Lead In
If you've ever tried shipping skincare samples internationally, you know it can feel like playing a strange game of chess with customs officers, courier rules, and paperwork you didn’t even know existed. I’ve helped countless distributors, salon owners, and new brand founders navigate this — and trust me, a few smart moves can save you days of delays.
So today, I’m breaking down the essentials: declaring value, MSDS/SDS requirements, courier rules, and clearance tips — all explained like we’re having coffee together.
Answer Section
To ship skincare samples internationally successfully, you must declare a reasonable sample value, include MSDS/SDS when required (especially for oils, serums, or anything flammable), and follow proper customs descriptions. Using compliant packaging and accurate documentation prevents delays, returns, or extra taxes.
Read On
If you want your samples to reach customers without headaches, extra fees, or scary customs calls, keep reading — this is the guide I wish every new buyer had.
1. Why Shipping Samples Internationally Is Not as Simple as It Looks
When people ask me, “Why is shipping a small serum sample so complicated?” I always smile. It’s never about the size — it’s about regulations.
Here’s the truth: Customs doesn’t care that it’s just a sample.
They care about:
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What’s inside
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Whether the ingredients pose any risk
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Whether it’s flammable
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Whether it’s a cosmetic or a chemical
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Whether the declared value makes sense
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Whether documents match your invoice
Even the U.S. FDA states that cosmetics must be truthfully labeled and declared for entry, even as samples. (Source: FDA Cosmetic Imports Guidance).
And the EU Commission has its own strict regulations for cosmetics entering the EU market, even in small quantities. (Source: EU Cosmetic Regulation Summary).
So yes, samples = real cargo.
2. Declaring Value: The Most Common Mistake (and How to Avoid It)
This is where almost everyone messes up
2.1 Never Declare “0 USD”
Customs flags this instantly.
Typical consequences:
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Shipment held
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Request for revised invoice
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Extra taxes applied incorrectly
2.2 What Value Should You Declare?
For skincare samples, the “reasonable” declared value is usually 5–20 USD, depending on:
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Quantity
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Packaging
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Ingredient cost
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Courier requirements
2.3 Don’t Undervalue Too Much
Couriers like DHL and FedEx often reject unrealistic values.
Even IATA (International Air Transport Association) emphasizes accurate value declaration for air cargo safety and compliance. (Source: IATA Cargo Regulations).
2.4 Keep the Proforma Invoice Simple
Include:
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Product name: “Skincare sample — Not for resale”
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Quantity
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Unit value
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Total value
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HS code (we usually use 3304)
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Reason for export: “Sample for testing”
Pro tip: Never write “gift.” Customs hates that.
3. MSDS/SDS: When You Need It (and When You Don’t)
This is another area where people get confused.
3.1 What Is MSDS/SDS?
It stands for Material Safety Data Sheet, now called Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
It tells customs:
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Whether it’s flammable
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Whether it contains restricted chemicals
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How it should be handled
The United Nations GHS system sets the global SDS format. (Source: UN GHS Overview).
3.2 When Samples Require SDS
You need it if the formula includes:
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Essential oils
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Alcohol
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Volatile solvents
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Exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA)
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Vitamin C derivatives in high concentrations
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Retinol
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Anything flammable
3.3 When You Usually Don’t Need SDS
For mild, water-based skincare:
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Creams
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Toners
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Gel cleansers
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Moisturizers
Most of our NEUTRIHERBS products fall under mild formulations and are safe for standard air transport, though SDS can still be provided if required. fileciteturn0file7
3.4 Why Some Couriers Ask for SDS Even When Customs Doesn’t
DHL, UPS, and FedEx want to protect their staff. If your product looks suspicious (oils, ampoules, or serums), they may request SDS.
4. Customs Descriptions: The Words That Make or Break Clearance
This is the part nobody teaches you — yet it’s the most important.
