Are Perfumes Dangerous Goods? Shipping Rules for Fragrances and Aftershave in Australia

Many Australians aren’t sure if they can legally ship perfumes or aftershaves. Even small bottles can be rejected by couriers if not packed and labelled correctly. If your parcel was refused, it’s not the courier’s fault. Perfumes are officially classified as Dangerous Goods and must follow strict transport rules.

Most perfumes and aftershaves contain alcohol, which makes them flammable. Because of that, they must be packed and transported under specific safety rules. This guide breaks down what those rules mean, how much perfume you can send, and what packaging you need for safe and legal delivery within Australia or overseas.

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Shipping Perfumes in Australia

Perfumes can be shipped within Australia, but only when they meet Dangerous Goods (DG) transport limits. Freight companies must comply with the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code 7.8 to transport these items safely.

Key requirements for shipping perfumes in Australia:

• Classification: Class 3 – Flammable Liquids (typically contains alcohol such as ethanol or isopropanol).
• Limit: Up to 1 litre per inner container under the Limited Quantity (LQ) allowance. Some carriers may apply lower limits depending on the perfume’s alcohol content or packaging group.
• Labelling: Packages must display the black-and-white diamond label for Dangerous Goods.
• Documentation: The paperwork must clearly state “Dangerous Goods in Limited Quantities.”
• Transport: Only couriers licensed to handle Dangerous Goods freight can accept these parcels.

Even a small perfume bottle is considered a Dangerous Good when shipped by air. Always use packaging that meets ADG standards and choose a courier approved for Dangerous Goods freight. Couriers & Freight connects senders with certified carriers to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of rejected or delayed shipments.

Why Perfumes Are Considered Dangerous Goods

Perfumes and aftershaves contain alcohol, which can ignite easily. This classification places them under Class 3 Dangerous Goods. The same category as paints and certain cleaning fluids. When exposed to heat or pressure, the alcohol inside can evaporate and ignite. Because of this fire risk, Australian transport regulations classify perfumes as hazardous items.

According to the CouriersPlease Dangerous Goods Guide, perfumes fall under Packaging Group II or III, depending on their flash point or rate of ignition. Under the Limited Quantity rule, each bottle must meet the size limits set by the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code. Most perfumes are restricted to 1 litre or less per container, depending on their alcohol concentration. Packages must also display the black-and-white diamond label indicating flammable liquids. The ADG Code Edition 7.8 outlines how these items must be packed, labelled, and declared for compliance before transport.

Example: A 50 ml Perfume Bottle

Even a 50 ml perfume bottle counts as a Dangerous Good because of its alcohol content. It can still be shipped if the packaging and labels meet the Limited Quantity requirements. While perfumes are easy to buy in stores, shipping them requires strict compliance with Dangerous Goods rules. These safety measures prevent accidents and ensure shipments reach their destination without incident.

Shipping Rules of Fragrances

Under the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code, perfumes are treated as Class 3 flammable liquids.

To send them safely, each shipment must meet the Limited Quantity packaging and labelling requirements that apply to flammable substances. These rules exist to protect couriers, customers, and carriers from fire risk during handling and transport.

Typically, the limit is 1 litre per inner container, though the exact threshold depends on the perfume’s alcohol concentration and packaging type. Each parcel must display one black-and-white diamond label, and the documentation must include the phrase “Dangerous Goods in Limited Quantities.”

Couriers aren’t allowed to cover or replace Dangerous Goods labels; doing so breaches safety regulations. Labels help handlers identify contents quickly and manage packages safely during transit. For example, CouriersPlease allows only one label per parcel. If the label is missing or multiple labels are applied, the courier may refuse collection.

Requirements Checklist

• Label: Attach one black and white diamond label for Class 3 flammable liquids.
• Declaration: Include “Dangerous Goods in Limited Quantities” on all paperwork.
• Packaging: Use leakproof bottles and a strong outer box that keeps the bottles from moving.
• Volume: Keep each inner container under one litre or less if your courier requires it.
• Carrier Acceptance: Book only with couriers licensed to carry Dangerous Goods.

Following this checklist helps you avoid rejected parcels and keeps your shipments safe in transit. This guarantees your perfume parcels comply with both Australian and international Dangerous Goods rules, arriving securely at their destination.

Can You Send Perfume Overseas?

