key points:
- usps, fedex, dhl and ups have different rules and regulations when it comes to shipping liquids
- non-flammable liquids are easier to ship and can be shipped by air, ship , or ground transportation services
- Flammable liquids are more complicated to ship, but if you have the proper packaging and documentation, you’re good to go
Shipping liquids via USPS, FedEx, DHL or UPS can be complicated, with many different regulations and rules. First, many couriers simply won’t accept these types of products for shipping. second, even if they do, you will face many restrictions and have to meet many criteria.
Sending liquids across borders is even more complicated as the destination country will have its own set of regulations in place. many countries have strict policies for flammable or alcoholic products, and many of them require a special license to import them.
Of course, even if you manage to jump through all these hoops, you’ll also need to figure out how to carefully pack your shipments. must be adequately protected to prevent leakage or damage. If you plan to mail liquids abroad, follow these five essential steps:
- identify the type you wish to ship.
- find out if your destination country requires a license to import these products (and, if so, obtain the correct license).
- Decide what type of packaging you need to protect your shipment.
- Properly pack your shipment. don’t forget to add a “fragile” label!
- find reliable packaging and affordable shipping service.
can you send liquids?
The short answer? Yes. but of course it’s a bit more involved than throwing a bottle of perfume into a box and slipping it through the mail. Obviously, there is a wide variety of these types of products that you may need to ship, from perfumes and shampoos to juices and cosmetics. Many carriers, and countries, have different shipping needs and requirements, so you need to be aware of the regulations on the particular type of liquid you are shipping.
As a general rule of thumb, non-flammable products are usually easy to ship and can be sent through regular air, ship or ground carrier services. Flammables are a little trickier to deal with, but if you have the proper packaging and paperwork, you should be able to ship these, too.
When planning these shipments, there are a few general do’s and don’ts:
- You may not ship nail polish, gasoline, perfumes containing alcohol, alcoholic beverages, or poisons internationally via normal services; you will need a commercial carrier that has specialized services for these.
- Aerosol cans and similar items should not be shipped by air as they can explode with changes in air pressure; ground mail services would be best.
- Flammable items can be shipped, but only in certain quantities.
- Perishable items such as oil, soup, and beverages they must reach their destination before they expire; if necessary, pack them in ice or other materials to keep them safe.
- You should always use sealed containers and padded packing materials.
can you ship liquids via usps?
shipping liquids via usps is something you may consider shipping these products to other countries, although all customers must adhere to certain restrictions and regulations.
- You may ship non-hazardous, non-flammable items in sealed containers, as long as the package is properly labeled and shows the exact ingredients.
- To ship more than 4 oz, you need to pack three times the container with insulating materials and sealed leak-proof containers.
- usps does not accept nail polish and perfume containing alcohol for international shipments; for domestic shipments, use ground services.
As long as you follow USPS guidelines, you should be able to ship your products through most of their services. the carrier does not impose additional charges for liquids, so you would only be paying the normal rates. for example, you can use select package (from $3.19 domestic) or first class package (from $2.74 domestic / $11.65 international).
what about fedex, dhl and ups?
Because there are so many special requirements for mailing, not all couriers accept liquids for shipping. and if they do, they will usually have a strict policy that must be carefully adhered to. each courier service has its own set of distinctive rules and regulations, many of which may also differ by region.
fedex shipping liquid rules
merchants can ship liquids via fedex and can find a detailed policy explanation and step-by-step packaging guide on their website.
To ensure your package is accepted for shipment:
- Use a sealable, impermeable primary container.
- fill the empty spaces of the additional containers so that they do not touch each other; the materials should also be absorbent to contain any leaks.
- make sure the bottles are standing upright (you can use markings on the outside of the package to make sure they stay that way during transit).
- the final outer container must be able to contain any potential leaks.
improve liquid shipping rules
This courier service is a bit shy about its rules on these products; it is difficult to find clear and definitive rules for this type of mailing. however, shipping glass bottles via their air services is certainly prohibited.
