Starting a Perfume Business in the Philippines: Legal, Logistics, and Supplier Tips

by fragranceshop.ph | Jul 2, 2025 | Blog

The perfume industry in the Philippines has experienced steady growth in recent years, with local brands and resellers making their mark in both online and offline markets. As consumer preferences shift toward unique, affordable, and personalized fragrances, starting your own perfume business can be a lucrative venture—if done right.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential aspects of launching a perfume business in the Philippines, including legal registration, logistical considerations, and sourcing from trusted suppliers. Whether you’re starting small from home or planning to scale into retail, this article will help you navigate the journey with confidence.

1. Understanding the Market Opportunity

Filipinos love smelling good. From budget-friendly body mists to designer-inspired scents, there’s strong demand for fragrances across all market segments—especially in urban areas like Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Online platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and Facebook Marketplace have also lowered the barrier for entry, allowing even small-scale sellers to reach national audiences.

Key Trends Driving Growth:

• Affordable alternatives to luxury brands

• Refillable and eco-friendly packaging

• Personalized or “signature” scents

• Inspired and oil-based perfumes

• DIY perfume kits and white-label rebranding

Before diving into legal and operational steps, it’s important to define your business model: Will you resell branded perfumes? Create your own scent line? Offer customized blends? Your answer will shape every decision ahead.

2. Legal Requirements: Registration and Compliance

Starting any business in the Philippines requires compliance with local laws. Below are the key steps to legitimize your perfume business:

A. Business Registration

1. Choose a business structure
   • Sole Proprietorship (easiest and most common for small startups)

   • Partnership or Corporation (ideal if you have co-founders or investors)

2. Register with DTI or SEC
   • DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) for sole proprietors: https://bnrs.dti.gov.ph/

   • SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) for partnerships or corporations: https://www.sec.gov.ph/

3. Get your Business Permit from the City or Municipality
   Go to your local government unit (LGU) where your store or office will be located. You’ll need:
   • Barangay clearance

   • Mayor’s permit

   • Zoning clearance

4. Register with BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue)
   • Secure your TIN (Tax Identification Number)

   • Apply for an official BIR-printed receipt or authority to print your own

   • Register your books of accounts

B. FDA Notification

If you’re manufacturing or importing perfume products, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers them cosmetics. You must secure:

• Certificate of Product Notification (CPN)

• If you’re manufacturing, a License to Operate (LTO) as a cosmetic manufacturer

More details: https://www.fda.gov.ph

C. Intellectual Property

If you’re building your own brand, consider trademarking your brand name and logo via the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to protect your brand identity.

3. Logistics: Packaging, Storage, and Delivery

After legal registration, logistics becomes the next critical area of focus. Perfume—especially those in glass bottles or oil-based blends—requires careful storage and transport.

A. Sourcing Packaging Materials

Packaging plays a major role in your brand’s appeal. In the Philippines, many local suppliers now offer:

• Glass perfume bottles (crimp or spray types)

• Bamboo caps and metallic covers

• Roll-ons, tester vials, and sample sprays

• Custom labels and boxes

Pro Tip: Start with low minimum order quantity (MOQ) suppliers to test the market without huge capital.

B. Storage Guidelines

• Avoid direct sunlight to preserve fragrance quality

• Cool, dry storage areas are ideal

• Label every batch properly to ensure inventory and expiration tracking

C. Delivery Options

Whether selling online or via retail, reliable shipping partners are essential. Popular options include:

• J&T Express, LBC, Ninja Van, and Flash Express

• Use GrabExpress or Lalamove for same-day Metro Manila deliveries

• For regional orders, bundle packaging securely with bubble wrap or foam fillers

If you’re shipping alcohol-based perfumes, check courier restrictions—some require special declarations due to flammability.

4. Sourcing Suppliers: Raw Materials and Fragrance Oils

Finding high-quality, reliable perfume suppliers is crucial. Your supplier affects your product’s longevity, projection, and safety.

A. Where to Find Local Suppliers

• Divisoria and Binondo, Manila – large selection of packaging materials and fragrance bottles at wholesale prices

• Online B2B platforms – such as fragranceshop.ph which offers raw materials and perfume rebranding services

• Facebook groups and Shopee resellers – useful for small-volume orders or samples

B. What to Look for in a Supplier

• Product quality and scent retention

• Transparent pricing and MOQ terms

• Availability of Certificates of Analysis (COA) or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

• Customer support and delivery timelines

• Customization services for branding

C. Sample List of Raw Materials

• Fragrance oils (inspired by designer scents or original blends)

• DPG (Dipropylene Glycol) or Ethanol base

• Fixatives (to help scent last longer)

• Essential oils (for natural-based lines)

• Glass bottles, atomizers, and caps

• Branded labels and packaging

Tip: Test each scent on both paper and skin before finalizing. Some oils react differently with body chemistry.