If you plan to send perfume overseas, the same safety rules apply as within Australia. But international shipments face stricter quantity limits under global Dangerous Goods regulations. Shipping perfumes internationally is more complex because the International Air Transport Association (IATA) classifies alcohol-based fragrances as flammable liquids. Only select couriers, such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS, are licensed to transport these products, each with specific quantity and documentation limits. 

Air transport approval also depends on the destination country’s import laws and the courier’s Dangerous Goods policy. Some countries may charge additional import taxes or ban alcohol-based goods altogether. For example, certain destinations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Shipping Perfumes to the US

Sending perfumes to the United States requires careful handling and full Dangerous Goods (DG) compliance. Both the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) classify perfumes as Class 3 flammable liquids due to their alcohol content. This means only Dangerous Goods–certified couriers can legally transport them through approved DG routes.

FedEx and UPS accept international perfume shipments when the sender provides all required documentation, packaging, and labelling. Australia Post and most standard courier services do not accept perfumes by air, even in small quantities.

Shipping Perfumes to Europe

European shipments follow the same Dangerous Goods principles but are governed by additional regional standards. Europe adheres to IATA air transport rules and the ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road). These regulations align closely with Australia’s ADG Code and allow senders to ship perfumes if bottles are correctly labelled, securely packaged, and within Limited Quantity limits.

Couriers & Freight connects senders with international carriers such as DHL and FedEx, which handle Dangerous Goods shipments across the EU and UK. Customs authorities may inspect perfume parcels, and if bottles are undeclared, mislabelled, or exceed alcohol limits, shipments may be delayed, returned, or confiscated. In serious cases, senders may also face penalties. 

Partnering with a DG-certified courier ensures your perfume shipments remain compliant, move efficiently, and reach customers without delays or complications.

How to Package Perfumes for Safe Transport

Proper packaging is essential to ensure your perfume shipments meet Dangerous Goods requirements and arrive safely. Each bottle must be securely packed to prevent leaks or breakage during transit. Use UN-certified packaging when required by your carrier or air transport regulations.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Use bottles or containers under 1 litre, in line with your carrier’s Dangerous Goods limits.
2. Close each bottle tightly to prevent leakage.
3. Wrap each bottle in absorbent material (such as paper or cloth) to absorb spills if leakage occurs.
4. Place the wrapped bottles in a sturdy outer box with internal padding to prevent movement during transit.
5. Attach the black-and-white Limited Quantity label clearly on the outer packaging.
6. Include documentation stating “Dangerous Goods in Limited Quantities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending bottles without the correct Dangerous Goods label.
• Packing Dangerous Goods and non-Dangerous Goods together in the same box.
• Using damaged or weak boxes.
• Forgetting the required Dangerous Goods declaration.

Following these steps ensures your perfume shipments comply with Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) regulations. Carriers may refuse to pick up a package if it leaks, lacks a label, or is missing paperwork. 

For international shipments, refer to IATA Packing Instruction 355 (UN1266) for the full technical standards on perfume transport.

How Couriers & Freight Helps You Ship Perfumes Safely

Couriers & Freight makes it simple for businesses to ship perfumes safely and in full compliance with Dangerous Goods regulations. The platform partners with licensed Dangerous Goods carriers, including FedEx, Centurion, Saco Shipping, and DHL, each certified to handle Class 3 flammable liquids by air and road.

When a shipment is booked, Couriers & Freight assigns a suitable Dangerous Goods carrier and verifies that all documentation, labelling, and packaging comply with the ADG Code and IATA regulations. This process ensures your perfume parcels are accepted by carriers and transported without delay or compliance issues.

For example, when a small perfume business in Brisbane needs to send several 100-millilitre bottles to Sydney, Couriers & Freight assigns a certified courier, confirms the bottles meet Limited Quantity limits, and prepares all required paperwork. With every compliance step handled correctly, shipments are approved on the first attempt, avoiding delays or rejections.

Couriers & Freight gives businesses an end-to-end Dangerous Goods shipping solution, making it easy to send perfumes safely within Australia and internationally. Book your Dangerous Goods shipment today and ensure your products arrive safely, legally, and on time.

Ship Perfumes Safely, Every Time

Avoid rejected parcels and costly delays. Send your Dangerous Goods with certified carriers through Couriers & Freight.

Get a Quote Now