Short answer
Empty glass perfume bottles from China are shipped as normal cargo by express courier, air freight or sea freight. Express usually takes 3–7 working days and suits samples; air freight takes about 7–12 days for urgent production goods; sea freight takes about 25–40 days and is cheapest for large or heavy orders. Glass is heavy, so cost depends on weight and carton volume. Confirm the Incoterm (EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP) in writing. QARURA, a sourcing partner in Xuzhou, packs bottles, pumps and caps to protect glass and quotes shipping separately for each destination.
Express, air or sea: which should you choose?
| Express courier | Air freight | Sea freight (LCL or FCL) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical transit | 3–7 working days | About 7–12 days door to door | About 25–40 days door to door |
| Best for | Samples, small top-up orders | Urgent production goods | Large or repeat orders |
| Charged by | Weight or volume, whichever is higher | Weight or volume, whichever is higher | Volume (cubic metres) |
| Customs | Usually handled by the courier | Through a forwarder or broker | Through a forwarder or broker |
Transit times depend on destination and season; your quote confirms the route.
Do empty perfume bottles count as dangerous goods?
No. Empty glass bottles, pumps and caps ship as general cargo. Filled perfume is different: alcohol-based perfume is classed as a flammable liquid for transport, which limits courier and air options. QARURA supplies empty packaging only, so filling happens after the goods arrive at your filler.
How are glass perfume bottles packed?
- Bottles in cardboard dividers or trays inside strong export cartons
- Pumps and caps packed separately in bags and cartons, counted by item number
- Cartons labelled with item, quantity and carton number
- Larger orders strapped on pallets for sea freight
Ask for the packing list (cartons, weight and size) before shipping so your forwarder can quote accurately.
What do EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP mean?
| Incoterm | Seller pays until | You pay |
|---|---|---|
| EXW | Goods ready at the seller | All transport, export and import |
| FOB | Goods loaded at the Chinese port | Ocean freight, insurance, import duty, delivery |
| CIF | Goods arrive at your port (freight and insurance) | Import duty, port fees, delivery |
| DDP | Goods delivered to your door, duties paid | Nothing more, unless agreed |
Unless the price is DDP, import duty and taxes in your country are paid by you.
How do you avoid breakage and surprise costs?
- Ask for the carton weight and size before you book freight.
- Order 2–5% spare bottles and pumps for crimping and filling losses.
- Photograph cartons on arrival before opening, and report damage with photos within the agreed time.
- Check that your filler can receive the delivery, especially pallets.
- Compare landed cost: parts, shipping, duty and spares.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to ship perfume bottles from China to the US?
Express usually takes 3–7 working days, air freight about 7–12 days and sea freight about 25–40 days door to door, depending on the route.
Can I ship perfume bottles by DHL or FedEx?
Yes. Empty glass bottles, pumps and caps can go by express courier. Filled perfume has restrictions because it is a flammable liquid.
What is the cheapest way to ship glass bottles from China?
Sea freight is usually cheapest per piece for large orders. For a few cartons, air or express can cost less overall once port and customs fees are included.
Does QARURA ship worldwide?
QARURA ships by express courier, air freight or sea freight and quotes shipping separately for each destination.
Planning a launch?
Tell us your bottle, quantity and date. We reply with a checked parts list and a written quote.