International parcels: cosmetics, perfume, medicines and supplements

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Check the specific product

“Can I post cosmetics?” is too broad. Record the product name, ingredients, form, volume of each container, quantity and destination. A cream jar, alcohol-based fragrance, pressurised aerosol and nail varnish present different issues.

Check three layers: carrier prohibitions, destination import restrictions and applicable sanctions. A shop selling the item, or its being non-prescription in the UK, does not establish that it may be posted internationally.

Follow the chosen service’s rules

Post Office publishes prohibited and restricted items ↗. Its postal rules do not permit international mailing of perfume and many toiletry aerosols, although certain domestic shipments have conditional acceptance. These rules should not automatically be applied to every specialist courier.

Where a carrier accepts the product, obtain exact limits on volume, quantity, packaging, markings and documents. Do not describe perfume as cream or remove hazardous goods from their original packaging to evade checks.

Check medicines and supplements separately

Establish whether the destination classifies the product as a medicine, controlled drug, food supplement or another regulated category. Prescription medicines, inhalers and alcohol-based solutions have different postal conditions; read the relevant carrier section.

Ask the destination customs or health authority about prescriptions, permits, personal-use quantities and recipient documentation. For the USA, monitor Royal Mail’s current requirements ↗. Its announced additional checks for certain regulated products begin on 22 October 2026 rather than automatically applying to every earlier shipment.

Package and declare permitted items

Retain original labelling and protect each container and closure against leakage and damage according to the service instructions. Enter precise contents and genuine values in electronic customs data. Check compensation eligibility: permission to carry a product does not always mean full reimbursement for damage.

For Russia-related shipments, check the goods against current sanctions guidance ↗. If permission remains unclear, do not rely on an unknown intermediary’s assurance. Keep the carrier’s reply, product description and dispatch evidence for any delay or dispute.