Why are perfumes and colognes classified as Dangerous Goods for air shipping?

Most fine fragrances, colognes, and essential oils contain alcohol (ethanol/isopropanol) with a flash point below 60°C. Under IATA regulations, alcohol-based liquid fragrance is classified as Class 3 Flammable Liquids (typically UN1266).

What packaging is required for shipping fragrance products by air cargo?

Air shipments of liquid fragrance require UN-rated combination packaging (e.g. UN 4G fibreboard boxes) equipped with sufficient absorbent material capable of absorbing the full liquid contents in case of inner container leakage.

Can perfume be shipped under Excepted Quantities or Limited Quantities?

Yes, depending on container size and volume per package. Small inner bottles (e.g., 30ml–100ml samples) may qualify for Excepted Quantities (EQ) or Limited Quantities (Y344 / ID8000 Consumer Commodity rules), which relax certain packaging and declaration fees while maintaining safety.

IATA Class 3 Compliance & Packaging

PERFUME & FRAGRANCE DG HANDLING

Fragrance products are classified as IATA Class 3 flammable liquids. We handle the complete compliance chain for perfume, cologne, and essential oil shipments across Canada.

✓ IATA Class 3 flammable liquid classification & packing instruction selection
✓ UN-certified packaging & absorbent material for liquid perfume & cologne
✓ Shipper's Declarations, DG labels & ERG documentation
✓ Air freight compliance for domestic & international shipments
✓ Specialized service for beauty, cosmetics, and fragrance distributors across Canada

SHIP FRAGRANCE SAFELY

Fragrance Classification & Air Freight Rules

Whether you are shipping bulk fragrance oils or packaged consumer perfumes, air cargo carriers enforce strict IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). Common UN classification entries include:

UN 1266 PERFUMERY PRODUCTS (Class 3, PG II / PG III)

Applies to finished alcohol-based perfumes, colognes, toilet waters, and liquid cosmetics containing flammable solvents.

UN 1169 EXTRACTS, AROMATIC, LIQUID (Class 3, PG II / PG III)

Used for concentrated aromatic extracts, fragrance bases, and essential oil solutions in flammable solvents.

UN 1993 FLAMMABLE LIQUID, N.O.S. (Class 3, PG II / PG III)

General entry for custom solvent blends, aroma chemicals, and proprietary fragrance formulations.

Packaging & Absorbent Material Requirements

Under IATA Packing Instruction PI 353 (Passenger Aircraft) and PI 364 (Cargo Aircraft Only), liquid inner packagings must be surrounded by sufficient absorbent material capable of absorbing the entire liquid contents. Outer boxes must be UN-certified (4G/4GV) and clearly marked with Class 3 Flammable Liquid hazard labels, orientation arrows, and UN numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are perfumes considered Dangerous Goods?

Because almost all fine perfumes contain ethyl alcohol as a carrier, giving them a low flashpoint. In air transport, pressurized cargo holds or temperature shifts make uncertified liquid containers a fire hazard.

Can AÉRO-DG handle emergency rejected perfume cargo at YYZ?

Yes! If your fragrance shipment was issued a Notice of Discrepancy (NOD) by Air Canada Cargo, WestJet, or an international airline at Pearson Airport, our fast-track team repacks, relabels, and re-documents it for immediate clearance.

Need Help Shipping Fragrance Cargo?

Get an IATA-certified expert on your side. We prepare written flat-rate quotes within 2 business hours.

Request a Written Quote Call +1 (437) 436-8348