Perfume is more than just a luxury. It’s a growing business. In 2025, India’s fragrance market is expected to touch over USD 325 million. And it’s not stopping there. A steady growth of around 2.5% each year is predicted till 2030.
If you sell perfume, this is your time to think beyond borders. But one common question that arises is, can you ship perfume internationally? The answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as packing and posting. There are rules, risks, and proper steps to follow.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about shipping perfume internationally. Let’s keep it simple, so you can send your scents abroad with confidence.
Common challenges when shipping perfume internationally
Perfume may look simple, but shipping it across borders isn’t. You need to think about safety, packing, and legal rules before you send it to another country. Many challenges come when shipping perfumes, some of them are:
Glass Bottles Can Break: Perfume bottles are usually made of glass. These can crack or break if not packed well. Also, if a bottle leaks, the perfume may spread. This can harm packages nearby. It can also be unsafe for people handling them.
Perfume Doesn’t Like Heat: Perfume can spoil if it gets too hot. It also reacts to light. If the bottle has a spray can, heat can make it burst. You need to keep perfumes cool and dry while shipping them.
You Need to Follow Special Rules: Perfume has alcohol and other flammable parts. Because of this, it falls under Dangerous Goods. You can’t just pack and send it like regular items. If you don’t follow the rules, your shipment may get stopped or returned. Some perfumes may even get destroyed at customs.
How to pack perfume for shipping?
This remains a big question that how can you ship perfume without any damage? The simple answer is to pack it in the right way. Here are the steps to pack perfume for shipping.
Seal the Bottle Properly: Check if the perfume bottle is tightly closed. Make sure there’s no chance of leaking. The lid must be firm and sealed well.
Use a Small Box First: Place the sealed bottle inside a strong box. Use soft inserts or padding to stop it from moving around.
Wrap the Box in Bubble Wrap: Take that small box and wrap it in thick bubble wrap. This helps absorb shocks and protects the glass.
Double Box It: Now, place the bubble-wrapped box into a bigger leak-proof shipping box. Fill the empty areas with packing peanuts or soft filling.
Tape and Label It: Seal the outer box with strong packing tape. If needed, stick a “fragile” or “flammable” label on the outside.
Steps to ship perfume internationally
Shipping perfume internationally needs a bit more care than regular goods. Here are the steps you need to follow to ship perfumes internationally.
Pack It the Right Way: As already mentioned, perfume can leak or break during travel. So first, pick a leak-proof bottle. Wrap the bottle in bubble wrap. Use a small box with padding inside, so the bottle stays in place. Then, place that box inside another shipping box. Fill the empty spaces with packing nuts or soft material. This helps absorb shocks. Stick a “fragile” or “flammable” label on the outer box if needed.
Follow Customs Rules: Every country has its own rules for importing perfume. Some allow it under set limits. Others have strict bans on alcohol-based products. Before shipping perfume internationally, check the rules of the destination country. Fill all documents clearly. Write what’s inside, how much it is, and what it’s worth. If you skip details, customs may stop or delay your package.
Handle Duties and Taxes Smartly: Perfume is a valuable item. So you need to declare its full price in the shipping papers. That helps the customs team decide the right duty. You can also choose to pay these charges yourself. This way, your buyer won’t get a surprise fee later.
Pick the Right Courier: Not every courier is allowed to ship perfumes. It contains alcohol, which makes it a Dangerous Good. You must choose a courier that has clearance to carry such items. Pick one that already handles flammable goods. This will make the process easier for you. Also, try to pick a faster delivery option. Perfume is sensitive to temperature and delays. A short trip means a lower risk of damage.
Tips on choosing a shipping carrier when sending perfume abroad
Picking the right courier is a big part of how to ship perfume internationally. You need more than just fast service. Perfume needs extra care, right from pickup to final delivery. Here’s what to look for.
Go for fast delivery: Nobody wants to wait too long, especially for perfume. Quick delivery helps you keep your customers happy. It also cuts down the time your perfume spends on the road, which lowers the risk of heat or damage.
Look for Global Experience: Shipping perfume internationally means dealing with rules in different countries. A carrier that knows international shipping well will guide you better. They’ll help you avoid customs delays or rule violations.
Make sure they handle dangerous goods: Perfume falls under Dangerous Goods because of its flammable content. So your carrier must be allowed to carry such items. If they are trained and approved, your shipment is safer.
Perfume needs the right temperature: Perfumes can spoil in heat. A good courier will know how to store and move them in a cool, safe way. This helps keep the quality of your perfume intact during the trip.
Shipping perfumes internationally through Bigship
If you’re shipping perfume internationally, Bigship makes it easy for you. Bigship offers end-to-end logistics services to over 220 international destinations. You don’t need to worry about paperwork or customs delays. Everything is handled for you. The process is simple, fast, and reliable. Rates are affordable, so you can send your products without spending too much. Customs clearance is smooth, and deliveries arrive on time safely. Bigship helps you focus on your business while it takes care of your logistics.
Conclusion
The process of shipping perfume internationally involves care, planning, and the right support. The article gave you simple steps to follow, from packing the bottle to clearing customs. Once you understand these basics, sending perfume abroad becomes easier and more secure.
Bigship offers full logistics services to over 220 global locations. Rates are affordable, delivery is on time, and customs clearance is smooth. So if you plan to grow your perfume business overseas, Bigship is ready to handle the shipping.
Just sign up with Bigship and send perfumes abroad without any hassles!
FAQs
Can you ship perfume internationally?
Yes, you can ship perfume internationally by following proper rules and using approved carriers.
How to ship perfume internationally safely?
Pack it well in leak-proof containers with cushioning and choose a carrier experienced with dangerous goods.
Can I ship perfumes internationally by air?
Yes, but only with carriers certified to handle hazardous materials.
