Can You Ship Aerosols Through UPS? Rules, Step-by-Step Guide, and Practical Tips
Introduction: Why this matters and what you will learn
Can you ship aerosols through UPS? Short answer, sometimes, and getting it wrong can cost you money, time, and cause delays or refused pickups. If you sell spray deodorant on an e commerce store, move personal hairspray when relocating, or send a sample of spray paint to a client, you need rules that actually work in real shipments.
In this article you will learn how to classify aerosols for shipping, pick the right UPS service, pack them to survive pressure and impact, apply the correct labels and paperwork, and spot items that are always prohibited. Expect clear checklists, specific packaging examples, and tips that prevent common mistakes UPS drivers and compliance inspectors notice.
Quick answer: Can you ship aerosols through UPS
Short answer, yes, but with a major caveat: most aerosols are classified as hazardous materials, so you can only ship them through UPS under strict conditions. UPS generally accepts consumer aerosols that meet limited quantity rules and proper packaging for UPS Ground; many flammable aerosols, like spray paint or certain lubricants, are restricted or require special paperwork and labels. Examples: small deodorant or cooking spray cans often ship if within size and quantity limits, while large paint cans or bulk compressor sprays will be refused. Always check the SDS, follow UPS hazardous materials rules, and call UPS if you are unsure before tendering a package.
Why UPS restricts aerosols, in plain English
Aerosols are risky because they combine pressure and often flammable contents, so a small leak or temperature change can turn a can into a projectile or a fire starter. That is why carriers like UPS treat many sprays as hazardous materials, and why rules look strict on the surface.
Regulators classify aerosols under hazardous materials classification, usually as Class 2 gases when pressurized, or as flammable liquids if the propellant is volatile. Federal DOT rules and international air transport standards create mandatory packing, labeling, and quantity limits, and UPS enforces those rules to avoid fines and liability.
Real world examples make this concrete. Aerosol paint, spray lubricant, or compressed air dusters can be banned or restricted on airbound routes. Check the product label, UN number, and the limited quantity exceptions before you try to ship.
Which aerosols are allowed and which are banned
Short answer, yes you can ship many common aerosols through UPS, but it comes down to class and quantity. The quickest way to self classify is to read the product Safety Data Sheet and look for UN1950 or a dangerous goods class. If it is marked limited quantity or nonflammable, UPS will usually accept it with proper packaging.
Commonly allowed examples, when packed and sized correctly:
Personal care aerosols: deodorant, hairspray, shaving cream.
Household sprays: air fresheners, dry shampoo, most cleaning sprays.
Compressed air cans for electronics.
Commonly banned or restricted examples:
Flammable gas cylinders and fuels, for example propane or butane refill cans.
Aerosol spray paints and solvent heavy aerosols that list flammable solvent on the SDS.
Certain pesticides, tear gas, and self defense sprays, which face extra prohibitions.
When in doubt, check the SDS, the UN number, and UPS hazardous materials rules before shipping.
How to prepare aerosols for UPS shipping, step-by-step
If you searched "can you ship aerosols through UPS", the short answer is yes, sometimes. Follow this step by step checklist to avoid rejections and fines.
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Verify classification. Read the SDS and find the UN number, hazard class, and whether the product qualifies for Limited Quantity or consumer commodity exceptions. Call UPS Hazmat if unsure.
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Confirm quantity limits. UPS permits limited quantities for certain aerosols, but limits vary by product and route. Check the SDS and UPS Hazardous Materials Guide for exact maximums before packing.
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Protect the valve. Fit every can with a sturdy snap cap or metal overcap, then tape the cap in place. For extra security use a plastic valve protector plus a shrink band.
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Contain leaks. Wrap each can in absorbent material, for example a small pad or shop towel, especially for aerosol lubricants or paints.
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Inner packaging. Use dividers or individual poly bags, so cans cannot strike each other during transit.
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Outer packaging. Use a strong corrugated box sized so there is at least 2 inches of cushioning on all sides, and fill voids with bubble wrap or kraft paper.
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Label and declare. Apply required Limited Quantity markings and any hazard labels, include shipping papers if required, and hand the package to a UPS Customer Center for acceptance.
Packaging and labeling requirements you must follow
If you’ve wondered can you ship aerosols through UPS, start with packaging. Use a sturdy corrugated outer box, double wall for multiple cans, sized so cans cannot shift. Inner packing should include individual compartments or dividers, valve caps or collars to protect actuators, and absorbent material if the product contains liquid. Cushioning must prevent contact between cans.
Add orientation labels when the manufacturer requires upright transport, for example with bulk shipments where valve damage is likely. Apply the correct hazard marks, such as the flammable gas symbol and UN1950 when the aerosol is regulated, or the Limited Quantity mark when eligible.
A Dangerous Goods declaration is required if the shipment exceeds limited quantity thresholds, is not eligible for consumer commodity exceptions, or is moving internationally by air.
How to declare and book an aerosol shipment with UPS
Start on UPS.com or the UPS Mobile app, Create a Shipment, and enter package details. When asked about hazardous materials, answer yes, then choose the correct UN number or select Limited Quantity if the aerosol meets that exception. Upload the SDS when prompted, and print the required hazardous labels and the UPS shipping label.
Don’t drop aerosols in a UPS drop box unless UPS confirms acceptance. Use a staffed UPS Customer Center or an approved UPS Drop off location that accepts hazardous materials. For many flammable or pressurized aerosols, UPS Ground is allowed, air is restricted.
You need a hazmat trained shipper whenever the product exceeds limited quantity limits, requires a full Dangerous Goods declaration, or is moved by air. When in doubt, call UPS Hazmat support, they will confirm paperwork, packaging, and special handling fees.
Cost, transit limits, and service restrictions to expect
If you searched "can you ship aerosols through UPS," expect extra charges and tighter rules than a regular parcel. UPS applies hazardous materials handling fees, documentation fees, and sometimes a per package inspection charge; plan on $20 to $75 extra, plus any residential or oversized surcharges.
Quantity and weight are limited. Aerosols often travel as limited quantity shipments, so only a small number of cans per box are allowed, and the general UPS max package weight of 150 pounds does not override hazardous materials limits. Always check the product SDS and package markings.
Air services are the most restricted. UPS air shipments that move on passenger aircraft, including many Next Day and 2nd Day Air options, normally will not accept flammable aerosols without full dangerous goods approval; ground services are more likely to accept limited quantity aerosols when properly declared.
Common mistakes and troubleshooting tips
If you ask can you ship aerosols through ups, common errors include wrong packaging, missing hazard declarations, and incorrect service choice. Sending a flammable aerosol in a standard box without UN approved inner packaging triggers rejection. Prevent delays by using UN approved inner packs, absorbent material, UPS aerosol labels, and ground service if required. If rejected, repackage to hazmat specs, update shipping papers in your account, contact UPS support to request return or reroute. For repeat issues, hire a certified hazmat shipper.
Conclusion and a practical shipping checklist
Ask yourself, can you ship aerosols through UPS, and is your product actually eligible? Quick recap, aerosols are hazardous materials, but many consumer sprays move via UPS when packaged, labeled, and declared correctly.
Checklist before you ship aerosols through UPS:
Verify eligibility with UPS Policy and your local regulations.
Check the SDS and find the UN number, usually UN1950 for aerosols.
Confirm quantity limits and allowed transport modes, air is stricter than ground.
Use tested inner packaging and an approved outer box, no leaks.
Apply required labels or limited quantity mark, and complete shipping documentation.
Book the correct UPS service and retain tracking and paperwork.
