Analysis of logistics and timeliness considerations for China’s export of car aromatherapy (including essential oils)

1. Product characteristics and logistics risks
   Flammability risk: Essential oils usually contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and some ingredients may be classified as dangerous goods (such as high alcohol content). It is necessary to confirm whether they belong to UN numbered dangerous goods.

Solution: Provide MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and have the transportation category identified by a professional organization. If it is a dangerous good, it must be transported according to the dangerous goods channel (such as air transportation requires IATA certification, and sea transportation requires IMDG Code).

Temperature sensitivity: High temperature may cause essential oils to evaporate or aromatherapy liquids to leak, affecting quality.

Solution: Choose a constant temperature container (sea transportation) or avoid transportation during high temperatures in summer; insulation materials must be added to the packaging.

Packaging requirements:

Leak-proof design: Use sealed inner bags + oil-absorbing cotton, and the outer box is marked with “Fragile” and “This Side Up”.

Single piece weight control: Air transportation single piece usually does not exceed 30kg (limited by some airlines), and sea transportation must comply with the container load balance.

2. Comparison of transportation methods and timeliness
   Method Timeliness Applicable scenarios Notes
   Air transport 3-7 days (European and American lines) Urgent orders, high-value goods – High freight, dangerous goods qualifications must be confirmed in advance;

• Some airlines prohibit liquids.
  Sea transport 20-40 days (European and American lines) Large-volume, cost-sensitive orders – LCL must be isolated from other chemical products;
• Advance declaration to avoid port detention.
  Railway 15-25 days (China-Europe Express) Balance timeliness and cost (European direction) – Some countries require additional land transportation;
• Low temperatures in winter may affect the state of essential oils.
  Express delivery 5-10 days (DHL/UPS) Small batch samples or replenishment – Proof of ingredients must be provided;
• May be detained by the customs of the destination country.

2. Notes on key nodes
   Export declaration:

The customs code (HS Code) is recommended to be classified as 33074900 (other indoor deodorizing products), and some countries may require essential oils to be declared separately.

It is necessary to provide an ingredient list, non-hazardous certificate (if applicable), and certificate of origin (such as FORM A).

Customs clearance in the country of destination:

European and American markets: must comply with REACH (EU) and TSCA (US) regulations, and some essential oil ingredients (such as limonene) may have dosage restrictions.

Middle East/Southeast Asia: Some countries require Islamic Halal certification or SASO certification (Saudi Arabia).

Japan: “spice” ingredients must be marked to avoid “medicinal” misleading.

Risk of time delay:

Ocean shipping: Port congestion during peak season (such as before Christmas), it is recommended to ship 2 months in advance.

Air transport: Flights change a lot, give priority to direct flights.

IV. Cost optimization suggestions
LCL transportation: When the volume is less than the full container, choose LCL, but pay attention to prevent odor contamination (avoid mixing with food).

Tariff planning: Use free trade agreements (such as RCEP) to reduce tax rates, and certificates of origin must be processed in advance.

Insurance supplement: All Risks, covering the risk of leakage or deterioration during transportation.

V. Recommended logistics plan
Sample delivery: DHL/FedEx international express (priority customs clearance channel).

Bulk export:

Europe: China-Europe Express (Chengdu/Xi’an hub) + local warehouse stocking.

United States: Ocean freight (Los Angeles/New York Port) + Amazon FBA first-leg service.

Summary: The export of car aromatherapy containing essential oils needs to focus on transportation safety certification, packaging compliance and destination country regulations. The logistics method should be flexibly selected according to the urgency and cost of the order, and a 10-15 day buffer period should be reserved in advance to deal with customs clearance spot checks.