I have been living in Germany and have accumulated quite a collection of liqueur and wine. I know if I'm just traveling to the US there is a rather small limit on the amount of alcohol that I'm allowed to bring with me. However, I would think that as this is part of what any household would have, that maybe there is a different guideline for sending the alcohol as part of my shipment of household goods? Will I be able to bring this all back duty free? (Just like I can with all my furniture/ etc.) If not, what are the duty charges and above what value of merchandise or volumes of alcohol do those kick in for an international relocation? Can I even send these as part of my shipment (which will go by boat.) Thanks!

You cannot include ANY alcoholic beverages in your household goods shipment. Nor can you ship them via UPS, DHL, US Mail, etc. You MUST hand-carry them with you. Due to restrictions on liquids in the passenger cabin, they must go as checked baggage.Your duty-free allowance is 1 gallon of alcoholic beverage per adult. The standard duty (based upon country of origin) plus the Federal alcohol tax, any State alcoholic beverage tax, and any State sales tax will be collected by US Customs when you enter the US. If the State where you enter has any restrictions on importation of alcoholic beverages (many do), US Customs will enforce those limits on behalf of the State; any excess will be confiscated.Having lived in Europe for a number of years and having sent 3 HHG shipments to the US, take this advice: Throw a party before you ship your goods and enjoy your collection. Pack the empty bottles as mementos of your time there. But don't try to import the booze; it's not worth the hassle and expense.