When it comes to shipping items with USPS, perfume is one of the trickier things to mail. Perfume is considered a hazardous material due to its high alcohol content, which makes it a regulated substance. However, it is still possible to ship perfume via USPS if you follow the proper guidelines. In this in-depth guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about USPS perfume shipping, including restrictions, costs, packaging tips, and more.
Can You Ship Perfume with USPS?
The short answer is yes, you can ship perfume with USPS, but there are strict rules and exceptions you need to be aware of. In general, perfume can only be shipped via USPS ground transportation, not by air. This is because most perfumes contain ethyl alcohol in high concentrations, making them flammable.
There are two main exceptions that may allow you to ship perfume by air:
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The perfume qualifies under the USPS "excepted quantity" provision. This means the inner perfume container holds 30ml (1 ounce) or less per bottle, and the total package contains no more than 500ml of perfume. Refer to this USPS page for full excepted quantity details.
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The perfume is a non-flammable, non-toxic solid or oil-based fragrance. However, these are uncommon as most perfumes contain alcohol.
If your perfume meets one of the exceptions, you can ship it via USPS air transportation, such as Priority Mail or First Class Package Service. However, you must follow the specific packaging, labeling and documentation requirements outlined in Publication 52. When in doubt, ship your perfume by ground service to avoid issues.
USPS Perfume Shipping Costs
Like with most USPS shipments, the cost to mail perfume depends on the package weight, dimensions, shipping distance, and service used. Since most perfumes must go via ground delivery, the main options are USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground.
USPS Retail Ground is the cheaper option, starting at $8.50 for packages up to 1 pound. Parcel Select Ground is a bit faster but costs more, beginning at $7.95 for a 1-pound package. Both have a 70 pound maximum weight limit.
Here is a chart showing sample USPS Retail Ground shipping prices for perfume based on weight and shipping zone:
[Insert pricing chart image]As you can see, the price goes up with heavier packages and further distances. Sending a 2 pound perfume package across the country would cost around $13-17 with Retail Ground, with delivery in 2-8 business days. You can use the USPS Postage Price Calculator to estimate costs for your specific shipment.
Note that USPS ground services don‘t automatically include tracking or insurance. Adding these features costs extra but is highly recommended when shipping fragile, valuable items like perfume. Insurance starts at $2.45 for $100 of coverage and goes up to $5,000.
How to Package Perfume for USPS Shipping
Proper packaging is crucial to ensure your perfume arrives intact. Perfume bottles can easily break in transit if not protected well. Here are step-by-step instructions for wrapping and boxing up your perfume for safe shipping:
Materials needed:
- Perfume in its original glass bottle
- Bubble wrap
- Air pillows or other void fill like packing peanuts
- Sturdy corrugated cardboard box with room for 2-3 inches of cushioning on all sides
- Box sealing tape
- Scissors
- Shipping label
- Fragile stickers or label (optional but recommended)
Instructions:
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Wrap the perfume bottle in at least 2 layers of bubble wrap, sealing each layer securely with tape. If shipping multiple bottles, wrap each one separately.
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Place the wrapped bottle(s) in the shipping box and fill in ALL empty space with air pillows or other cushioning so nothing can shift.
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Seal the box tightly with packing tape on all seams. Affix your shipping label and any required hazmat labels or documentation.
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Add fragile stickers on at least 2 sides of the box as a visual cue to handlers. Take your package to the post office or schedule a pickup.
Product recommendations:
- For wrapping: Duck Brand Bubble Wrap, 3/16" thick, perforated every 12"
- For void fill: Uline 8" x 4" Air Pillows, recyclable and reusable
- For outer box: Uline corrugated shipping boxes, 200#/ECT-32 strength
With the right packing materials and techniques, you can feel confident your perfume will arrive safely. Consider branding the inner perfume box and adding a personalized note inside when shipping as a gift to create a luxury unboxing experience!
Sending Perfume Internationally with USPS
Unfortunately, you cannot ship perfume internationally with USPS, even if it meets the excepted quantity limits. Perfumes are considered dangerous goods and are restricted from international mail by plane.
The best alternative is to find an online perfume retailer located in the destination country and have them ship the order directly to your recipient. There are also freight forwarders that specialize in international DG shipping and may be able to help for an added cost. But in most cases, USPS is not a viable option for sending perfume abroad.
Other USPS Perfume Shipping Tips & Considerations
A few other things to keep in mind when mailing perfume with USPS:
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Order your shipping supplies in advance so you have plenty of bubble wrap, air pillows, sturdy boxes, tape, labels, etc. on hand.
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Take your packages to the retail counter and let them know it contains perfume. Don‘t use the self-service kiosk or leave it in a collection box, as this could delay or reject your shipment.
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Consider getting signature confirmation, especially for expensive orders, so you have proof of delivery. This costs $3.45 at the time of mailing.
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Understand USPS delivery timeframes are estimates only. Most Retail Ground packages arrive in 2-8 business days, but delays can happen and there are no guaranteed delivery dates.
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Print your labels at home to save time and get a small commercial base pricing discount. Use Click-N-Ship or Pirate Ship to access savings up to 38% off Post Office rates.
USPS assigns each perfume a unique UN identification number and hazard class. See this PHMSA guide to find the proper classification for your product. You‘ll need this info to complete the required documentation and labels for hazmat items.
The Bottom Line
Shipping perfume with USPS is possible but requires following strict rules as it‘s considered a hazardous material. In most cases, perfume can only go by ground delivery, with specific packaging and labeling requirements. Costs depend on weight and distance, but expect to pay $8-20 on average.
While it takes a bit more care and preparation than your average shipment, sending perfume via USPS is still very doable for individuals and businesses. Just be sure to review the regulations carefully, package your fragrance properly, and work with your local Post Office for a smooth experience. By understanding the process and planning ahead, you can ship perfume affordably and compliantly with USPS.
