Whether it’s part of a new 12-step nighttime routine, a product for sensitive skin or a more sustainable alternative, there’s increasing demand for unique and artisanal soaps. According to Fortune Business Insights, the market for organic soap alone was worth US$2.29 billion in 2023 and will top $3 billion by 2030.
To meet the demands of this growing customer base, you’ll need to be able to ship soap internationally. While soap might be one of the easier cosmetics to ship overseas when compared to something like nail polish, there are still a few boxes to tick to get it from your warehouse and into the hands of your customers.
Do you have the right packaging for liquid soaps? What documents do you need to include? Can you ship soap internationally to any country you want? We’ll help you with these questions and more so you can feel ready to take on this growing market.
Is it possible to ship soap internationally?
Yes, you can ship soap internationally. Of course, the longer answer does depend on the type of soap you’re shipping. For example, when shipping bar soaps internationally you will have a bit more flexibility when it comes to packaging. We’ll get into more detail on this soon, but these types of soaps aren’t regulated as much from a shipping perspective.
Liquid soaps, on the other hand, will be subject to international shipping guidelines for liquids. These are normally easy to follow, and carriers like FedEx have guides to follow, but there is little room for error. Often, these policies are in response to regulations from industry bodies like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) so you’ll have to update your shipping processes to meet those standards.
Key strategies for shipping soap worldwide
Now we know you can ship soap internationally, let’s look at how you can improve your shipping processes to meet carrier guidelines, package soap safely and keep your customers happy.
Navigate soap-specific shipping regulations
When shipping soap internationally, it’s important you’re aware of regulations such as:
Classification: It’s important to know what type of good your soap is classified as in the country you're shipping to. For example, when shipping to the US, traditional soaps are considered a consumer product and are therefore regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSA). However, if the soaps are found to contain ingredients with cosmetic properties, they are considered cosmetic products or drugs and fall under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Ingredient restrictions: There may also be further regulations based on the type of soap you’re shipping. For example, the CPSA notes that soaps containing hazardous substances, such as ones used for degreasing, must have labels that mention they could cause eye irritation. Other ingredients that may cause issues depending on the destination country include natural oils or added chemicals.
Supporting documentation: To prove you meet both the right goods classification and approved ingredients, you’ll need to include supporting documentation with each package. It’s also helpful to include material safety data sheets (MSDS) that can be referred to in the event of any spills or accidents.
Package soap for safe travel
When shipping soap internationally, it’s important to have the right packaging. We’ve split our packaging tips into two separate categories.
Bar soaps:
- Include protection like bubble wrap or fillers like packing peanuts to reduce the chance of breakage.
- As Modern Soapmaking mentions, try to include branding or labels for your bars that are normally sold without retail packaging to help with identification and brand awareness.
- Align packaging with your brand goals where possible, like matching small batch organic soaps with recyclable mailers.
- Consider the temperature in the departure and destination countries. Cold temperatures shouldn't pose too much of an issue, but hot climates could cause bar soaps to melt.
Liquid soaps:
- Check with your carrier partners to see their criteria for shipping liquids.
- Ensure liquid soaps for international shipping are in leak-proof packaging and double wrapped where possible.
- Take extra precautions like taping down screw tops or lids that could be damaged in transit.
- Clearly label the outer packaging so carriers are aware it’s a liquid in a potentially fragile container.
Ensure accurate documentation for seamless customs clearance
Sometimes, it’s not your carrier that’s in control of the shipping timeline, but your ability to get a package through customs effectively. Delays here can be particularly frustrating both for you and your customers as they depend on accurate documentation that proves a certain product meets import guidelines.
It’s important not just to be aware of the ingredients that make up your soap, but how your product is classified by customs in the destination country and by international shipping guidelines. We suggest familiarising yourself with the harmonized shipping (HS) codes for soaps. Soaps have the HS code heading 3401, but this can change based on their application as noted by the Canada Border Services Agency.
Starshipit tip: Use our automated shipping rules to automatically assign customs documentation (including HS codes) to international orders, saving your staff time and ensuring smooth sailing through customs.
