How to ship perfume internationally from Australia: A 2025 guide

How to send perfume overseas from Australia? Unfortunately, shipping perfume internationally requires much more than just a box and a label. Due to its ethanol content, perfume is classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) by the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) considers it a Class 3 Flammable Liquid. This places perfume in a unique shipping category with stringent regulations that differ significantly from regular shipments.

You will need to follow specific packaging, labeling, and documentation guidelines when sending perfume overseas, which can feel overwhelming, especially with the added layers of Australian export laws and international air transport regulations. This article is designed to demystify the process, and will serve as a guide on how to ship perfume anywhere seamlessly. As an international delivery service leader, DHL Express has a wealth of experience in navigating complex delivery requirements worldwide. Read on for more logistics advice.

Australia is making its mark in the fragrance industry 

When we think of big perfume houses, France and Italy usually come to mind, followed by England. In general, Europe has been established as the home of fragrances. 

But, in the past few years, there has been a shift in the world of fragrance — many consumers are now not only relying on big and renowned brands to tell them what a scent should be. Instead, they are now looking towards lesser-known brands formulated with unique botanicals. 

Here’s where Australian perfume manufacturers step in: Australia is home to some of the most incredible raw ingredients like white cypress oil, blue cypress, and sandalwood that can be used in fine fragrances. Australian perfume manufacturers have been pouring their hearts and souls into creating perfumes that capture the many amazing places around Australia. Using key native botanicals from a specific region in each scent, perfume manufacturers in Australia are paving the way for fine fragrances and giving the European scents a real run for their money. 

But, no matter the type of perfume you sell, shipping perfumes, whether domestically or internationally, can be a risky endeavour. If you are a perfume manufacturer in Australia, or an e-commerce shop wondering how to send perfume overseas, then you’ll need to understand the shipping rules and regulations, packaging protocols, as well as the handling fees involved. Read on as we cover more below. 

Unique challenges of shipping perfume

Shipping cologne internationally presents a unique set of challenges beyond sending fragile glass bottles halfway across the world. The key issue lies with what is inside those bottles. Most perfumes contain ethanol, which is classified as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid under international transport regulations. Perfumery products with flammable solvents are listed as UN/NA 1266, a global designation that informs the proper packaging and transportation procedures of hazardous materials.

Perfume's "Dangerous Goods" (DG) classification triggers a cascade of strict regulations, primarily governed by the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), a global standard adopted by Australian authorities like the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). As a result, perfumes require special handling, including specific packaging, labelling, and documentation that many standard postal services or couriers are simply not equipped to manage. 

Perhaps this has you wondering about the domestic market, or in other words: how to post perfumes in Australia? The answer to this is that you can’t, at least, not with Australia Post — perfumes appear in their list of dangerous, prohibited and restricted items due to its flammable nature. This is where DHL Express's specialised expertise becomes essential for small business owners seeking reliable shipping solutions from express courier services in Australia.

Overcoming Australian export & international shipping hurdles for perfume

Australia's export regulations

Knowing how to send perfumes internationally means navigating Australia's export regulations, which can be challenging, especially since the legal responsibility for compliant shipping rests squarely on the sender. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requirements, in line with international standards, mandate that hazard labels for dangerous goods must be clearly visible on the outside of the package and remain intact throughout transit. CASA also recommends referring to Safety Data Sheets from chemical manufacturers to ensure you have the right classification. 

Adhering to these guidelines promotes proper handling and safety for everyone involved. For a small business, classifying and preparing these shipments can be a major pain point. However, taking the time to ensure meticulous compliance with these rules is essential to avoid fines, delays, and damage to your brand's reputation.

Destination country regulations

Beyond domestic regulations, small business owners shipping perfume internationally face a "no one size fits all" reality. Import rules for flammable liquids vary wildly by country. Exports may face quantity limits, be required to apply for special import permits, or face outright bans on certain ingredients. 

Proper customs clearance is where many DIY shippers fail. Knowing how to ship perfumes internationally involves knowledge of obscure destination-specific rules. Small businesses that fail to recognise them may face shipment delays, hefty fines, or even confiscation by customs. For instance, some ingredients commonly used in perfumes, such as phthalates, are permitted in the United States but banned in the European Union. Expert international delivery services can be invaluable in helping your business to ensure seamless custom clearance.

Getting the shipping documentation right

Correct shipping documentation is essential when sending perfume overseas. As per IATA regulations, each hazardous material shipment must be accompanied by a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD) and an Air Waybill. The DGD is a critical document that requires precise technical data and must be completed by a trained individual, certifying that the goods have been packed according to regulations. Any Commercial Invoice must also include the correct HS Code and a detailed product description to ensure a smooth customs clearance process with minimal delays. If you’re planning to ship to the European Union, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) regulations will also apply.

Packaging & labelling for perfume

Proper packaging and labelling are non-negotiable for shipping perfume internationally. You’ll need to become a master of logistics terminology, and know your bill of lading from your billing address.

• The package must be leak-proof, with absorbent materials inside to contain any potential spills. 
• Rigid outer packaging that meets international standards must be used (e.g., special packing provision PP84 as defined by the UNECE)
• Flammable liquids with a flash-point of not more than 60 °C shipped in fibre-reinforced plastic tanks (FRP) must be constructed in a manner that eliminates the possibility of accumulating dangerous amounts of static electricity.
• On the outside, the diamond-shaped flammable liquid label must be included, along with orientation arrows to ensure the package stays upright. Packaging should also state the proper classification of items as per the hazardous material’s safety data sheet.
• Finally, Australian sender details must be prominently displayed to ensure full compliance with export rules.

DHL Express — Your essential partner for shipping perfume from Australia

Can you send perfume overseas from Australia? By now, you’ll know the answer is a solid yes, with some serious caveats. Don't let the "dangerous goods" label hold you back, though. The hurdles of shipping perfume internationally doesn't have to be a barrier to success for your small business. As a certified IATA carrier, DHL Express Australia has the global network and trained personnel to handle dangerous goods safely and compliantly, taking the complexity out of it for you. We provide the expertise needed to ensure your shipments are correctly classified, packaged, and documented according to both Australian and international regulations. 

Partner with us to reduce the risk of customs delays, fines, and safety incidents. Ship your perfumes to destinations worldwide with DHL Express by opening a business account with us today.