- Perfume and nail polish containing flammable solvents may fall under Class 3 (UN1266); aerosols are usually declared under UN1950.
- Classification is based on the SDS of the exact product, especially the flash point and the transport information.
- The ID8000 consumer commodity provision applies only when its conditions are met, not to every cosmetic product.
- The 68th edition of the DGR takes effect on 1 January 2027 and amends the rules on classifying aerosols with a subsidiary risk.
Perfume, nail polish, hair spray, deodorant sprays… these are best-sellers in e-commerce and cross-border shipping. But for airlines and shipping lines, many of these products are not ordinary cargo: they are dangerous goods. This article helps shippers recognise them early, so that cargo is not refused, bookings are not lost and storage charges are avoided.
Why are cosmetics treated as dangerous goods?
The risk lies in the ingredients, not in the word “cosmetics”. The two most common groups are:
- Products containing flammable solvents (especially alcohol): perfume, alcohol-based fragrance sprays, nail polish and nail polish remover. The entry “Perfumery products, with flammable solvents” carries UN1266 and falls under Class 3 – flammable liquids (according to NOAA CAMEO data).
- Aerosols: hair spray, deodorant sprays, spray sunscreen and similar. The container holds compressed or liquefied gas, so there is a risk of fire or explosion due to pressure; these products are usually declared under UN1950 (Aerosols).
Classification depends on the exact formulation of each product. Two different perfume brands may be handled differently, depending on the flash point and alcohol content stated in the SDS.
Classify from the SDS, not from a guess
The first step is always to obtain the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) issued by the manufacturer and read Section 9 (physical and chemical properties, including flash point) and Section 14 (transport information). There are then usually three possible outcomes:
| Situation | Usual handling |
|---|---|
| The product has no hazardous properties according to the SDS | May be shipped as general cargo, although the carrier may ask for the SDS or an accompanying confirmation letter |
| It is regular dangerous goods (for example UN1266, UN1950) | Declare the correct UN number, use compliant packaging, apply labels and prepare the Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods as required |
| It is a small retail consumer pack | May fall under the “Consumer commodity – ID8000” provision with lighter requirements, if the conditions are met |
The ID8000 provision for consumer commodities
The air transport regulations (the IATA DGR, based on the ICAO Technical Instructions) include an entry “Consumer commodity – ID8000” for small retail packs. According to ICAO documents, this provision applies only to certain groups: Class 2 (non-toxic aerosols only), Class 3 packing group II or III, Division 6.1 packing group III and certain specific UN numbers; the goods must not have a subsidiary risk, and goods that are forbidden on passenger aircraft cannot use this provision.
In other words, not every cosmetic product benefits from this relief. The limits on inner packaging volume and package weight are set out in detail in the current edition of the DGR; shippers should check the regulations rather than rely on hearsay figures.
Specific notes for aerosols
- UN1950 aerosols are usually covered by a dedicated packing instruction (PI 203), in which the maximum capacity of each metal and plastic container is limited differently. Check the exact figures in the edition that applies.
- Some aerosol variants with a subsidiary risk (for example containing corrosive Class 8 substances) are forbidden for air transport.
- The 68th edition of the DGR takes effect on 1 January 2027. According to IATA's summary of significant changes, the rules on classifying subsidiary risks of aerosols (section 3.2.5.2.5) have been amended and some additional cases are now forbidden. Aerosol shipments planned to fly after that date should be reviewed again.
What this means for Vietnamese businesses
- Request the SDS as soon as you receive samples or sign a contract, before asking for freight rates.
- Declare the type of cargo truthfully to the carrier. Misdeclaring or concealing dangerous goods can lead to refusal, cargo being held and safety risks.
- Allow extra time and cost for packaging, labels and documents; airlines may also decline certain products.
- For sea freight, dangerous goods follow the IMDG Code, which differs from the air regulations, so packing methods for one mode cannot simply be applied to the other.
VPL can help shippers review the SDS, advise on packing, prepare documents and arrange bookings for dangerous goods by air and sea. Please send the product information to VPL before handing over the cargo to avoid last-minute problems.
This article is for general information and was compiled by VPL from public sources at the time of publication. Regulations may change – please contact VPL for advice on your specific shipment.