RAHEEL LADAK
10 mins read
6 mins read
Amanda
February 2, 2025
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.
The perfume industry is massive. We're talking about US$74.2 billion globally in 2025, and it keeps growing by about 3% each year. For Canadian businesses wanting a piece of this pie, there's one big hurdle - shipping these products internationally is complicated.
Why? Because perfumes are basically 60-80% alcohol. That automatically puts them in the dangerous goods category (Class 3 flammable liquids, to be exact). So you can't just throw them in a box and ship them like regular products. There are rules, lots of them.
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.
Perfumes have flammable chemicals in them. They can leak. They can break. That's why organizations like IATA (for air transport) and IMO (for sea transport) have strict rules about how to handle them.
Here's what you're up against:
Fire risk: One damaged bottle near a heat source? That's a problem nobody wants.
Special packaging needs: Regular bubble wrap won't cut it. You need packaging that can handle pressure changes at 30,000 feet or rough seas.
Customs headaches: Every country has different rules. What's fine in France might be banned in Saudi Arabia.
Transport limits: Some airlines won't take perfumes at all. Others limit how much you can send.
Insurance costs: Regular shipping insurance often won't cover dangerous goods. Special coverage = higher costs.
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.
1. Layer up your protection:
Start with the original packaging if you've got it. Add padding around the bottle. Fill every gap in that box with paper or bubble wrap. Think of it like packing your grandmother's China - zero movement is the goal.
2. Each bottle gets its own wrap:
Got multiple bottles? Wrap every single one individually. I know it's tedious, but trust me - one broken bottle can ruin an entire shipment. Keep them separated with padding too.
3. Pick the right box:
Your box should be just a bit bigger than what you're shipping. Too big = bottles moving around. Too small = not enough protection. And yes, many carriers require leak-proof containers, so plan for that.
Beyond packaging, there are several important considerations to ensure that your perfume products reach your customers safely and without delay.
1. Know the rules where you're shipping:
Every country is different. The US might be fine with your perfume, but try shipping to the UAE and you might hit alcohol restrictions. Do your homework or risk having shipments sent back (or worse, destroyed).
2. Always use tracking:
This isn't optional. Your customers want to know where their stuff is, and tracking helps prevent theft. Plus, if something goes wrong, you'll know exactly where it happened.
3. Get insurance:
Anything over $100? Insure it. Perfume bottles break. Packages disappear. Insurance might feel like throwing money away until the day you need it.
4. Remember dimensional weight:
Carriers charge for size OR weight - whichever costs more. That beautiful gift box might double your shipping costs. Factor this in when pricing your products.
5. Consider a 3PL:
Honestly? Managing dangerous goods shipping is a headache. A good 3PL knows the rules, gets better rates, and handles the paperwork. Sometimes it's worth letting the experts handle it.
Alright, let's talk classifications. Your perfume gets labeled as: • UN 1266 (that's the official number) • Class 3 - Flammable Liquid • Usually Packing Group II or III (depends on the alcohol percentage)
Different ways to ship have different rules:
By Air (IATA rules):
By Sea (IMDG rules):
By Truck:
Proper documentation is crucial for international perfume shipping. You'll need:
Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Details the product's composition and hazards
Dangerous Goods Declaration: Required for air and sea shipments
Commercial Invoice: Must clearly identify the product as dangerous goods
Certificate of Origin: Many countries require this for customs clearance
Packing List: Should reference the UN number and proper shipping name
Every destination has unique requirements. Here are some key markets:
United States:
European Union:
Asia-Pacific:
Middle East:
Shipping perfume internationally costs more than regular cargo. Factor in:
Dangerous goods surcharges: 25-50% above standard rates
Special handling fees: For proper segregation and storage
Documentation charges: For preparing required paperwork'
Higher insurance premiums: Due to increased risk
Potential duties and taxes: Perfumes often attract luxury taxes
The shipping industry continues to evolve, making perfume shipping easier:
Digital documentation: Speeds up customs clearance
Real-time tracking: Provides visibility throughout the journey
Temperature monitoring: Ensures product quality
Automated compliance checking: Reduces errors and delays
Shipping perfume across borders definitely has its challenges. Yes, they're classified as dangerous goods. Yes, there are rules to follow. And yes, it can feel overwhelming at first.
But thousands of businesses do it successfully every day. The key? Good packaging, the right carrier choice, and knowing which rules apply where.
We've been doing this for 25 years. Our team has shipped everything from high-end designer fragrances to small-batch artisan perfumes. We've dealt with customs officers in dozens of countries. We've solved problems at 2 AM when shipments got stuck. This stuff is second nature to us now.
The truth is, once you get the hang of it, shipping perfume becomes just another part of your business routine.
Packaging that works – We pack perfumes all day long. Glass bottles, spray mechanisms, gift sets – we know what works and what doesn't. No experiments with your products.
Dealing with customs – Every country wants different paperwork. We know what goes where. You ship, we handle the forms.
Finding the best rates – Why pay full price? We show you rates from UPS, FedEx, DHL, and others side by side. Pick what fits your timeline and budget.
Staying legal – Rules change. We track them. Your shipments stay compliant without you having to read boring regulation updates.
Getting you covered – Insurance for dangerous goods costs more than regular shipping insurance. We help you get the right coverage at fair prices.
Got perfumes to ship? Give us a shout. We'll walk you through everything.
