Can You Mail Perfumes? (Answered With Facts)

Every perfume lover would want to have the rarest and most unique perfumes from all over the world.

However, I know how difficult it is to get your hands on perfumes that are far from your reach. But is it impossible?

I know you must be anxious looking for ways and options, so keep reading to find the best one.

Can You Mail Perfumes?

As per air regulations, perfumes can not be mailed through the air because fragrances are flammable in nature. There are specific protocols for shipping materials; since scents are explosive, they are considered hazardous. However, they can be shipped via ground shipping options.

Follow our guide to know Is Perfume Age Restricted?

Why Can’t You Mail Perfume?

Perfumes can be our closest companion, but it isn’t a perfect travel partner.

Unfortunately, it is unsafe to send perfume and other flammable liquids by air transport internationally. It is to guarantee our safety when we travel.

Certain items are prohibited from mailing in order to comply with national and international regulations governing the carriage of mail and ensure that the mail is safe for all.

Items like perfumes, aerosols, and nail polish remover are considered hazardous under transport legislation.

What makes perfume hazardous is its alcohol content. Alcohol is highly flammable.

It can react with air pressure instantly and cause an explosion, jeopardizing our lives. Because of that, perfumes are labeled as dangerous liquids. Due to its hazardous nature, fragrances cannot be shipped by air via expedited services like Priority Mail or Express Mail.

However, perfumes can be mailed through ground shipping options but only after following specific packaging protocols. Here are some pointers for proper packaging:

However, since there is no ground shipping option for international destinations, fragrances cannot be shipped internationally.

But if you are selling empty collectible perfume bottles, the rules are not as strict. Since the bottles are open and so they have no flammable or dangerous liquids.

So, you can mail empty perfume bottles even to International destinations.

But you just have to follow the packaging rules still.

Nonetheless, it is dangerous to mail perfumes by air. The rules are made to make sure we are safe when we travel.

Can Perfume Be Mailed Via USPS?

Yes, you can mail perfume via USPS but only by ground transportation methods like Parcel Post. USPS regulations also require your package to be labeled with the words “ORM-D Parcel Post” clearly written on the outside of the box. But it’s not the same for international shipping.

Buying an expensive perfume as a unique gift to present to a special someone is sweet and memorable.

Sometimes, it can be worth the money to indulge in a beautiful bottle of fragrance.

But what if that special someone lives far and you need to mail it to them? And what if you can only get your hands on a perfume through the mail?

Well, since you know that fragrances are liquid items. So, as per shipping regulations, perfumes have travel restrictions. And for all the good reasons.

How many times were you stopped for carrying liquid at the airport?

If you have, I know the feeling.

However, USPS is a great way to get your fragrances shipped. Because USP ships fragrances through ground methods such as Parcel Post.

When flammable liquids like fragrances travel through the air, they are very likely to cause an explosion.

However, shipping through ground methods can rule out the risk of exploding.

All you have to do is make sure that your package is clearly labeled with the words “ORB-D Parcel Post” according to USPS’ regulation policy.

And of course, you have to follow the packaging rules to make sure your items are in proper condition, and it won’t damage neighbor items.

Also, you must remember USPS offers ground shipping, so it won’t help you send or receive perfumes from international shipping.

As there is alcohol in perfumes, they can cause havoc if it’s in the air. These are the items prohibited for international shipping through USPS:

For our safety, shipping restrictions are made, so we must respect them and follow them accordingly.

Looking for something different? Then check out our informative post about Why Is Perfume Called Toilet Water?

Can You Post Perfume With Royal Mail?

According to shipping regulations, royal mail does not permit mail of perfume. However, the complete ban is only for international destinations. But for UK destinations, perfumes are allowed with restrictions and packaging guidelines. You must follow their protocols to ship.

Like other mailing services, Royal Mail needs to comply with national and international regulations governing the carriage of mail.

It needs to make sure the mail in transport does not present danger to the general public.

Because of such regulations, royal mail restricts or prohibits certain items from their network.

Perfume is among those items, which are considered dangerous to mail because of its flammable nature. So, fragrances are not allowed to ship mail to international destinations.

However, Royal Mail permits you to send perfume through UK destinations only. Though you have to follow specific rules to get it done. Here is the guideline to send perfume through Royal Mail:

The above guidelines are for Eau De Parfum, Eau De Toilette, Reed diffusers, essential oils, and non-aerosol room and body spray.

And, it does not apply to non-flammable perfume oils, gels, and lotions.

Also, note that the Parcel Collect Service cannot return such items.

The mail must be safe for everyone; that is why such protocols are maintained. Here is the list of things restricted to ship:

Now, you are responsible for checking if your item is prohibited or restricted.

If you are sending an item through the Post Office, they can ask you what the content is to make sure it is safe to post.

If you do not follow their rules, then your items may even be discarded.

Can Perfume Be Mailed Internationally?

No, perfume cannot be mailed internationally because it is labeled as a dangerous good. It contains about 90% alcohol, making it extremely flammable. During the flight, fragrances hold a high risk of exploding and putting our lives in danger. But alcohol-free ones are good to go.

Perfume, cologne, and fragrances all typically have ethyl alcohol content levels, which are highly flammable. This flammable component deems perfumes as “hazardous class 3” in the world of shipping.

During a flight, there is a lot of air pressure; the alcohol can quickly react with air if in touch and cause an explosion.

That is why laws are made to restrict or prohibit dangerous items that could harm people like us around. However, it is also true that the problem is with alcohol content and not the perfume.

Many perfumes have no alcohol and just contain essential oils. Alcohol-free perfumes are called pure perfumes.

Such perfumes are safe for international shipping and smell fresher, and last longer than alcohol-based fragrances.

Also, check our exclusive tutorial on What To Do If Perfume Bottle Breaks?

Scent In Post

It can be unbelievable to imagine perfume as hazardous. I mean something that smells great, plus we often order perfume online, so how can it be bad for our health?

However, many everyday items like aerosols, nail varnish, and perfumes are considered dangerous goods under transport legislation.

Perfumes have almost 90% alcohol which makes them flammable under certain conditions.

Well, fragrances aren’t dangerous if you are using them to make yourself smell good. But if it’s traveling under the pressure of an airplane’s cargo hold, it can be a serious threat to safety.

That is why many countries and organizations have certain restrictions called sanctions on what you can send to specific individuals, organizations, or countries.

However, if your perfume is alcohol-free, then you don’t have to worry about such restrictions.

Still, you can mail perfume using ground transportation, but that also after following their packaging protocols.

Nonetheless, I hope this article has helped you out by clearing your confusion.

Now, please leave a comment below to give us your feedback.