Dear Valued Customers,
At Whisky International Online, we are committed to providing you with the finest whiskies from around the world. As part of our commitment to transparency and keeping you informed, we want to bring your attention to an upcoming change in UK alcohol regulations that will affect the appearance of some bottles you purchase from us.
The Disappearance of the Pink Stamp: A Regulatory Update
You may have noticed a small, circular pink stamp on certain bottles of high-strength spirits, including many whiskies, that you've purchased in the past. This is the UK Alcohol Duty Stamp, which served as a visual confirmation that excise duty had been paid on the product and that it was intended for the UK market.
We want to inform you that the UK Alcohol Duty Stamp Scheme is being abolished by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) as of May 1, 2025.
What Does This Mean for Your Purchases from Whisky International Online?
In practical terms, this means that from May 1, 2025, and increasingly in the coming months, you will no longer find the pink duty stamp on new bottles of whisky supplied to us.
Why the change?
The UK government has decided to discontinue the scheme, aiming to reduce administrative burdens on businesses and streamline processes. The system for ensuring duty is paid will now rely on other controls and data submitted by businesses.
Is the whisky still legitimate and duty-paid?
Absolutely! The absence of the stamp does not mean that duty has not been paid or that the product is not legitimate. All whiskies sold by Whisky International Online will continue to be fully compliant with UK duty laws. Our commitment to sourcing authentic, high-quality, and legally imported whiskies remains unchanged.
Will I see bottles with and without stamps? For a transitional period, it is possible that you may receive bottles both with and without the stamp. This is perfectly normal as producers and distributors gradually move away from applying the stamps. Any bottles with existing stamps do not need to have them removed.
Should you have any further questions or concerns regarding this change, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team.
Thank you for your continued trust and custom.
Sincerely,
The Team at Whisky International Online