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dhl shipping liquid rules
This German airline will generally not carry hazardous products such as aerosol sprays, eau de toilettes, perfumes and aftershaves. However, you can ship items containing alcohol locally in most countries, and if you wish to use DHL to ship within European countries, you will need to do so in accordance with the regulations of the destination country.
How To Ship Flammable Liquids
You should know that each liquid has a different flash point (the minimum temperature at which it can form a vapor that can ignite and cause a fire), and air transport policies are decided accordingly. therefore, there are many categories under this type of product and each one has a different regulation.
Shipping companies generally do not allow shipments that have high flash points or are susceptible to high altitude pressure to be shipped with their air services. This is precisely why you cannot send perfumes and nail polishes by air.
Flammables are defined as having a flash point of less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. these are highly combustible and can be dangerous; that is why carriers do not allow them to be shipped by air. however, you can send them via ground mail services. however, you should be aware that you can only send a limited number and that your package must pass a qualifying test. the package must also follow strict packaging standards and must have the proper declarations and labelling.
how to ship beer and wine
Shipping beer or wine, or even any type of alcohol, can be a bit difficult. If you’re in business and need to ship alcohol internationally, you should be able to do so by carefully following your carrier’s regulations, and you may also need import and export licenses. however, if you’re just sending them as gifts, you’re better off using subscription services or online retailers who have better access to the right kind of mail services.
Nationally, you can ship alcohol via ground mail, although some states like Alabama, Oklahoma, and Utah prohibit direct shipments of alcohol. Additionally, many Muslim countries will not allow you to ship alcohol or will require a business license.
what about shipping perishable liquids?
Foods like soup or milk are considered perishable items as they have an expiration date marked on them. for this reason, they should be carefully packed and shipped quickly to minimize transit time. try using a Styrofoam cooler or dry ice for perishable items that need to be protected from temperature changes during shipping.
what do you need to pack your liquids for international shipments?
Now that you know how to ship these types of products around the world, you need to know how to properly pack these shipments.
materials
- sealed or sealed plastic or glass bottles
- sealed plastic bags or containers
- cellulose wadding
- packaging peanuts
- absorbent packages
- corrugated cardboard boxes
- thermal bubble wrap
- adhesive tape
8 steps to safely pack liquids for shipment
- assemble the cardboard box: use corrugated cardboard boxes (they are more durable) and don’t forget to tape the bottom with tape.
- wrap each container in packing paper.
- place bottles on cardboard or foam trays and use dividers to keep bottles upright and separate.
- fill any empty spaces with packing peanuts or other padding so there are no room for movement.
- close the top of the box and seal it several times with tape.
- mark “fragile” on the box so couriers know how to handle it (don’t forget to add “flammable” or “perishable” if necessary).
- use airtight bags to protect containers and prevent spills.
- don’t forget to use refrigerant packs or other refrigeration to temperature sensitive products.
how easyship can help
Sending liquids around the world won’t be the easiest thing you’ve ever done. Fortunately, it’s not that difficult if you understand all the regulations and restrictions put in place by different countries and carriers.
easyship can help you find couriers that accept your shipments, and we’ll make the entire fulfillment process easy with automated forms and labels, too!
Sign up for a free account now to use our platform and start shipping your products worldwide now.
frequently asked questions about shipping liquids
Is it illegal to ship alcohol?
consumers may not ship alcohol of any kind via usps, fedex, dhl or ups. only licensed and approved alcohol carriers are allowed. for more information, be sure to check the courier’s website.
How can I send alcohol as a gift?
No, you cannot send alcohol directly as a gift. however, a loophole helps consumers ship beer, liquor, and wine across states. For example, instead of shipping a bottle of wine from your state to your state, find a retailer in the state you’re shipping to and order from that retailer.
Can I send isopropyl alcohol?
yes, you can send isopropyl alcohol. however, shipping such a liquid must be done with careful planning and consideration because isopropyl alcohol is considered a hazardous material. When shipping, be sure to follow your courier’s hazardous materials shipping guidelines.