5. Capital, Cost Breakdown, and Pricing Strategy

You don’t need millions to get started. A home-based perfume business can begin with as little as ₱5,000–₱20,000, depending on your initial inventory and packaging quality.

A. Sample Capital Breakdown for a Starter Kit

B. Suggested Retail Price (SRP)

• 10ml roll-on: ₱80–₱120

• 30ml spray: ₱150–₱250

• 50ml spray: ₱250–₱400

Pricing varies based on branding, packaging aesthetics, and fragrance longevity.

6. Marketing and Selling Online

With platforms like TikTok Shop, Facebook Live, Shopee, and Lazada, there’s no excuse not to start selling online—even without a physical store.

A. Build Your Brand Identity

• Create a compelling logo and scent story

• Offer sample kits or “pabango bundles”

• Engage in local perfume communities and social media groups

• Collect real user reviews and testimonials

B. Leverage Social Media

• Use trending hashtags like #PabangoPH, #PerfumeSupplierPH, #FragranceForLess

• Run giveaways and use TikTok challenges to go viral

• Share behind-the-scenes content like bottle filling, label printing, or scent blending

C. Consider Reseller and Affiliate Programs

Scaling fast? Offer bulk discounts or reseller kits for aspiring perfume sellers. Provide marketing assets they can use, and consider commission-based incentives.

7. Final Tips Before Launch

• Test, refine, and rebrand if needed. Don’t rush to scale until you’ve received positive market feedback.

• Start small but think big. Focus on a few core fragrances that represent your brand well.

• Comply with labeling laws. Include ingredients, volume, production date, and expiry where needed.

• Document your formulas. If you’re blending scents, maintain consistency across batches.

• Treat every customer as a reviewer. Early feedback can make or break your brand’s reputation.

Conclusion

Starting a perfume business in the Philippines is not only feasible—it’s full of potential. By carefully managing your legal obligations, choosing the right logistics partners, and sourcing high-quality raw materials from trusted suppliers like FragranceShop.ph, you can build a brand that resonates with Filipino consumers.

Whether you’re planning to resell inspired scents, build your own unique perfume line, or offer rebranding services to others, the fragrance industry is wide open for passionate entrepreneurs.

So go ahead—blend your dreams into a bottle and make your mark in the thriving world of Philippine perfumery.

The Ultimate Guide to Perfume Rebranding in the Philippines

by fragranceshop.ph | Jun 24, 2025 | Blog

How to Successfully Launch a Rebranded Perfume: Tips from Industry Experts

by fragranceshop.ph | Jun 25, 2024 | Blog

The perfume industry is a unique blend of art and science, where creativity meets meticulous craftsmanship. Rebranding a perfume is a delicate process that requires a deep understanding of both the product and the market. As a perfumery expert, I’ve seen numerous rebranding efforts succeed and fail. Here, I share comprehensive insights and tips from industry experts on how to successfully launch a rebranded perfume.

Understanding the Need for Rebranding

Rebranding a perfume can be driven by various factors:

• Market Evolution: Consumer preferences change over time. A scent that was popular a decade ago might not appeal to today’s audience.
• Company Vision: Brands evolve, and their products need to reflect this evolution.
• Competitive Landscape: New competitors and trends can make an older brand feel outdated.
• Sales Performance: If a perfume isn’t performing well, rebranding might be a strategy to revive its fortunes.

Steps to Successfully Launch a Rebranded Perfume

1. Conduct Comprehensive Market Research

   • Consumer Insights: Understand the current preferences and trends in the fragrance market. Use surveys, focus groups, and social media analysis to gather data.
   • Competitive Analysis: Study successful rebranding efforts by competitors. Identify what worked and what didn’t.
   • Brand Audit: Evaluate your brand’s current perception in the market. Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

2. Define Your Rebranding Objectives

   • Clear Goals: Establish clear, measurable objectives for the rebrand. Are you aiming to reach a new demographic? Increase sales? Improve brand perception?
   • Brand Story: Develop a compelling brand story that aligns with your objectives. This story should resonate with your target audience and reflect your brand’s values.

