Perfumes, oils, creams, beverages and cosmetics — sealed, wrapped and contained so leaks never reach other parcels.
Liquids are one of the most restricted categories in international courier shipping. Perfumes containing alcohol are classified as flammable liquids (dangerous goods). Nail polish, aerosols and some skincare products also fall under dangerous goods regulations. Before packing any liquid, check whether it is permitted on your chosen route and carrier. For permitted liquids, a three-layer containment system is required: primary seal (the bottle itself, with additional tape over the cap), secondary containment (a sealed polythene bag around the bottle), and outer absorbent packaging (absorbent pads or crumpled paper inside the box). Any leak must be contained within the box — a leaking parcel that damages other cargo creates significant carrier liability.
Before packing anything, confirm that your liquid is permitted. Perfumes, colognes and alcohol-based products over 70ml are classified as flammable liquids and are restricted or prohibited on many international routes. DHL, FedEx, UPS, DPD and GLS all publish their prohibited items lists. Non-alcohol-based cosmetics (creams, lotions) are generally permitted.
Close the bottle tightly. Apply 2–3 layers of strong tape or parafilm over the cap, pump or spray head to prevent the cap loosening under pressure changes during transit. For pump dispensers, lock the pump by pressing it down and taping it flat against the bottle.
Wrap each bottle or jar individually in two layers of bubble wrap, securing with tape. This provides cushioning against impact and a first layer of physical containment around any cap leaks.
Slide the wrapped bottle into a heavy-duty zip-lock polythene bag and seal it completely. This is your secondary containment — if the bottle leaks, the liquid stays in the bag and does not reach the box or other items.
Line the base of the box with absorbent pads or several layers of kitchen roll. Place the bagged bottles on the absorbent layer. Fill all space around bottles with more absorbent material or crumpled paper. No bottle should touch another bottle or the box walls.
Seal the box securely and mark 'LIQUID — KEEP UPRIGHT' on all four vertical sides. Apply any required dangerous goods labels (for perfumes and alcohol-based products). For air freight, note that pressure changes at altitude can cause containers to leak — ensure caps are extra secure.
Shipping alcohol-based perfumes without checking carrier restrictions — most couriers require dangerous goods declarations and prohibit these on some routes entirely.
Not sealing bottle caps with tape — pump dispensers and spray caps can open under pressure or vibration, causing full bottle leakage inside the parcel.
Using only one layer of containment — a single polythene bag is not sufficient. You need: sealed cap → bubble wrap → sealed bag → absorbent fill → sealed box.
Packing multiple bottles touching each other without separation — bottles vibrate against each other and the impact can cause breakage or cap loosening.
Not marking the box 'THIS SIDE UP' — upside-down or tilted bottles are more likely to leak.
Shipping aerosols internationally without declaring them — aerosol cans are pressurised and classified as dangerous goods with specific packaging and labelling requirements.
Use parafilm (laboratory sealing film) over bottle caps — it stretches and forms an airtight seal that tape cannot match.
For valuable perfumes, wrap in foam sheets rather than bubble wrap — foam doesn't scratch glass or printed labels.
Always check the flash point of your liquid product: liquids with a flash point below 60°C are classified as flammable and face strict shipping restrictions.
Place absorbent pads at both the base and top of the box — leaks can spread in any direction in a parcel network.
If shipping wine or olive oil, consider specialist wine/fragile courier services which handle liquid goods with appropriate care and packaging.
Keep a copy of the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for any cosmetic or chemical shipment — customs may request it.
Perfumes containing alcohol (most do) are classified as flammable liquids under dangerous goods regulations. Most major couriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx) accept them on ground/road routes with proper packaging and declaration, but air freight routes may be restricted. Check the specific carrier and route at booking. Some couriers offer a 'perfume/cosmetics' service with compliant packaging.
Olive oil: yes, generally permitted by couriers with the triple containment method (sealed bottle → sealed bag → absorbent box). Wine: yes, but wine is alcohol and faces the same flammable liquid restrictions as perfume on air routes. Many couriers offer specialist wine shipping services. Always declare alcohol content when booking.
Typically prohibited: petrol/gasoline, acetone, strong bleach, turpentine and other highly flammable or corrosive liquids. Restricted (route-specific): perfumes, alcohol, aerosols, nail polish. Always permitted: water-based cosmetics, creams without alcohol, shampoos, conditioners, body lotions. When in doubt, check with the carrier before booking.
Three steps: (1) tape the cap and any spray head with multiple layers of strong tape or parafilm, (2) place the wrapped bottle in a sealed zip-lock bag, (3) line the shipping box with absorbent pads. Never rely on the bottle's original cap alone — transit vibration and pressure changes can cause caps to loosen.
All international shipments need a customs declaration listing the goods. Liquids do not require special customs forms above and beyond the standard commercial invoice or CN23, but dangerous liquids (perfume, alcohol, chemicals) may require a shipper's declaration for dangerous goods (SDG) depending on the carrier and route.
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