The Fragrances market is vast, and in 2025 alone is expected to generate a revenue of US$61.94bn worldwide. We can see through the continued growth of e-commerce, too, that many of these sales will be made online.

Despite the great success of perfume, it comes with its challenges to businesses that must navigate international shipping to maintain customer satisfaction. If this strikes true for your business, read on as we explain how to ship perfume internationally.

 

How to package perfume for shipping?

Perfume often comes in delicate bottles, so packaging it ready for shipping needs to be a thorough process to avoid the risk of breakages. It is also considered a hazardous material due to its alcohol content, which makes it flammable and means it may react dangerously with other substances.

Whether you’re shipping in bulk or for a smaller order, the below steps should help to ensure a safe journey.

 

1. Check the requirements and product classifications of the destination country

Before you start packaging to ship internationally, you should understand what is expected from the destination country when shipping hazardous materials like perfume. 

You should look into product classifications and requirements for that country to ensure that nothing is missed that may prevent you from shipping on time.

 

2. Check the product classifications for logistics companies

Alongside understanding how the destination country classifies perfumes, you should also understand what is expected from the logistics company you use to ship the product.

If you don’t follow the specific processes laid out, your product may ship later than desired.

 

 3. Review of the bottle integrity

Before packaging the perfume, always review the integrity of its container. Perfume containers are typically quite delicate, and may be damaged while sitting in warehouses or even en route from the initial supplier.

If the bottle is damaged, it may result in a leak during transit, or in it being damaged further and posing a risk of injury.

When checking the perfume container, also ensure the lid is fully sealed and secure.

 

4. Use a leak-proof shipping box

Leak-proof shipping boxes are a great way to ensure that if there are any leaks, they won’t contaminate other products in the shipment. Absorbent materials, such as spill pads, should be placed inside the package to contain accidental leaks and prevent potential hazards. In doing this, you may avoid having to pay for excess damaged goods.

 

5. Packaging the perfume

Packaging may vary depending on the courier, so be sure to look at their specific regulations before packaging your perfume. When you speak to someone from the shipping courier, they will be able to provide the exact process to follow.

Loosely wrapping a perfume bottle is a great first step to preventing any damage in transit. From there, ensure there are inserts and cushions between bottles and around the exterior of the box to avoid unwanted knocking.

Packing peanuts should also be used to ensure movement is kept to a minimum, and any bumps or knocks are absorbed.

 

6. Securely wrap the box

Once well cushioned within the leak-proof shipping box, wrap the box itself in bubble wrap and use strong packing tape to secure it. This further helps to absorb any force from a potential knock.

 

 7. Labelling and compliance with IATA Regulations

Perfumes are considered to be hazardous goods due to their alcohol content. With this in mind, packages must comply with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air transport, IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) for sea freight, and ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) for road transport.

Key labelling requirements include: 

  • Hazard class 3 label (red with a fire symbol)
  • "This Way Up" orientation labels on at least two opposite sides
  • UN number UN1266 and proper shipping name (Perfumery Products) clearly displayed

For more details, visit the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

If you’re cross-border shipping through a logistics company like SEKO, our team will be able to aid in ensuring the proper protocols are met.

 

 8. Weigh your perfume packages

The weight of the product being shipped can have a huge effect on the overall cost of the shipment. Consider weighing up the products and packaging when working out the cost of your shipment to give you a solid idea of what to expect from the shipping company.

Tip: Package with lightweight packaging materials where appropriate. The weight of packaging materials will factor into the overall cost, so the lighter, the better, as long as the product is safe and secure.

 

 9. Request shipment tracking

Shipment tracking is vital when tracking expensive shipments like perfume. Whoever you ship with, ensure that you receive a tracking number so both you and the recipient can monitor the shipment’s progress.

 

 10. Carrier compare

Different carriers offer different rates, and you may find significant differences when shipping items like perfume that can help to save you money.

Before you decide on which carrier to ship with, compare prices and reputations to ensure that the carrier you choose will reliably ship your fragile package at an affordable price.

When shipping goods like perfume, be sure to speak to our team at SEKO. We pride ourselves on our competitive shipping rates and a reputation for shipping on time, whether by sea, air, or land.

 

Perfume shipping challenges

 

Shipping perfume comes with many challenges, particularly when shipping in bulk. Consider the below points when planning your shipment:

  • Flammability - As mentioned, perfumes can be flammable due to the alcohol content within them. Ensuring the shipment is well packaged and labelled will help to lower the risk of a fire hazard.

  • Packaging - Using specialised packaging material can help to maintain the pressure and temperature of the product. Use this packaging to help prevent any leaks or breaks, while maintaining the product quality.

  • Transport - Be sure to understand what restrictions are in place for hazardous goods like perfume. If you’re shipping through a logistics carrier like SEKO, be sure to speak to a team member if you are unsure.

  • Insurance - As a fragile product, there is an increased risk of leaks or breakages, which may leave you out of pocket. Be sure to acquire insurance coverage for your shipment in the situation where the product is damaged en route.

  • Customs - Customs can be exceptionally tricky to navigate, especially when dealing with hazardous materials that have different import and export regulations depending on the country. If you are concerned about your product being held up at customs, ship through a reliable logistics company like SEKO, which can provide top-of-the-line customs clearance advice.

 

Shipping perfume from the UK to the US

To ship perfume from the UK to the US, you must ensure that TSA clearance is acquired, as well as validation from the shipping company, confirming they understand how to pack dangerous goods.

 

Shipping perfume internationally from the UK

When shipping perfume internationally to other countries from the UK, you must always ensure the product is well packaged. 

From there, consider the regulations of the target country before shipping. For instance, if you are shipping to China, you may face stricter regulations on the import of perfumes due to their hazardous nature.

 

Speak to SEKO about shipping perfume today

The team at SEKO have a deep understanding of the latest international shipping regulations for perfume. This puts us in a position to help facilitate perfume shipping across the world, including expedited and urgent shipments.

If you’re shipping perfume to another country and looking for logistics support, be sure to speak to a member of the SEKO team today. Our team is available throughout the shipment process, and provides expert support for shipment tracking, customs clearance, and more.

Ship your perfume safely today

 

Perfume Shipping Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I ship perfumes internationally?

Shipping perfume internationally is very possible, but there are many complications that could slow down the shipment. Always research the country that you’re sending too, and lean on a logistics company to help you with regulations, proper packaging, and safe shipments.