If you’re shipping glitter internationally—whether it’s for cosmetics, crafts, or packaging—the first question most importers ask is:
“Is glitter considered a hazardous material?”
Let’s answer that directly:
✅ Most dry glitter powders are NOT hazardous goods.
❗ But some types can be, depending on formulation, particle size, or if they’re suspended in solvents.
This article helps you understand when glitter becomes a regulated substance during transport—and how to prepare proper documentation, MSDS, and packaging to avoid customs delays or courier rejection.
When Is Glitter NOT a Dangerous Good?
If your glitter meets the following criteria, it’s usually safe to ship as a non-hazardous material:
- Dry powder (no liquid or solvent content)
- PET, PLA, or cellulose-based
- Cosmetic grade or craft grade
- Not containing heavy metals or reactive aluminum
- Not under pressure or suspended in gel or polish
These glitters can usually be shipped by air, sea, or express courier without UN classification.
They’re treated like non-toxic pigments, as long as they’re properly labeled and documented.
📌 Common HS Code: 3206.4990 (non-toxic color pigments)
At PDYA, we’ve helped dozens of buyers ship non-hazardous glitter in bulk, and having the correct classification has saved them from delays and added costs.
When Does Glitter Become a Dangerous Good?
Here are some red flags that may trigger hazardous goods classification:
| Situation | Risk | May Require UN Classification? |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Dry PET glitter (no solvent) | Safe | ❌ No |
| ❌ Glitter suspended in flammable solvents (e.g. nail polish base) | Flammable | ✅ Yes |
| ❌ Aluminum powder or metallic flakes | Combustible dust | ⚠️ Maybe |
| ⚠ Ultra-fine glitter (<10µm) in large volumes | Dust explosion hazard | ⚠️ Maybe |
| ❌ Incorrect product labeling (“cosmetic chemical”) | Misclassification risk | ✅ Yes |
🧪 If your glitter is mixed into a product like lip gloss, nail polish, UV gel, or epoxy, the whole formula must be evaluated. Solvent content (e.g. ethanol, butyl acetate) may trigger regulation under UN1993 (flammable liquids).
Before shipping, it’s smart to send your product composition or MSDS to a supplier who understands international transport. It could prevent you from getting held up at customs or refused by air carriers.
Do You Need an MSDS or SDS?
Yes. Whether your glitter is hazardous or not, you should provide an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) when shipping internationally or in bulk.
Why it matters:
- Customs and freight forwarders often request it
- It proves the product is non-hazardous if applicable
- It includes key sections like:
- Section 2: Hazard identification
- Section 9: Physical properties
- Section 14: Transport classification (UN code, packing group, etc.)
📅 Tip from PDYA: Our team helps clients prepare SDS that clearly indicate whether glitter is safe for air and sea freight. One sheet, if done right, can avoid dozens of questions later.
Shipping Glitter by Air, Sea, or Courier
Each method has different concerns:
| Method | Risks | What to Prepare |
| Air Freight | Powder restrictions, flammability concern | MSDS + Non-hazardous label + Sealed packaging |
| Sea Freight | Moisture absorption, bulk load shifting | Anti-static bags + moisture-proof containers |
| Courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS) | Weight and labeling limits | MSDS, sealed jars, clear outer label (“GLITTER – NON-HAZARDOUS”) |
📦 Some of our buyers used to face courier refusals until we reviewed their labels and packaging design. Since then, not a single return.
Recommended packaging:
- 1kg sealed anti-static foil bag
- Inner label with material type, particle size, lot number
- Double carton with bubble wrap, labeled in English
Pre-Shipment Checklist
Before you ship glitter, make sure you have:
- ✅ MSDS or SDS file
- ✅ Product description (dry glitter / solvent-based / metallic)
- ✅ HS Code (e.g. 3206.4990)
- ✅ Outer packaging photos (recommended)
- ✅ Freight forwarder contact (to pre-declare if needed)
Getting even one of these wrong could mean delays or rejected freight—something no distributor wants.
FAQs
Q1: Is there a risk of glitter shipments being returned at customs?
A: Yes, especially if the MSDS is missing or unclear. Some countries may hold the shipment if the product name sounds chemical (e.g. “cosmetic pigment”) without clarification.
Q2: Can I ship solvent-based glitter nail polish samples with regular cargo?
A: No. If the flash point is below 60°C, it may fall under UN1993. Even small quantities need to follow IATA/IMDG rules.
Q3: Will FedEx, UPS, or DHL accept fine glitter powder?
A: Yes, but only if it’s sealed, labeled, and includes an MSDS. Powders over 1kg may be flagged for manual review.
Q4: Do I need different packaging for sea vs. air freight?
A: Yes. Air freight needs anti-static and sealed bags; sea freight needs moisture-proof packaging like PE-lined drums.
Q5: How can I avoid my glitter shipment being classified incorrectly?
A: Use a clear name (“PET Glitter – Non-hazardous pigment”), attach an MSDS with transport details, and ensure label matches paperwork.
