Shipping Cosmetics Internationally from Malaysia

Yes, you can ship cosmetics with DHL Express, but it depends on two key factors:

1. Destination Country Regulations: Some countries have restrictions on certain ingredients which may limit what you can ship and require permit or license issued by their health authority.
2. Dangerous Goods (DG) Classification: If your cosmetics contain alcohol or are in aerosol form, they may be classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) and subject to additional restrictions. Only business account holders with DG approval can ship it. Personal shipments are not accepted.

If you’re unsure whether your cosmetics contain alcohol or are within permitted limits, send us your product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) via social media for confirmation.

Shipping cosmetics internationally involves 5 steps to ensure compliance and avoid delays.

Step 1: Understand destination regulations

Research the regulations of the destination country. Some countries may require permits, prohibit certain ingredients, or have specific import restrictions. Non-compliance can lead to unexpected fees, delays, or regulatory enforcement actions.

Step 2: Check product ingredients

Review your cosmetic products for any prohibited or restricted ingredients based on the destination country’s regulations. You can obtain a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from the manufacturer for detailed information.

• Prohibited ingredients: Customs will reject these items, and you may incur return shipment costs or fines.
• Restricted ingredients: These can only be imported with the necessary permits, licences, or certificates from the health authority.

Step 3: Ensure proper labelling and packaging

If you manufacture the products, ensure they are labelled according to the destination country’s requirements. This includes language, allowed claims, expiration dates, and any required warnings.

Use appropriate packaging for shipping to protect the products.

Step 4: Prepare the necessary documents

Identify and prepare all required documents for international shipping such as permits, licences or certificates.

Step 5: Book for shipment 

Choose your shipping method: Air Express, Air Freight, or Sea Freight. Each courier has specific rules, so consult with your selected courier for detailed requirements.

Opt for a door-to-door logistics service provider familiar with cosmetic regulations.

DHL Express specialises in the complexities of cosmetics shipping. With extensive Dangerous Goods experience and a global network, we ensure safe and compliant delivery of your products, minimising delays at customs. Our express service is ideal for temperature-sensitive cosmetics, ensuring swift transit. Sign up for a DHL Express business account to get a free consultation for your cosmetics shipping needs.

To export cosmetics from Malaysia, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provided by the manufacturer
• Shipper's letter of instruction
• Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)
• Commercial invoice
• Certificate of origin 
• Customs Declaration Form (K2 form)

Check all the shipping documents you need for international shipments..

No, you cannot ship large quantities of cosmetics for personal use, as most countries impose limits. 

For example:

• Japan: You can import up to 24 normal-sized cosmetic items for personal use without needing a special license.
• Thailand: Importing cosmetics for personal use requires FDA exemption approval and an affidavit letter stating the items are not for commercial use. You can ship a maximum of 6 pieces.
• South Korea: Only a small quantity is permitted for import without a certificate, typically around 2 to 3 items, depending on customs decisions.

Yes, cosmetics generally need to be registered before shipping. You need a cosmetic notification and a Certificate of Free Sale (CFS) if required by the destination country. Applications for these documents must be submitted to the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).

If you are sending your cosmetics within Asia, DHL Express will deliver it in 2 business days. For shipments to Europe and the United States, delivery usually takes 3 to 5 business days.

If you need it even faster, we offer express options that can deliver within 1 to 3 business days. In urgent cases, we also provide Same-Day Express Delivery. 

If your cosmetics are damaged during shipping, you can file a claim with DHL Express by contacting our customer service. However, you can only claim compensation if the shipment was insured.

Provide a detailed description of the damage, including the cosmetics’ colours, size, weight, packaging, texture, markings and photos as evidence.

Make sure to submit all this information in writing to us within thirty (30) days of receiving the damaged cosmetics, so we can conduct a thorough investigation.

To pack your cosmetics for shipping, follow these 5 steps:

Step 1: Assess your products

Identify the nature of your cosmetics (solid or liquid) and the material of their containers (glass or plastic). This will help you choose the right packaging/This will guide your packaging choices.

