The global perfume market is projected to grow from US$50.45 billion in 2024 to $77.52 billion by 20321. And, with the boom in e-commerce, you can bet that a fair chunk of these sales will be online. Yet, alongside this success, comes the challenges of shipping perfume – especially to cross-border customers. Read on as we explore how to ship perfume internationally, safely and compliantly.
Challenges of shipping perfume internationally
Breakage of perfume bottles
Most perfumes are contained in glass bottles so need to be packaged carefully to prevent breakage during transit. Perfume can be highly flammable, so any leakages can be a risk to people and the environment.
Temperature sensitivity
Perfumes are heat (and light) sensitive, meaning they need to be stored and shipped in controlled environments to prevent spoiling. Those stored in aerosol cans are at particular risk of exploding if exposed to too much heat pressure.
Compliance with hazardous materials regulations for perfume
Because perfumes contain flammable and potentially hazardous chemicals, they are classified as Dangerous Goods by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). As such, shippers must comply with all associated regulations and requirements if they want to avoid their goods being held or seized at customs.
Packaging perfume for international shipping
Choosing a shipping carrier for perfume
There are several features to prioritize when selecting a logistics partner for shipping perfume:
How to ship perfume internationally: your takeaway guide
Packaging
- Choose leak-proof containers for perfume to prevent spillage.
- Place the container inside a well-cushioned box (with minimal excess space), then wrap it in plenty of bubble wrap.
- Put this inside a similar-sized shipping box, and use packing nuts to fill in any excess space.
- Add a “flammable” or “fragile” label if required.
Customs clearance
When shipping perfume internationally, research the specific customs regulations of the destination country. DHL’s MyGTS provides guidance on each country’s import and export requirements – so less risk of your goods being held up at borders!
Be sure to complete all shipping paperwork accurately – including a detailed description of the goods – to ensure smooth customs clearance.
Duties & Taxes
Declare the full value of the perfume on customs documents to help local authorities determine the duties and taxes due.
Consider shipping your goods as Duties & Taxes Paid (DTP). Whilst the payment of duties and taxes on international shipments is typically the responsibility of the receiver, DTP will instead invoice your business. This means your customer will not receive an unexpected tax bill when their package arrives at customs.
Carrier selection
Due to perfume’s flammable content, the carrier must have Dangerous Goods validation and clearance to ship it internationally.
Choose a carrier experienced with handling flammable/hazardous materials, who can guide you through all the necessary regulations and paperwork to ensure your shipment is compliant.
Think speed! An express carrier is good news for your customers and the perfume – which will spend less time in transit.
DHL Express perfume shipping
DHL Express understands the complexities of perfume fulfilment. Its Dangerous Goods experience, combined with its international network, will ensure your perfumes are delivered safely and compliantly – with no delays at customs. And, as an express carrier, the perfumes will be shipped in the fastest way possible to minimize the time spent in transit – especially important for temperature-sensitive fragrances.
Whatever your shipment, whatever the destination, choose DHL Express for fast, reliable service.
