How to ship perfume internationally

Humans have been making and using perfume since 3000 BC. Five thousand years later, it has become a staple of the fashion industry, its popularity soaring as consumers use fragrance to enhance their style and express their personality.  

Worldwide, the fragrance market is projected to generate a revenue of US$59.87 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 3.01% from 2024 to 2028. As Canadian businesses continue to tap into this market and expand their product offerings worldwide, they need to develop a clear understanding of international perfume shipping regulations. That’s because perfumes contain ethyl alcohol and are therefore considered dangerous goods.  

Since they are hazard Class 3 flammable liquids, fragrances must be shipped in accordance with perfume shipping regulations. This entails understanding applicable shipping rules, packaging protocols, and handling fees.  

To help you get started, we’ve put together an overview of how to ship perfume, as well as the challenges and best practices you need to keep in mind before you start sending your products to international customers.  

Challenges when shipping perfume internationally 

Because perfumes contain flammable, volatile, and potentially hazardous chemicals, they pose safety risks during transportation and are therefore classified as dangerous goods by regulatory bodies such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 

These organizations have created regulations for the packaging, handling, transport, and delivery of these goods to ensure safety across the shipping process. For businesses, this means there are challenges and considerations relating to: 

Flammability: Perfumes must be handled with caution to prevent fire hazards in transit.  Packaging: Perfumes must be packaged correctly to prevent leaks and breakage, using specialized materials that are resistant to pressure and temperature fluctuations.  Customs: Regulations vary by destination, and compliance with each country’s import and export regulations is essential to prevent delays and potential seizure of goods.  Transport: Restrictions vary by transportation mode, and understanding the regulations of air, sea, and road transport is crucial.  Insurance: Because unforeseen events in transit are possible, businesses should take the necessary precautions and protect their perfume shipments with appropriate insurance coverage. 

Safe perfume packaging 

Since perfumes are liquids and predominantly packed in glass bottles, extra care is required to prevent breakage and spills. 

Here are 3 tips to help ensure the safe delivery of your shipments. 

Choose the right packing materials and fillers:

Use multiple layers of protection, including the manufacturer’s product packaging as well as padding to keep the bottle in place during transport. Ensure that gaps in the shipping box are filled with packing materials such as paper and bubble wrap. 

Wrap multiple bottles individually:

When shipping multiple perfume bottles in a single package, wrap each bottle individually if your products are bare bottles that don’t come in original product packaging. Additionally, make sure that individual perfumes are sufficiently separated with padding materials to keep them from moving inside the shipping box during transit.  

Select the right shipping box:  

Whether or not your preferred carrier actually requires liquids to be packed in leak-proof containers (and many carriers do), it’s good practice to choose shipping boxes that can contain liquid spills. Another consideration is container size; your box should only be slightly bigger than the items you are shipping in order to prevent movement within the shipping container.

Best practices for international perfume shipping 

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Beyond packaging, there are several important considerations to ensure that your perfume products reach your customers safely and without delay. 

Best Practices for International Perfume Shipping

Check the laws and regulations of the shipping destination:

If your perfume contains alcohol, it’s considered a HAZMAT product that is subject to regulations that vary by country. As such, you will need to research and adhere to the applicable shipping restrictions in order to avoid non-compliance fines and legal action. 

Choose a tracked shipment option:

Provide your customer with a tracking number so they can keep tabs on the whereabouts of their order and receive shipment status updates. Shipment tracking also helps prevent theft, adding a layer of protection that brings both you and your customer peace of mind. 

Include insurance coverage:

For added security and protection in case of loss, damage, or theft, opt for shipping insurance, especially when the value of the product exceeds $100. 

Factor weight into product cost:

When calculating the cost of your product, take into consideration that carriers will charge rates based on dimensional weight. This pricing model charges your business for whatever is greater, product weight or size.  

Ship with a 3PL provider:   

Your 3PL partner can get you highly competitive shipping rates and international shipping solutions while also helping you navigate the challenges of cross-border shipping. When shopping for perfume shipping solutions from your 3PL, you can also receive guidance on ensuring compliance with international perfume shipping regulations as well as customs clearance services that simplify the shipping process.

Takeaway 

International perfume shipping can be challenging due to the classification of fragrances as dangerous goods, but by taking the right packaging precautions, choosing the appropriate shipping solution, and getting the support of logistics experts to ensure compliance with safety regulations, you’ll be able to ship your products worldwide with ease and confidence.  

At eShipper, we understand the intricacies of shipping HAZMAT goods and can provide you with the perfume shipping solutions you need to optimize your logistics operations.  

Contact us to learn how we can support your business in delivering your perfume products safely and efficiently. 

How eShipper can help 

Expert packaging: Leave it to our team of experts to package your perfumes safely and securely to minimize the risk of leaks and breakage, using materials that meet international standards for the transportation of dangerous goods.   Customs clearance services: Navigate customs regulations and clearance with ease, wherever you’re shipping to.  International shipping solutions: Enjoy a range of shipping options to suit your needs and budget.  Compliance with perfume shipping regulations: Take the hassle out of cross-border shipping and get the support you need to deliver your products safely and in line with international regulations.   Competitive rates: Compare discounted shipping rates and transit times from all major carriers in one click.   Shipping insurance: Get peace of mind with insurance coverage for your valuable shipments.