The cosmetics industry is experiencing significant growth globally, driven by increasing interest in beauty and personal care.
According to Statista, the cosmetics industry is forecast to generate revenues of nearly US$140 billion by 20301. This growth aligns with global interests in wellness and self-care, further amplified by social media trends and influencer marketing, which constantly shape consumer preferences and drive demand.
The online cosmetics segment, in particular, is witnessing rapid expansion. According to Mordor Intelligence, the market size is estimated at US$16.23 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach US$24.37 billion by 2030, with an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.47% from 2025 to 20302.
Because of this growing demand, Singaporean sellers have a significant opportunity to explore overseas markets and ship globally. Hence, it is important for shippers to understand the right method and requirements for shipping cosmetics across international borders and partner with an experienced logistics service provider like DHL Express to ensure a smooth and compliant shipping process. Here’s what sellers need to know before they begin their shipping journey.
Cosmetic products are substances or mixtures intended for external use on the body, such as skin, hair, nails, lips, and teeth. Generally, cosmetic products are used for cleansing, perfuming, and enhancing one's appearance.
When it comes to international shipping, it's essential to note that cosmetic products differ from medical or therapeutic goods, such as injections or treatments. If your goods have these purposes, they will be subject to different shipping regulations.
Additionally, cosmetic products don't include items that are ingested orally.
Here are examples of common cosmetic products:
Before you begin exporting cosmetics from Singapore, it’s crucial to understand the key steps involved in shipping cosmetics internationally to ensure a seamless process:
Ensure you are familiar with the destination country’s rules and regulations before sending your first shipment. Or else, you may risk incurring additional licensing fees, customer delays, or even having your shipments returned at the border. Here are some key considerations for popular cosmetic shipping destinations:
| Australia | Australian law considers any substance or preparation intended for placement in contact with any part of the human body as a cosmetic product. This broad definition encompasses a wide range of items, from makeup to skincare products. When exporting cosmetics to Australia, here are some essential things to note:
|
| Brunei |
|
| China | Here are some general guidelines for importing cosmetics into China:
|
| Hong Kong | The regulatory landscape for cosmetic products in Hong Kong differs significantly from many other regions, as there are no laws specifically targeting cosmetic products. There are, however, various legislations that have to be considered, such as:
|
| Japan |
|
| Malaysia | The regulatory framework for importing cosmetics into Malaysia is quite comprehensive. Here are things to note:
|
| South Korea |
|
| United Kingdom | The United Kingdom has established its own specific regulations for cosmetic products, largely mirroring the EU framework but with UK-specific requirements for market placement. When exporting cosmetics to the UK, it's crucial to understand these points:
|
| United States | For the United States, some cosmetics will require approval before import, as certain products are not solely classified as cosmetics. For instance, toothpaste that contains fluoride to prevent cavities, shampoo that also treats dandruff, and lip balms and lotions with sun protection are classified as drugs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so their import regulations will differ significantly from those applied to pure cosmetics11. Here are key things to note for cosmetics specifically:
|
| Vietnam |
|
Improper packaging can spell disaster and also compromise the product’s quality, leading to damaged products. Therefore, you must:
It's also essential to use appropriate labels clearly indicating the DG (Dangerous Goods) types and their potential hazards. This is because Dangerous Goods are prone to volatility and can prove to be detrimental if handled incorrectly. You can find more detailed information on proper labeling in our comprehensive packaging guide.
Moreover, shipping Dangerous Goods internationally carries a unique set of complications, i.e., complying with customs regulations and restrictions. This is why many cosmetics, nail polishes, and perfumes are considered hazardous and are thus classified in the category of Flammable Liquids.
If the country of destination classifies cosmetics as dangerous goods, there are additional documents required when shipping. For DG products, each shipment must have a Dangerous Goods declaration on the AWB and shipping invoice that gives a clear description of the DG commodity.
You can also use our MyGTS tool to further check the shipping requirements of your destination country. Still unsure about the documentation? Reach out to our customer support team.
When you choose to ship your cosmetics to consumers in other countries, you need a trustworthy logistics provider with comprehensive e-commerce delivery solutions that can help you with easy international door-to-door deliveries.
With DHL Express, you can be assured that your goods will be delivered on time with complete visibility of their real-time status at every single step.
Our customs team is also well-versed with all the local rules and guidelines, making your goods clearance process quick and smooth. Moreover, we also provide an easy return process by helping you create a DHL return waybill for a hassle-free shipping process. We also have online shipping tools like MyDHL+ and ODD (On-Demand Delivery), making the shipping procedure easy and efficient.
With DHL’s express tracking, you can stay up to date on the status of your package right from when it is handed over to us until it is signed for by your recipient. You can also share the 10-digit AWB number with your recipient to help them monitor the real-time status of the shipment and arrange for an ideal delivery date.
There are certain markets that may experience potential customs delays because their local rules and regulations can be more stringent. Some additional rules you may also see with clearing customs include obtaining certain approvals, licenses, and certifications. It’s important to be aware of these potential hurdles to avoid costly delays and ensure a smoother transit for your overseas shipping.
Here are some examples:
To proactively avoid issues, it is crucial to provide accurate information such as HS codes, product values, and goods descriptions. Additionally, partnering with the right logistics service provider, like DHL Express, can significantly expedite the customs clearance process due to their expertise and established relationships.
Now is a prime time for Singaporean e-commerce businesses to explore overseas shipping opportunities, given the increasing global demand for beauty products and the ease of reaching international customers through online channels.
To ship cosmetics internationally, remember to understand destination rules, pack securely, prepare necessary documents, and choose a reliable logistics service provider like DHL Express. DHL Express offers many solutions for local e-commerce businesses, including real-time parcel tracking, expert customs clearance, a broad network, and extensive expertise, all designed to boost e-commerce growth.
Yes, you can ship makeup and skincare products internationally. However, it’s crucial to comply with the specific regulations of the destination country and adhere to proper packaging and documentation requirements, especially if the items are classified as Dangerous Goods.
The cheapest way to ship cosmetics internationally from Singapore often involves slower overseas shipping options with standard postal services. However, this can come with longer transit times and less reliable tracking compared to e-commerce delivery solutions offered by providers like DHL Express.
The shipping cost for shipping cosmetics internationally from Singapore varies significantly based on factors such as the destination country, weight, and dimensions of the package, and the chosen delivery speed and logistics service provider. DHL Express can provide a detailed quote based on your specific shipping needs.
When exporting cosmetics in bulk from Singapore, it’s essential to use sturdy and appropriate packaging to prevent damage during transit. You must also ensure all regulations for overseas shipping and customs clearance are met and consider partnering with a logistics service provider like DHL Express that has experience with providing e-commerce delivery solutions and large-volume international shipping.
To ship makeup palettes, carefully wrap each palette individually with bubble wrap and place them in a sturdy box with cushioning material to prevent breakage. Additionally, clearly label the package as fragile and ensure all international shipping documentation is correctly filled out.
Share
