How to ship cosmetics & beauty products from the Philippines

The cosmetics and beauty products industry is a booming sector in the Philippines, contributing significantly to the country's economy. According to data by Statista, the Filipino cosmetics and personal care industry is expected to reach a value of US$6.47 billion in 2024, with the market predicted to grow at a CAGR of 0.76% from 20243 to 20287. In 20221 alone, the country exported approximately US$29.85 million worth of beauty products and cosmetics.

The Philippines has been able to establish itself as a major player in the global cosmetics and beauty industry with the rise of several popular brands. These beauty brands have gained significant traction and rave reviews from consumers worldwide, with products from Beauche, Beautederm, and Johnrev Skinceuticals gaining international recognition. With the increasing worldwide demand for cosmetics and beauty products from the Philippines, it is essential for local businesses to leverage export opportunities to grow their business. Read on for tips on how to ship cosmetics and beauty products from the Philippines efficiently.

Steps to ensure the smooth shipment of cosmetics

1. Be aware of the regulatory requirements

To ensure smooth shipments of cosmetics and beauty products from the Philippines, several steps need to be taken. The first step is to ensure that all regulatory requirements are met.

Cosmetics and beauty products are classified as regulated goods by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The shipment of these items for business purposes can only proceed after the presentation of proper export permits issued by the FDA. Hence, it is crucial for businesses to obtain their export permit from the FDA before shipping cosmetics or beauty products. In order to apply for an export permit and get the FDA’s approval for the exportation of cosmetics from the Philippines, business owners have to first secure a License To Operate and a Certificate of Product Registration.

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) may also be required for the shipment of cosmetic goods and products if it falls under the category of dangerous goods (DG). An MSDS provides information about the product's ingredients and potential hazards, helping importers make informed decisions about handling your product. If you are uncertain about how to identify if your items are dangerous goods, partner with an experienced logistics expert such as DHL Express and let their DG specialists review them for you.

2. Adhere to the shipping requirements

Aside from regulatory requirements, attention must also be paid to the shipping requirements to ensure your products will not be stuck in customs clearance.

For non-DG items, here is a list of documents that are required:

• Air waybill
• Commercial invoice
• FDA export permit 
• Instruction form to authorize your logistics partner to represent your business
• MSDS *

If your cosmetics and beauty products to be shipped from the Philippines are DG items in small volumes, also known as expected quantities (EQ), these are the documents needed:

• Air waybill
• Commercial invoice
• FDA export permit
• MSDS 

However, if you are exporting DG items in small quantities or limited quantities (LQ), you need to prepare these documents:

• Air waybill
• Commercial invoice
• FDA export permit
• MSDS 
• Dangerous goods shipper’s declaration

*You do not need the MSDS if it is included on the list of products that are recognised as non-DG and approved by the FDA. This is a list of FDA approved beauty products in the Philippines:

• Royale Business Club’s products
• NWorld’s O2 Bubble Cleanser, Body Cream, Cloud Cream and Underarm Cream
• UNO’s Advance Cream, Body Works Scrub, Magic Cream, Naturawhite Organic Body and Face Cream
• Unilever’s Ponds Facial Products

3. Label your goods correctly

Proper labeling and marking is a crucial safety step when it comes to transporting cosmetics and beauty products. Non-DG goods, DG items in EQ, and DG products in LQ will require different labels affixed to the packaging prior to shipping. Airlines may be able to provide these labels upon request. But if you are uncertain about the guidelines informing you about which labels to use, you can request your shipping service in the Philippines to do it for you at a cost.

4. Follow the destination country’s rules and regulations

Before sending your cosmetics shipment, it is vital that you are familiar with the destination country's rules and regulations. Failure to do so could result in undesired outcomes like additional licensing fees, customer delays or having the shipment be declined at the border.

5. Pack your items properly

Packing cosmetics and beauty products for shipment is a delicate process, as improper packaging can compromise the quality of the product and lead to damaged goods. To ensure cosmetics arrive safely and undamaged from the Philippines, there are certain guidelines you can follow and share with your suppliers such as:

• Access the durability of the boxes used for packing these items so as to provide adequate protection to the products. 
• Select packing materials like bubble wraps, corrugated inserts, or crumpled paper and pack your cosmetics separately by layering them three to four times. 
• Choose pressure-sensitive tapes to offer extra protection from humidity and moisture
• Pack perfumes and sprays inside leak-proof boxes in upright positions with no empty space remaining within the containers; instead cushioning materials like foam peanuts, foam wraps, and bubble wraps should fill any void spaces between the items. 
• Employ H-taping at all edges and seams for complete insulation.

Ship cosmetics & beauty products with ease with DHL Express Philippines