3. Revise the Fragrance Profile

   • Consult Perfumers: Work closely with expert perfumers to tweak or completely revamp the fragrance. Ensure it aligns with current trends while maintaining a unique identity.
   • Consumer Testing: Conduct blind tests with a segment of your target audience to gauge their reaction to the new scent. Use their feedback to refine the fragrance.

4. Redesign the Packaging

• • Visual Appeal: Modernize the packaging to reflect the new brand identity. This includes the bottle design, label, and outer packaging.
  • Functionality: Ensure the packaging is user-friendly and practical.
  • Sustainability: Consider eco-friendly materials to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

5. Develop a Strategic Marketing Plan

• • Launch Campaign: Plan a multi-channel launch campaign that creates buzz around the rebrand. Utilize social media, traditional media, and influencer partnerships.
  • Storytelling: Use compelling storytelling to convey the rebrand’s narrative. Highlight the reasons for the rebrand and what consumers can expect.
  • Sampling: Distribute samples through various channels to allow potential customers to experience the new fragrance firsthand.

6. Engage with Your Audience

• • Social Media: Leverage social media platforms to engage with your audience. Use interactive content like polls, Q&A sessions, and behind-the-scenes footage to build excitement.
  • Influencers and Ambassadors: Partner with influencers and brand ambassadors who align with your brand values. Their endorsement can significantly boost your reach and credibility.
  • Customer Feedback: Encourage and listen to customer feedback post-launch. This will help you make necessary adjustments and demonstrate that you value their input.

7. Monitor and Measure Success

• • Sales Metrics: Track sales performance before and after the rebrand to measure its impact.
  • Brand Perception: Use surveys and social listening tools to assess changes in brand perception.
  • Market Share: Analyze market share changes to determine if you’re successfully capturing your target audience.

Expert Tips for a Successful Rebrand

1. Maintain Authenticity
   • While rebranding, it’s crucial to stay true to your brand’s core values. Authenticity resonates with consumers and builds long-term loyalty.
2. Innovate Thoughtfully
   • Innovation should enhance the brand, not alienate existing customers. Introduce changes gradually and ensure they align with consumer expectations.
3. Communicate Transparently
   • Be transparent about why you’re rebranding. Consumers appreciate honesty and are more likely to support a brand that communicates openly.
4. Leverage Heritage
   • If your brand has a rich history, use it to your advantage. Highlighting your heritage can create a sense of trust and continuity amidst the changes.
5. Invest in Quality
   • Quality should never be compromised. Whether it’s the fragrance itself, the packaging, or the marketing materials, ensure everything reflects high standards.
6. Stay Agile
   • The market is dynamic, and consumer preferences can shift quickly. Stay agile and be ready to adapt your strategies based on real-time feedback and market trends.

Case Study: A Successful Perfume Rebrand

To illustrate these tips, let’s look at a real-world example: the rebranding of “Old Classic” by Luxe Fragrances.

Background: “Old Classic” was a popular perfume in the 1990s but had seen declining sales in recent years. Luxe Fragrances decided to rebrand it to appeal to modern consumers.

Rebranding Process:

• Market Research: Luxe Fragrances conducted extensive market research to understand contemporary fragrance trends and consumer preferences.
• Fragrance Update: The perfume was reformulated to include more modern notes while retaining a hint of its original scent to maintain brand continuity.
• Packaging Redesign: The bottle and packaging were redesigned to be sleek and minimalist, appealing to current aesthetic trends.
• Marketing Campaign: A robust marketing campaign was launched, featuring social media influencers and a series of storytelling ads that highlighted the brand’s heritage and the journey of the rebrand.

Results:

• Sales: The rebranded “Old Classic” saw a 50% increase in sales within the first six months of the launch.
• Brand Perception: Surveys indicated a significant improvement in brand perception, particularly among younger consumers.
• Market Share: Luxe Fragrances regained market share in the competitive fragrance market, establishing “Old Classic” as a modern favorite.

Conclusion

Rebranding a perfume is a complex but rewarding process. By understanding the market, setting clear objectives, revising the fragrance profile, redesigning packaging, developing a strategic marketing plan, and engaging with your audience, you can successfully launch a rebranded perfume. The key is to balance innovation with authenticity, ensuring that your rebrand resonates with both new and existing customers. With these expert tips and strategies, you can navigate the challenges of rebranding and achieve lasting success in the dynamic perfume industry.

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