Let’s burst a myth right away - shipping perfume isn’t that expensive; you just have to know the right ways to send it! There we said it! Let’s help you understand what all regulations come into play when you want to ship perfumes.
Before we dig in, we need to understand why shipping perfume is considered an expensive affair. This is simply because perfumes or colognes contain alcohol, especially ethyl alcohol, in varying content. Alcohols are basically highly inflammable in nature. Thus, it needs to be handled with care, and therefore, are categorized as “dangerous goods”. This makes the shipment process costlier than shipping packages of similar weight and size.
Is there any difference while shipping the perfumes internationally and domestically?
The answer is a big YES. When you ship the perfume domestically, you are probably sending the parcel from one state to another, or maybe from one city to another, or a mix of both. You are not shipping them across borders, so any delays regarding procedures in customs do not have to be dealt with.
However, when you are shipping internationally, you need to make sure that the shipping agency has TSA clearance and validation. Basically, this clearance certifies that the shipping company knows how to pack dangerous goods. Your shipping account should be set up with this clearance, and popular agencies like FedEx and DHL can get it done for you in seconds.
Further, the volume restriction comes into play. The size of the container and the total volume of the shipment matter. Some shipping agencies have a limit on how many milliliters are allowed per shipment, so you might want to be careful about that. Also, keep in mind differences of country you are shipping to such as their address system.
Packaging the perfumes for shipment
Most perfumes come in glass containers, making them easily susceptible to damage. The best way to avoid this is by sufficient cushioning. But the more cushioning you stuff into the packaging, the larger it gets, and the more you’d have to pay. Thus, your best buddy would be lots of bubble wraps or something similar - just as light in weight or more, and yet thick enough to absorb shocks.
Shipping rules set by carriers for perfumes or colognes
Perfume regulation set by countries
A lot of countries also have some additional rules when it comes to dangerous goods such as perfumes and colognes. What makes it even more complicated is that different government bodies determine the shipment rules. For example, in the US, FDA or Food and Drug Administration considers perfumes as a part of the cosmetics industry and has designed its shipment rules tailored to it. The international shipping carriers will let you know if the destination country has any strict regulations and what you must take care of while shipping your goods. However, doing a bit of research yourself beforehand is advised.
To sum up
Well, these are the regulations and things you should keep in mind before you agree to ship perfumes. Domestic shipment, although expensive, is a comparatively easier task than the others.
But when you’re shipping across borders, you become answerable to the laws and regulations put in place by the country. If you rely on a trusted carrier, they will take care of the customs declaration and other complex tasks that come into play.
UPS, FedEx, and DHL can ship perfumes both internationally and domestically, but they are a bit on the expensive side. If you want better rates, you can also contact your nearby carrier agencies, but make sure they have a presence or an official partner in the destination city/country. This partnership is important as it comes in handy if your package gets stuck in customs or is having a hard time getting clearance.
