Shipping Perfume & Fragrances: Hazmat Rules Explained

Perfume contains alcohol, making it a flammable liquid subject to hazardous materials regulations. Here's how to ship fragrances safely.

Why Perfume Is Hazmat

Perfume classification:

• Flash point: Below 100°F (flammable)
• DOT class: Class 3 Flammable Liquid
• UN Number: UN1266
• Proper shipping name: Perfumery products

Regulatory Framework

Applicable Regulations

Limited Quantity Exception

Small quantities may ship under limited quantity provisions:

• Reduced packaging requirements
• Simplified documentation
• More carrier acceptance

Carrier Policies

USPS

USPS limits:

• Maximum 16 oz per container
• Maximum 1 gallon per package
• Surface transportation only

UPS

UPS limited quantity:

• Up to 1 liter per inner package
• ORM-D or Limited Quantity marks

FedEx

FedEx requirements:

• Proper inner packaging
• Absorbent material
• ORM-D or LTD QTY marking

Packaging Requirements

Inner Packaging

Outer Packaging

Packaging Best Practices

Wrap each bottle: Bubble wrap or foam

Seal in plastic bag: Contain leaks

Use absorbent material: Paper, vermiculite

Center in box: Away from walls

Fill voids: Prevent movement

Labeling Requirements

Ground Shipments

Air Shipments

Limited Quantity Thresholds

Maximum Per Inner Package

Maximum Per Outer Package

International Fragrance Shipping

Challenges

• Many countries restrict
• Air shipping limitations
• Documentation requirements
• Customs considerations

USPS International

Generally prohibited for perfumes:

• No air transport
• Most countries restrict
• Check specific country

International Couriers

E-commerce Fragrance Shipping

Best Practices for Sellers

Limit bottle sizes: Stay under LQ limits

Use ground shipping: More flexibility

Proper packaging: Prevent breakage

Clear labeling: ORM-D or Limited Quantity

Customer communication: Set expectations

Shipping Cost Strategies

Documentation

Ground Shipments

Limited quantity ground typically requires:

• Standard shipping label
• ORM-D or LQ mark on package
• No special paperwork

Air Shipments

Limited quantity air requires:

• Shipper's declaration (sometimes)
• Proper marks on package
• Air carrier acceptance

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Shipping by Air Without Knowing

Issue: Default express/air service Solution: Select ground explicitly

Mistake 2: Exceeding Limits

Issue: Too much perfume per package Solution: Know and follow LQ limits

Mistake 3: Poor Packaging

Issue: Breakage, leakage Solution: Proper cushioning and absorbent

Mistake 4: Missing Labels

Issue: Carrier rejection Solution: Apply ORM-D or LQ mark

atoship Fragrance Shipping

Ship fragrances compliantly:

Carrier filter: Show fragrance-accepting services

Hazmat guidance: Packaging requirements

Label templates: ORM-D and LQ marks

Rate comparison: Ground service options

Compliance alerts: Quantity warnings

Conclusion

Shipping perfume requires understanding flammable liquid regulations and carrier policies. Stick to ground shipping, use proper packaging, and apply required labels. atoship helps you find compliant shipping options and save up to 89% on fragrance shipments.