4.1 Your Description Must Match the Ingredients
Instead of writing:
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“Cosmetics” (too vague)
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“Chemical” (too alarming)
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“Skincare” (too broad)
Write:
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“Skin care sample — water-based cream”
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“Facial serum — non-hazardous cosmetic”
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“Vitamin C cream — not for resale”
4.2 Never Use Trigger Words
Avoid words like:
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“Acid” (even if the product has AHA)
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“Oil” (use “emulsion”)
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“Chemical”
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“Whitening” (can trigger health authority inspections)
4.3 Match the HS Code to Cosmetics
HS Code 3304 works for most skincare.
If the description + HS code don’t match, customs will ask questions.
4.4 EU Customs Are Especially Strict
EU border control follows the Cosmetic Products Regulation, and inspectors verify formula compliance. (Source: EU Safety Gate / RAPEX).
Good documentation avoids being flagged.
5. Courier Differences: DHL vs. FedEx vs. UPS vs. Post
Not all couriers treat skincare equally.
5.1 DHL — Best for Cosmetics
Why we love DHL (and why we use it for most sample shipments):
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Fastest customs clearance
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Best handling of chemicals/cosmetics
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Strong global network
This is why Amarrie recommends DHL for skincare samples. fileciteturn0file7
5.2 FedEx — Good, but Stricter With SDS
FedEx tends to:
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Request SDS more often
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Classify essential oils as “hazardous”
5.3 UPS — Slower for Cosmetics
More delays happen because:
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They often request additional ingredient data
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They handle chemicals more conservatively
5.4 Postal Services — Unpredictable
Cheap but risky:
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Higher loss rate
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No way to fix customs issues
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No express clearance support
6. Clearance Tips From Someone Who Has Seen Everything
After years of shipping skincare to over 180 countries, I’ve seen every possible mistake — and every solution.
Here’s what works every time:
6.1 Keep the Declared Value Low but Reasonable
5–20 USD is perfect.
6.2 Always Mark Samples as “Not for Resale”
Customs wants to see this.
6.3 Avoid Big Quantities in Sample Shipments
Large quantities = treated as commercial import.
6.4 Attach Invoice Outside the Box
Couriers love this.
**6.5 Provide SDS Early if You Know Your Product Contains:
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Essential oils
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Alcohol
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Vitamin C (high concentration)
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Retinol
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Fragrance oils
6.6 Use Strong Packaging to Avoid Leakage
Leakage is the #1 cause of customs rejection.
At Amarrie, we use 350g copper paper cartons, internal padding, and vibration-tested packaging to avoid damage. fileciteturn0file1
6.7 Label Products Clearly
If the label isn’t clear, customs may suspect counterfeit goods.
6.8 Include Full Contact Information
Customs may need to reach you.
7. Common Customs Problems (and How to Solve Them)
You’ll laugh — or cry — because I’ve seen all of these.
7.1 “Value Too Low”
Solution: Send a revised invoice with a higher declared value.
7.2 “Missing SDS”
Solution: Send SDS within minutes if the courier asks.
7.3 “Restricted Ingredient”
Some countries ban certain whitening or exfoliating ingredients.
Solution: Check the EU SCCS list for ingredient restrictions. (Source: EU SCCS Opinions).
7.4 “Cosmetics Require Registration”
Countries like UAE, Morocco, and Nigeria sometimes require prior registration.
Solution: For samples, explain “For testing only.”
7.5 “Leakage”
Solution: Repack using reinforced cartons or shrink wrap.
8. When You Should Use Your Supplier’s DHL Account (Not Your Own)
Clients ask me this all the time.
8.1 Why Using Your Own Account Causes Delays
If you use your own DHL account, DHL may require:
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Commodity inspection report
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One-time chemical tests
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Additional document fees
These inspections normally cost 60 USD per item and take 7–10 days. fileciteturn0file7
8.2 Why Using Our Account Avoids This
We already have:
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Commodity inspection reports on file
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Pre-approved cosmetic categories
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Valid SDS and stability reports