Perfume, while a popular cosmetic product, is classified as a Dangerous Good (DG) for shipping due to its ethyl alcohol content, which is highly flammable. Perfumes, colognes, and fragrances contain varying amounts of alcohol, making them part of Hazard Class 3 in shipping regulations.
To help you navigate the complexities of shipping perfumes, we've put together a comprehensive FAQ to guide you through the process.
Yes, you can ship perfume internationally with DHL Express depending on the types of perfume and the destination country’s regulations:
- Non-Alcoholic Perfume: If the perfume does not contain alcohol, you can ship it without any special requirements.
- Alcoholic Perfume: If the perfume contains alcohol, only business account holders with Dangerous Goods (DG) approval can ship it. Personal shipments are not accepted.
If you are unsure whether your perfume contains alcohol or falls within permitted limits, please provide us with the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of your product for confirmation.
To export perfume 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
- Commercial invoice
- Air waybill (AWB)
- Certificate of origin
- Customs Declaration Form (K2 form)
To pack perfume, you will need to follow these 3 steps, but this only applies to non-alcoholic perfumes.
Perfumes containing alcohol are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) and must be packed by trained professionals using specific DG packaging, such as UN-certified boxes.
Step 1: Wrapping
Start by securing the perfume bottle’s lid with waterproof tape and, if possible, keeping it in its original packaging. If the original packaging is unavailable, use a leak-proof container that fits the bottle securely.
Wrap the perfume in absorbent material, such as tissue paper, and place it in a resealable plastic bag or wrap it with cling film to prevent leaks.
For multiple items, ensure each bottle is wrapped individually, and add thermal bubble wrap for extra protection.
Step 2: Packing
When placing the perfume in the shipping box, line the bottom with filling material to prevent movement. Use absorbent pads inside the box to manage any potential leaks, and position the perfume at least 6cm away from the outer walls.
For extra protection, consider using the box-in-box method, where the outer box is at least 6cm larger in every dimension than the inner box.
Step 3: Label
Finally, seal the box using the H-taping method with strong adhesive tape and attach the necessary handling, shipping, and commercial labels.
Yes, you can ship essential oils internationally with DHL Express by providing us with the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for your product.
The SDS helps us identify any special handling or shipping requirements. For instance, essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint, which have high flammability, may require specific packaging and labelling.
No, you cannot import perfume for personal use in Malaysia through regular courier services.
Only businesses that have applied for product notification from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) are permitted to import perfume through couriers.
Yes, you can import perfume for commercial use in Malaysia by obtaining the Cosmetic Product Notification issued by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
Only a Cosmetic Notification Holder (CNH), which must be a registered Malaysian company, can receive this notification for importing perfume products. Individuals cannot apply for this permit.
If you want to import small quantities of perfume for market sampling, you can apply for a Market Sampling Permit through NPRA, which can then be presented to customs. However, this permit is also limited to registered companies in Malaysia.
