Importing brewing equipment: shipping, duties and installation

Choose the supplier with care

Ask for references from breweries of your size, ideally in a similar climate. Speak to them. Ask what broke, how quickly it was fixed and what the supplier did. Check how many breweries they have installed and whether any are near you.

Beware the quote that is much cheaper than the rest. It often leaves out controls, insulation, fittings or documents.

Check the supplier's after-sales support. Can they answer a video call within a day? Do they have an agent in your region? A brewery stopped by a pump failure loses money every day. A friendly email reply a week later does not help.

Read the specification line by line

A specification should list vessel volumes, steel grade and thickness, heating method, cooling jackets, insulation, valves, pumps, control panel, voltage and frequency. Voltage and frequency differ between countries. A plant built for 60 Hz may not suit a 50 Hz grid without changes. Gas supplies also differ.

Ask for drawings and a utilities list: how much water, power, steam or gas, drain capacity and compressed air the plant needs.

Ask about material certificates for stainless steel and for food-grade gaskets and hoses. Welds should be smooth and cleanable. Rough internal welds hide bacteria. Ask for photographs of the interior of the vessels before they ship.

Shipping terms and risk

Shipping terms say who pays for which leg and who carries the risk at each point. Ask a freight forwarder to explain the terms in your quote in plain language. Check that the goods are insured for the whole journey and that crates are strong enough for handling at ports.

Delivery times are rarely guaranteed. Build slack into your lease and opening plans so a late container does not cost you rent on an empty room.

Choose a freight forwarder who has handled industrial equipment. Ask how they will handle oversized tanks, whether the container will be unpacked at a port or inland and who will lift each piece at the end.

Customs, duty and paperwork

Customs treatment differs by country and by product code. Brewing equipment may have a duty rate, a tax on import or a relief for certain industries. Ask a customs broker for the classification and the duties before you commit. Documents usually include a commercial invoice, a packing list and a bill of lading. Some countries ask for certificates of origin or conformity.

Rules differ and change, so rely on a current broker. Also check whether imported equipment must meet local pressure vessel or electrical standards.

Keep copies of all paperwork. If a customs office questions a code or a value, a complete file shortens the delay. Storage at a port is charged daily, so clear the goods quickly once they arrive.

Receiving and installing

Plan the route from the unloading point to the final site: door widths, floor loading, crane or forklift access. Fermenters are tall and heavy. Have drains, power, water and floor finishes ready before the kit arrives, because installers charge by the day.

Inspect each crate on delivery and photograph damage before signing. Claims are easier with evidence.

Brewing involves hot liquids, steam and chemicals. Make sure the installers follow local safety rules for pressure vessels, electrical work and working at height. Check that your insurance covers the site during works.

Label every crate against the packing list as it comes off the truck. Missing small parts such as clamps and gaskets are the usual shortfall. They are far easier to claim for while the shipping paperwork is still fresh.

Commissioning and handover

Commissioning means testing the plant with water, then with a first brew. Ask the supplier to include time on site, training for your brewer and a written cleaning and maintenance guide. Keep the supplier's contact details somewhere your team can find them. For the wider plan, see brewpub or production brewery and start-up costs founders forget.

Keep a list of spare parts and a supplier for each. A pump seal that takes six weeks to arrive is a six-week problem.

Run a full cleaning cycle and a water-only brew before you use real malt. Check temperatures, flow rates, leaks and alarms. Fix problems while the supplier's engineer is still in the building.

Common questions

Should I buy new or used equipment?

Used equipment can save money but needs inspection, a repair history and a clear plan for parts. New kit comes with a warranty and drawings. Compare the total cost including shipping and commissioning.

Who pays customs duty?

It depends on the shipping terms and local rules. Ask a customs broker and make sure the quote states who handles it.

How long does it take to import a brewhouse?

Manufacture, shipping and customs together often take months. Ask the supplier and a forwarder for realistic times. Add slack.