Include real-time tracking and notifications
When shipping soap across the globe, real-time tracking and notifications can help give you and your customers peace of mind. It’s helpful for you to know how long it takes for a package to transit through customs, and updated delivery estimates keep customers waiting patiently.
It might seem excessive to update shoppers at every step of the journey, but extra communication can reduce the number of simple queries your customer service team has to deal with.
Starshipit tip: Create branded tracking pages and automated shipping notifications with Starshipit to increase customer satisfaction and keep communication consistent.
Reduce the likelihood of returns
Shipping liquids internationally can be challenging for experienced businesses, so it’s not something you want customers to have to try with liquid soaps. These products have strict shipping guidelines and it would be difficult for customers to follow them. For liquid soaps, it’s best to try and reduce the likelihood of returns when shipping soap internationally. Here are some tips:
- Provide detailed product descriptions upfront to help customers make the right choice.
- List potential allergens clearly for shoppers who might react to specific ingredients.
- Communicate a clear returns policy when customers order so they know exactly what they’re committing to.
- Consider refunds in lieu of returns for difficult items like liquid soaps.
- Optimise your fulfilment processes to reduce the chances of incorrect orders being shipped to customers.
Starshipit tip: If you do need to offer returns, setup a branded returns portal in Starshipit so customers have a trustworthy place to generate their own shipping labels and minimise your team’s workload.
Choosing the right carriers for international soap deliveries
To effectively ship soap internationally you'll likely want to partner with multiple carriers. A multi-carrier shipping strategy allows you to choose the best carrier partner for your different types of products while balancing cost, delivery speed and reliability.
You might also find that some carriers offer more comprehensive service for specific regions or are better suited to products with strict regulations like liquid soaps. But what’s the best way of keeping track of your carrier partners and their strengths and weaknesses?
Starshipit supports integrating with multiple shipping partners so you can manage all your carriers from one easy dashboard and assign orders based on factors like cost or delivery time. By using automated rules, you can ensure international orders are sent with the best carrier for the job along with all the necessary customs documentation.
Carrier options for shipping soap internationally
We’ve talked about choosing the right partner for shipping soap internationally, so let’s look at some global leaders to see what they can offer your business.
Can you ship soap internationally with DHL?
Yes, DHL is able to ship soap internationally. Its global fleet is active in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, so you can trust DHL to help you ship to new markets.
However, there are a few things you'll need to consider before choosing DHL for your business.
Key considerations for shipping soap with DHL
Take care when shipping liquids: When shipping liquid soaps internationally with DHL, it’s important to check the carrier’s rules and any changes to their service level. With DHL, non-flammable liquids are still able to go by land, sea and air freight.
Pack items securely: International shipping could see your packages travelling by any combination of land, sea and air on the way to their final destination. Ensure your soaps are packed tightly with plenty of filler to keep items snug.
Check for enhanced shipping services: Are you shipping sensitive soaps to Australia in the middle of their summer? DHL offers temperature controlled shipping that can keep perishable items safe on their international journey.
Can you ship soap internationally with FedEx?
FedEx is a great option for shipping soap internationally. The company offers a range of extensive services across the globe while providing detailed resources to help customers get their goods delivered safely.
Let's take a look at some key considerations you'll need to know for this world-renowned carrier before you decide to ship with FedEx.
Key considerations for shipping soap with FedEx
Read the FedEx guides: When shipping items like liquid soaps, it’s your responsibility to package goods in a way that meets international shipping guidelines. FedEx has created a detailed guide for shipping liquids that you can use as a checklist for these orders.
Use FedEx tracking services: FedEx offers a variety of tracking services, including the options to see delivery progress on a map or see photo proof a package arrived safely. These can provide peace of mind for valuable or fragile packages.
Try sustainable shipping options: Customers looking to buy small batch or organic soaps likely have sustainability as an important value. FedEx offers sustainable packaging options to help reduce the impact of your shipments.
Can you ship soap internationally with USPS?
Another well-known and reliable carrier is USPS. The United States Postal Service can ship soap internationally to over 180 different countries across a range of services.
Here are a few things to think about before shipping soap around the world with USPS.
Key considerations for shipping soap with USPS
Choose a level of service: USPS offers a selection of international shipping options. This can help you find the best balance of cost and delivery speed and ensure you have the right option for more challenging deliveries like liquid soaps.
