Because of its alcohol content, perfume is considered a hazardous material for shipping purposes. That’s why USPS has modified the Retail Customer Experience HAZMAT question to help employees understand whether a customer’s package contains perfume.

Retail associates must not accept packages containing perfume to be mailed internationally or to an APO/FPO or DPO location, regardless of its quantity or mail class.

When sent domestically, perfume also cannot be mailed using Express Mail, Priority Mail or First-Class Mail. But a package may be sent if it meets the following conditions:

• The package is sent using Parcel Post (to be renamed Standard Post effective Jan. 27, 2013).
• The perfume container doesn’t exceed 16 fluid ounces.
• The customer confirms the perfume is sufficiently cushioned to prevent damage.
• The container is strong enough to prevent damage during normal handling.
• The package is marked “Surface Only” or “Surface Mail Only.”

Customers can ship only one bottle of perfume in a single mailpiece. Gift sets containing more than one bottle of perfume, regardless of ounces per bottle, are non-mailable. The perfume bottles must be separated and mailed as individual mailpieces.

For more information, please refer to the Domestic Mail Manual or Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted and Perishable Mail,or speak to a Business Mail Entry Unit manager.
via USPS News Link Story – Mailing perfume.