sanctioned entities.

Official Source

CBP "Know Before You Go" — Alcohol

TL;DR: 1L free in checked bag. More = declare, pay ~$4.50/L federal. Wrap well. Check state rules.