The distinction generally turns on the concentration of aromatic compounds relative to the alcohol carrier. Perfumes (extrait) carry the highest concentration, followed by eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and eau de cologne. Importers should document the formulation concentration to support the declared classification, as misclassification between these grades is a common audit trigger.

The FDA treats perfumes and toilet waters as cosmetics under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Imported products must bear an ingredient declaration (INCI nomenclature), net quantity, and responsible-party contact information. Products making drug-like claims (e.g., 'reduces anxiety') may be reclassified as drugs, triggering a separate regulatory pathway. Consult a licensed customs broker or regulatory counsel to confirm admissibility before shipment.