HELP
CENTER
幫助中心
Search your question
Liquid, Gel & Powder Shipping Guidelines
Quick Answer
Liquids, gels, and powders are not completely prohibited — but all are classified as sensitive goods. With compliant quantity limits, three-layer leak-proof packaging, and the Fuuffy sensitive-goods channel selected, most products can clear customs successfully. Flammable liquids (perfume) and pressurised aerosol canisters are absolutely prohibited on all channels without exception.
When shipping internationally, "Liquids", "Gels", and "Powders" are among the most closely scrutinised categories at airport security and destination customs. Their physical properties make them prone to leakage under the low air pressure conditions of air freight, and certain chemical compositions present potential flammability or safety hazards.
This does not mean such goods cannot be shipped at all. Provided they fall within civil aviation safety quantity limits, are packaged using the correct defensive methods, and are routed through Fuuffy's sensitive-goods channel, the vast majority of these products can reach their destination without issue. This guide sets out the latest air freight regulations and customs declaration requirements in full.
Before creating a shipment, refer to the table below to confirm the physical form of your goods and their eligibility on the Fuuffy platform:
| Form | Common E-Commerce Examples | Fuuffy Shipping Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Liquids | Serum, toner, essential oil, contact lens solution, XO sauce, canned abalone, non-alcoholic beverages | Conditional shipping — total volume per parcel is capped; sensitive-goods channel required. Flammable liquids (e.g. perfume) are absolutely prohibited. |
| Gels & Creams | Aloe vera gel, facial cleanser, toothpaste, non-aerosol hair gel, lip gloss, jelly products, medicated ointment | Generally accepted — original sealed packaging typically clears customs smoothly; sensitive-goods channel recommended as a precaution. |
| Powders | Loose makeup powder, eyeshadow palette, tea powder, Chinese herbal powder, flour, collagen powder | Highly sensitive — unidentified white powder readily triggers drug screening. Original English-language ingredient labels are mandatory. |
To uphold aviation safety, conventional cargo airline channels impose strict technical limits on the total volume of liquids and powders permitted within a single parcel:
Total liquid volume per parcel should be kept within 500ml to 1,000ml (1 litre). Smaller individual bottle sizes generally yield higher clearance rates.
For bulk commercial requirements (e.g. 5 litres or more), couriers typically require an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). Retail e-commerce sellers generally do not need to provide one.
Total powder weight per parcel should not exceed 500g.
Avoid shipping excessive quantities of herbal or health supplement powders. All powders must carry original English-language ingredient labels — self-repacked powder in unlabelled plastic bags is strictly prohibited.
Parcels undergo significant air pressure changes and repeated handling during air transit. Improper packaging that results in liquid leakage or powder spillage may lead to the logistics provider holding the parcel, and the shipper being liable for contamination costs affecting other cargo. The following three-layer packaging standard must be followed:
Use clear tape or cling film to tightly wrap the cap and pump mechanism of all liquid and gel products. This prevents the pressure differential at high altitude from loosening caps and causing contents to spray. For powder products, confirm that original factory seals are fully intact.
Place each sealed product into a heavy-duty waterproof zip-lock bag and seal it fully. Should an extreme impact cause a bottle to break, the zip-lock bag will contain all liquid or powder within, preventing any leakage from contaminating the outer carton or adjacent goods.
Wrap the zip-lock bag with at least two layers of thick bubble wrap, then place it inside a sturdy corrugated carton. Fill all internal voids with air pillows or foam to ensure zero internal movement when the box is shaken. Pressed-powder compacts and eyeshadow palettes require particularly thorough cushioning on all sides.
Declare Specific Product Names — Always Include the Physical Form
When completing customs declarations on the Fuuffy platform, never use vague terms such as Liquid, Gel, Powder, or Chemical — customs authorities treat such entries as an immediate basis for hold or refusal. Always declare the accurate, specific English product name, for example: Aloe Vera Gel (Non-Flammable) or Loose Setting Powder for Makeup.
Always Select the Sensitive-Goods Attribute — Never Conceal
Whether shipping toner or herbal powder, the "Sensitive Goods" attribute must be selected when creating the order. The system will automatically filter channels with the correct carriage certification for sensitive items. Attempting to declare liquids as clothing and route them through a standard channel will be caught by Hong Kong airport's X-ray screening, resulting in the parcel being returned immediately and all paid freight being forfeited.
Pressurised Aerosol Canisters Are Absolutely Prohibited
Mist sprays and sunscreen sprays in pressurised aerosol canisters contain compressed gas which is highly susceptible to explosion under the air pressure changes in an aircraft cargo hold. They are classified as absolutely prohibited dangerous goods by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Standard pump-action plastic spray bottles without compressed gas — such as a conventional toner mist bottle — are ordinary liquids and may be shipped via the sensitive-goods channel. The two can look similar externally; always check the product label carefully before shipping.
Planning to ship large volumes of skincare toner or condiment sauces across borders? Have questions about a destination country's latest chemical import restrictions? Contact Fuuffy Live Customer Service at any time — we provide the safest and most compliant global shipping solutions for sensitive goods. Before shipping, 👉 use the Fuuffy Smart Shipping Calculator to estimate freight costs and delivery times.