Step 2: Choose internal packaging materials

Secure your products based on its need using either regular or thermal bubble wrap, leak-proof bag or both. 

• Liquid products: Seal the lid with waterproof tape and place them in a leak-proof bag or container to prevent spills. 
• Temperature-sensitive: Wrap it in thermal bubble wrap to protect it from heat or cold. 
• Fragile items: Use regular bubble wrap to guard against breakage. 

In some cases, like shipping lip gloss, you may need both a leak-proof bag and bubble wrap for full protection.

Step 3: Use the right external packaging

Use a sturdy cardboard box that fits your products well with enough space to fill in cushioning materials. 

Step 4: Add filling materials

Line the bottom of the box with packing materials like bubble wrap or packing peanuts. 

Position the wrapped items in the center, leaving space between them and the walls of the box. Fill any gaps with additional cushioning to prevent movement.

Step 5: Seal and label

Close the box securely using strong packing tape. Apply the H-taping method along the seams and corners to reinforce the box.

Finally, attach the shipping label and any necessary handling instructions (e.g., “Fragile,” “This Way Up”) to the box.

Yes, you can use insulated packaging such as thermal bubble wrap for temperature-sensitive skincare and cosmetic products.

You can ship cosmetics internationally as an individual, but the destination country’s import regulations determine what’s allowed.

DHL Express accepts non-hazardous cosmetics—such as powders, creams, and solid items—for most destinations. However, cosmetics containing alcohol (e.g perfumes) or other restricted ingredients may be limited or prohibited in certain countries.

Before shipping, always:

1. Check if your cosmetics are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG).
2. Review the import regulations of your destination country.
3. Provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) if your product contains alcohol or chemicals.

For confirmation, contact DHL Express via social media and share your product’s SDS. Our team will verify if your shipment can be accepted and advise on any specific requirements.

Yes, shipping cosmetics can be restricted by the destination country’s regulations. These can include limitations on ingredients, packaging, labelling, and the required permits for both personal and commercial shipments.

For example: 

• Thailand: Shipping cosmetics for personal use requires an FDA exemption approval and an affidavit letter declaring the items are not for commercial use. The maximum allowed is 6 pieces per shipment.
• EU, ASEAN, Japan: The use of certain preservatives like propyl- and butylparaben is restricted in these regions.
• United States: Cosmetics imported under U.S. FDA regulations will undergo label and field examination by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The products must comply with U.S. laws and regulations, ensuring they are not adulterated or misbranded.

Other restrictions include:

• Ingredient Restrictions: Propyl- and butylparaben are restricted in the EU, ASEAN, and Japan.
• Personal Use Limitations:  Countries like Thailand allow only up to six pieces of cosmetics for personal use.
• Business Import License: For Japan, if importing cosmetics for business purposes, a business license issued by the Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare is required.

You can confirm if a cosmetic product can be shipped to a specific country by checking its contents and the destination’s import rules.

First, see if your product contains alcohol, aerosol, or other restricted ingredients, as these may be classified as Dangerous Goods (DG).

DHL Express accepts only non-hazardous cosmetics such as powders, creams, and solids. Restricted items like perfumes, sprays, or products with alcohol may be accepted under specific conditions and require prior approval — share your product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) with us on social media for confirmation.

To check import regulations and shipping requirements, visit the official customs website of the destination country or use DHL MyGTS, a free tool that shows whether your item is shippable, the shipping conditions, and required documents.

Refer to the customs pages below for some of the most frequently shipped-to countries:

• Singapore: Health Science Authority (HSA)
• Indonesia:
  • National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM)
  • Directorate of Supervision of Distribution and Services of Drugs, Narcotics, Psychotropics and Precursors
  • Contact BPOM via WhatsApp chat 0812-1298-7545 or e-mail was.sas.bbo@pom.go.id
• Thailand: Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)
• Brunei: Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Ministry of Health
• Philippines: Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)
• Japan: Pharmaceutical Affairs Law (PAL), Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)
• United States: Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)
• Australia: Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
• China: National Medical Products Administration
• India: Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)