Include accurate documentation: There are strict guidelines for international shipping with USPS. We recommend keeping up to date with any country-specific restrictions and knowing exactly what criteria your products must meet.
Use extra services: USPS offers security options like different levels of insurance and comprehensive tracking options that include proof-of-delivery. For valuable packages or early orders into a new international market, these extras can help you ensure they arrive safely.
Soap brands setting the standard in global shipping
Lush: Bold branding across a huge range of products
The distinctive scents that waft out of Lush retail stores have manifested in a vibrant website full of striking colours - and plenty of soaps to ship internationally. The unmissable branding has made Lush a favourite choice for people looking for everything from soaps to bath bombs. Let’s see if their shipping strategies are just as iconic.
What Lush does well
If you pull your eyes away from the bright pink header image, you’ll see a banner at the top of the page clearly advertising the latest deals for shipping soap internationally. Before customers even start picking out a product, they already know when to order to meet specific deadlines and how much needs to be in their cart to get free shipping.
These banner links click through to helpful pages, such as an updated delivery information page that lists evergreen information as well responses to current challenges. For example, as of publication of this blog the first entry is about the Canada Post strike and how Lush plans to mitigate any disruptions, such as shipping with alternate carriers.
Starshipit tip: Using a multi-carrier shipping strategy can help to protect you against carrier or country-specific disruptions. Learn about how Starshipit supports integrations with multiple carriers.
L’Occitane: High-end soaps shipped internationally
L’Occitane’s elegantly designed website matches its brand and provides shoppers global access to a range of fashionable products. The company’s soap range includes both bar soaps and liquid soaps, proving it’s possible to ship these items worldwide at scale.
What L’Occitane does well
One of the first things you see on L’Occitane’s website is a revolving banner with its latest shipping deals and featured specials on specific products. The banner also promises its current orders are shipping on time, giving customers reassurance heading into busy periods.
In L’Occitane’s FAQ section under “My Delivery”, there are clear answers to questions that new or returning customers are likely to have. The section spells out the opportunities for returns, the carriers they normally ship with, and answers questions about specific locations that are likely to show up in their tracking notifications. The more you can cover these questions up front, the less time your customer service team will have to spend updating customers.
Starshipit Tip: Use our shipping notifications to send branded updates that keep customers in the loop from order confirmation through to their completed delivery.
Download Beauty and Cosmetics eBook
Want to learn more about shipping soap internationally? Our free eBook ‘Loyalty x Logistics: Shipping Strategies for Beauty and Cosmetics Brands’ can help you build a robust strategy for shipping beauty products locally or internationally as your business expands.
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Looking to dive deeper into shipping more beauty products? Don't miss our comprehensive guides tailored to the industry:
Next steps
Now that you’re familiar with what it takes to ship soap around the world, it’s time to start putting this advice into practice and getting your products into the hands of customers worldwide.
To recap, you can help your business get ahead by focusing on:
- Product expertise: The more you know about your products and their ingredients, the better you’ll be when it comes to meeting carrier guidelines and customs requirements when shipping soap internationally.
- Appropriate packaging: The best packaging balances branding, safety and compliance to ensure your products arrive looking just as good as when they left. For liquid soaps in particular, you’ll want to take care and use leak-proof packaging and plenty of filler.
- Customer experience: Clear policies around returns, up-to-date tracking and branded shipping notifications all combine to help customers patiently wait for their delivery. If they already love your product, then improving the shopping experience is a great way to further differentiate yourself from the competition.
Using shipping fulfilment software like Starshipit can help you optimise your process and get orders out the door more effectively. Integrations with multiple carriers, as well as features like the branded returns portal and automated rules for international orders, are just some of the options that make it easier for you to ship soap internationally.
Start your 30-day free trial today to see how Starshipit can work within your existing tech stack and improve your shipping processes for shipping soap internationally.
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Kimberley Hughes
Kimberley is Starshipit's Content Marketing Lead. Her days are filled with creative storytelling and innovative content strategies. Off the clock, she's an all-seasons iced coffee fan, a Catan strategist, and skincare explorer. For a peek into her world, find her on LinkedIn.
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