Cheapest Way to Ship Perfume
Fragile glass bottles and flammable alcohol content make perfume one of the trickiest items to ship legally.
Shipping Options for Perfume
Shipping perfume is complicated by two factors: the glass bottle is fragile, and the alcohol-based contents are classified as a flammable liquid (hazardous material). USPS prohibits shipping perfume containing alcohol internationally and restricts it to ground-only domestic service. FedEx and UPS allow perfume via ground shipping with proper hazmat labeling (ORM-D or Limited Quantity markings). Air shipping of perfume is heavily restricted or prohibited depending on the carrier. Always check current carrier rules before shipping.
| Service | Carrier | Est. Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground AdvantageRecommended | USPS | $5-8 | 2-5 days | Domestic ground-only perfume shipments under 1 lb |
| Priority Mail | USPS | $8-12 | 1-3 days | Domestic ground-only option with faster handling |
| FedEx Ground | FedEx | $12-16 | 3-7 days | Properly labeled hazmat perfume shipments |
| UPS Ground | UPS | $12-16 | 3-7 days | Best option for hazmat-compliant fragrance shipping |
Packaging Tips for Perfume
Pro Tips
- Perfume containing alcohol is classified as a flammable liquid and cannot be shipped by air through most carriers.
- Always double-bag the bottle in sealed plastic bags to contain any leaks if the glass breaks during transit.
- Label the outer package as ORM-D (Other Regulated Material - Domestic) or with the Limited Quantity diamond mark as required.
Important Considerations
Perfume containing alcohol is classified as a hazardous material (flammable liquid, Class 3). USPS allows domestic ground shipping only. FedEx and UPS require ORM-D or Limited Quantity labeling for ground shipments. Air shipping is generally prohibited. International shipping of alcohol-based perfume via USPS is not allowed. Always verify current carrier regulations before shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but with restrictions. USPS allows alcohol-based perfume via domestic ground transportation only, not by air. FedEx and UPS allow it via ground with proper hazmat labeling. International shipping of alcohol-based perfume is prohibited by USPS and heavily restricted by other carriers.
Wrap the glass bottle in multiple layers of bubble wrap and seal it in a leak-proof plastic bag. Place it upright in a rigid inner container or foam insert, then inside an outer box with cushioning on all sides. The bottle should be completely immobilized and double-contained against leaks.
Most perfumes contain 60-95% ethyl alcohol, which is classified as a flammable liquid under DOT regulations. This means they are subject to hazardous materials shipping rules, including ground-only transport, proper labeling, and quantity limits per package. Solid perfumes and oil-based fragrances without alcohol are generally exempt from these restrictions.
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