Which Paint-Related Products Can I Ship Internationally?
Some paints and finishing products may be classified as Dangerous Goods due to flammable solvents or chemical components. Restrictions vary by country and carrier, so it’s important to confirm eligibility before you buy.
The list below highlights common paint-related Dangerous Goods shipped with MyUS. This is not an exhaustive list. If you’re unsure about a specific product, contact our team via chat or WhatsApp for confirmation.
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Water-Based Paints
Water-based paints use water as their primary solvent, making them generally less flammable than solvent-based options and often less restricted.
- Common examples: Acrylic paints, Latex paints, Interior wall paints
- Typical uses: Interior walls, DIY home refresh projects, Decorative finishes
- Shipping considerations: Eligibility still depends on ingredients and destination country regulations.
Oil-Based Paints
Oil-based paints use natural or synthetic oils as their binder, which increases flammability risk and may lead to stricter restrictions and DG handling requirements.
- Common examples: Enamel paints, Oil-based primers, Industrial coating paints
- Typical uses: Woodwork and trim, Metal surfaces, Heavy-duty applications
- Shipping considerations: More likely to face restrictions due to flammability.
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Artists’ Paints
Art paints may be water-based or oil-based. Oil-based options are more likely to fall under Dangerous Goods regulations due to flammability.
- Common examples: Acrylic paints (water-based), Oil paints (oil-based), Watercolours (water-based)
- Shipping considerations: Classification depends on the paint type and ingredients.
Spray & Airbrushing Paint
Spray and airbrush paints are often in pressurized aerosol cans, which may be regulated due to flammability and pressure hazards.
- Common uses: Automotive detailing, Art and custom designs, DIY spray finishes
- Shipping considerations: Aerosol products typically require additional compliance review.
Varnish
Varnish is often classified as Dangerous Goods because it may contain flammable solvents, which can make it more difficult to ship internationally.
- Common uses: Sealing wood furniture, Protecting flooring, DIY home projects
- Shipping considerations: May require special handling and can face country-specific import restrictions.
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Wood Stain
Wood stains are commonly flammable and may be regulated as Dangerous Goods, requiring carrier approval and additional labeling.
- Common uses: Upcycling wooden furniture, Deck staining, Cabinet refinishing
- Shipping considerations: May require special packaging, labeling, and compliance checks.
Paint Thinners
Paint thinners are highly flammable solvents used to dilute oil-based paint and clean tools, and are often strictly regulated for international shipping.
- Common uses: Cleaning paint brushes, Removing old paint, Thinning heavy paint formulas
- Shipping considerations: May be restricted or prohibited in some destinations.
We cannot ship Dangerous Goods from our UK facility. Please do not send these items to this location until further notice.
How to Ship Paint Internationally with MyUS
Shipping paint internationally—especially products containing flammable solvents—requires special handling and compliance. MyUS manages the entire Dangerous Goods process, from classification to compliant packaging, so your paint products are shipped safely and in accordance with international regulations.
- Shop from US retailers: Purchase paint, varnish, wood stain, spray paint, or paint thinners from your preferred US stores and ship them to your MyUS address.
- MyUS identifies regulated paint products: Our Trade Compliance Team reviews paint-related items to determine whether they qualify as Dangerous Goods based on ingredients and flammability.
- Proper packaging & labeling: We ensure shipments meet international transport regulations (HMR, ICAO, and IATA), including approved packaging for flammable liquids and required hazard labeling.
- Apply DG handling fees if required: Paint and solvent-based products may incur additional carrier or Dangerous Goods handling fees depending on the item and destination.
- Ship with confidence: MyUS partners with authorized carriers to safely transport eligible paint Dangerous Goods worldwide, with tracking and insurance options for added peace of mind.
⚠️ Tip: If you’re unsure whether your paint product qualifies as Dangerous Goods or is permitted in your destination country, contact MyUS Customer Service before shipping.
Important Notes About Shipping Paint & Flammable Liquids
- Extra handling may apply: Paint and finishing products may require special packaging, labeling, or carrier approval.
- Carrier surcharges: Flammable liquids and solvents may incur minimum Dangerous Goods fees depending on the carrier and destination.
- Confirm before you buy: MyUS specialists can verify eligibility and estimated costs before shipment.
Does My Country Allow Imports of Dangerous Goods?
Every country has its own import restrictions. Even if MyUS can ship an item, your destination country may block or confiscate it. We strongly recommend checking your local guidelines before initiating your shipment.
Explore Other Dangerous Goods Categories
MyUS can ship certain types of Dangerous Goods to specific countries. Our team ensures full compliance with the US Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) and their international counterparts (ICAO TI & IATA DGR), including proper documentation, labeling, and packaging.
Tap each card below to learn more about the item type and shipping eligibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Some paint products can be shipped internationally, but eligibility depends on their chemical composition and flammability. Water-based paints are often less restricted, while oil-based paints, varnishes, and paint thinners may require Dangerous Goods handling or may be restricted in certain countries.
Spray paint is typically regulated because it comes in pressurized aerosol cans and may contain flammable propellants. These items usually require additional compliance review and may face country-specific restrictions.
No. Water-based paints may not always qualify as Dangerous Goods, depending on their ingredients. However, oil-based paints, solvent-based finishes, varnishes, wood stains, and thinners are more likely to be classified as Dangerous Goods due to flammability.
Paint thinners and similar solvents are highly flammable and are often strictly regulated. Some destinations may prohibit these items entirely, while others may allow shipment with proper Dangerous Goods packaging and carrier approval.
Not all paint products are eligible. Water-based paints may be allowed in some cases, while oil-based paints, thinners, and varnishes are often classified as flammable liquids and may face stricter regulations or country restrictions. MyUS evaluates each item before export.
Ship Paint Worldwide with Confidence
From water-based paints and artist supplies to varnishes, wood stains, and paint thinners, many paint products require special handling for international shipping due to flammability and chemical regulations. MyUS ensures your paint and finishing products are properly classified, packaged, and shipped in full compliance with global transport regulations—so you can shop from US retailers and deliver them safely worldwide.