Can You Ship Perfumes Internationally? A Practical Guide for Sellers and Shippers

November 28, 2025 Austin Jones International Shipping Restrictions

Introduction: why shipping perfume is different and who this guide is for

Perfume is not just a liquid, it is a flammable product with strict transport rules. That reality makes international fragrance shipping more complicated than sending clothes or books. Carriers follow IATA and ICAO dangerous goods rules, some airlines ban perfumes in air freight, and customs in certain countries restrict or tax alcohol based scents.

This guide is for online sellers, small brands, Etsy shops, and anyone asking can you ship perfumes internationally. You will get a clear, step by step checklist: how to classify and declare perfume, sample packing methods that pass carrier inspections, carrier by carrier rules for USPS, DHL, FedEx, and UPS, and a country checklist with common import bans and duties. Read on to avoid delays, fines, and confiscations.

Short answer: can you ship perfumes internationally

Short answer to can you ship perfumes internationally, yes, but only under strict rules. Perfumes contain alcohol, so carriers treat them as flammable liquids and may require dangerous goods paperwork, limited quantities labeling, and special packaging. Some couriers, including major freight forwarders, will accept perfumes if you declare them and use their Dangerous Goods service; many passenger airlines and postal services restrict or block air shipments. Also check the destination country, some places prohibit alcohol imports. Practical step, always confirm IATA rules, carrier dangerous goods policies, and customs requirements before you book, or use a courier’s DG team to avoid delays.

The rules you must know, fast

If you are asking can you ship perfumes internationally, the short answer is yes, but they are regulated as flammable liquids. IATA and ICAO classify alcohol based fragrances as dangerous goods for air transport. That means many airlines and postal services will require a UN number, proper shipping name, Class 3 label, and a completed dangerous goods declaration unless your shipment meets a limited quantity or consumer commodity exception.

Practical checklist to move fast
Check the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and the ICAO Technical Instructions for air shipments, or use a carrier that handles DG paperwork for you.
Verify your national postal rules. Many postal services ban perfumes by airmail, or only allow small quantities as limited quantities.
Use certified packaging and include an MSDS if requested. For bulk consignments hire a DG certified shipper and choose sea or ground if air is restricted.

Example, small retail orders often qualify for limited quantity rules, meaning you can ship multiple small bottles with fewer formalities. For wholesale cartons, expect full DG labeling, documentation, and possibly a routing restriction to surface transport. Always confirm with the carrier before you book.

Country and carrier restrictions that often cause surprises

Different countries and carriers add surprise rules, even when international law seems clear. For example, many Middle Eastern customs restrict alcohol content, so a standard eau de parfum can be refused. China and India have extra paperwork for cosmetic imports, and Australia often treats flammable liquids as high risk. Carriers pile on rules too. FedEx, UPS and DHL usually require perfume to be declared as dangerous goods for air transport, or shipped under limited quantity rules, otherwise they will not accept it. USPS has its own international prohibitions.

How to avoid surprises. First, search the destination country customs site for "perfume", "alcohol" or "flammable liquids". Second, read the carrier dangerous goods guide or IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Third, request a written acceptance policy from the carrier and keep the product MSDS on file. If air transport is blocked, consider surface freight or a specialty freight forwarder experienced in shipping perfumes internationally.

How to package perfume for international shipment

When you ask can you ship perfumes internationally, proper packaging is the difference between a safe delivery and a rejected shipment. Follow this step by step method.

  1. Secure the primary bottle, make sure the cap fits tightly, then tape the cap to the neck with packing tape. For extra insurance, wrap the bottle in a small layer of plastic wrap so threads are sealed.

  2. Put the bottle in a sealed plastic bag, add enough absorbent material to soak the entire contents, for example one to two full size absorbent pads for a 50 to 100 ml bottle. The absorbent must be able to contain a complete leak.

  3. Wrap the sealed bag with at least two inches of cushioning, using bubble wrap or foam. For glass, use double wrapping.

  4. Place the wrapped unit inside a rigid corrugated outer carton. Fill voids with packing peanuts or crumpled paper so the item cannot move.

  5. Use a strong box rated for the weight, mark fragile, and consider UN approved packaging if required by carrier. Always check carrier and IATA rules before shipping.

Labeling and documentation you need to include

If you wonder can you ship perfumes internationally, get the labeling and paperwork right first. Required labels include the class 3 flammable liquid pictogram, the correct UN number and proper shipping name as shown on the SDS, plus net quantity per inner packaging and a limited quantity mark if you qualify. Shipping papers: commercial invoice with HS code 3303, detailed description, unit value and total value; air waybill or bill of lading; and a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods for air shipments. Also attach the SDS, export declaration and any local IDs like an EORI or IOSS number. Always declare alcohol content and bottle volume in milliliters, and list class 3 flammable liquid clearly; underdeclaration causes seizures, fines and carrier refusals. Contact your carrier before booking.

Choosing the right carrier and service level

If you are asking "can you ship perfumes internationally", the carrier you choose matters more than you might expect. Postal services are cheapest for small, low risk parcels, but many national posts restrict alcohol based fragrances. Couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS usually accept perfumes as flammable liquids under dangerous goods rules, ideal for single orders or small batches, but expect extra paperwork and surcharges. For pallets or containers, use ocean or air freight with a forwarder experienced in IMDG and IATA regs, and plan longer lead time.

Ask carriers these questions before booking: do you accept alcohol based perfumes to my destination, what are the max alcohol concentrations, do you handle dangerous goods paperwork and labeling, any country bans, transit times and insurance cost. For samples, consider alcohol free decants to avoid restrictions.

Step by step checklist to ship a perfume internationally

If you wonder can you ship perfumes internationally, use this clear checklist from prep to delivery.

  1. Confirm legality, check destination rules, and carrier policies like FedEx, DHL or UPS for alcohol based fragrances.
  2. Classify the product, get MSDS and UN number if required, often UN 1993 for flammable liquids, consult IATA rules for air transport.
  3. Measure volume per bottle and label any limited quantity shipments accordingly.
  4. Seal each bottle with its original cap, wrap in plastic, place in a sealed leak proof bag, add absorbent material.
  5. Use a strong inner box, then a larger outer box with void fill to prevent movement.
  6. Prepare customs paperwork, commercial invoice, and dangerous goods declaration when needed.
  7. Buy insurance, schedule carrier pickup, get the tracking number, and require signature on delivery.
  8. Monitor tracking, communicate ETA to the buyer, resolve incidents immediately.

Costs, insurance, and how to avoid common mistakes

Expect several cost components when you ask can you ship perfumes internationally. Base postage, carrier hazmat surcharges, customs duties, brokerage fees, and robust packaging all add up. Carriers often limit service levels for flammable liquids, which raises price.

For insurance, choose between carrier declared value and a third party insurer. Always keep photos, invoices, and tracking, and confirm claim limits before you ship. Insure high value bottles to their full retail amount, not a token value.

Common mistakes and quick fixes:

  1. Underdeclaring value, always match the commercial invoice.
  2. Poor packaging, use leakproof inner wrap, absorbent material, sturdy outer box.
  3. Skipping import rules, verify recipient country restrictions and HS codes in advance.

Conclusion: final insights and quick resources

Yes, you can ship perfumes internationally if you classify, label, and package them correctly, and get carrier approval. Next steps: consult IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, ICAO Technical Instructions, your country’s DOT or EU ADR rules, carrier policies, and the product MSDS.