What is a Packing List in Export?
A packing list export is a detailed
document that itemizes the contents of each package in a shipment, including
weights, dimensions, and a description of the goods. It helps ensure
transparency and accuracy in handling and transportation. Typically included
inside the package and sometimes attached externally, the packing list is
crucial for freight forwarders to calculate shipping costs and manage
logistics. It also aids customs authorities and receivers in verifying the
shipment, ensuring smooth clearance and delivery.
What are some other names for a packing list?
A packing list, also called a
shipping list, packing slip, bill of the parcel, unpacking note, delivery
docket, delivery list, customer receipt or manifest, is a document detailing
the contents, weights, and measurements of a shipment for logistics, customs,
and delivery purposes.
Who Demands Packing List?
A packing list is typically
demanded by freight forwarders, customs authorities, importers, and sometimes
warehouse staff or receivers. It helps freight forwarders calculate shipping
costs, assists customs officials with clearance procedures, and enables
importers or receivers to verify the shipment contents.
The packing list is required by
key players in the shipping process to ensure smooth operations. Freight
forwarders use it to determine freight charges and plan transportation
logistics. Customs officials rely on it to verify that the shipment complies with
regulations and matches the declared goods. Importers or buyers need it to
confirm that the received items match their order. Additionally, warehouse
personnel reference it to organize, store, and handle the goods efficiently
during transit or delivery.
Why is a packing list important when exporting goods from a given country?
A packing list is crucial when
exporting goods as it offers a comprehensive breakdown of the shipment’s
contents, facilitating proper handling and ensuring adherence to global trade
regulations. It helps customs officials verify the accuracy of the shipment for
clearance, allows freight forwarders to estimate shipping fees and manage
logistics, and enables the importer to check that the delivered items match
their order. By offering clarity and minimizing the chance of mistakes or
conflicts, the packing list ensures that goods are delivered efficiently,
correctly, and on time, while maintaining smooth international trade
operations.
Information to be Contained in the Packing List and Elements to be Considered?
The export packing list format
should contain the following essential information to ensure smooth handling
and compliance in international shipping;
·
Shipment date
- Contact details and addresses of both the shipper
and recipient
- A detailed description of the goods, including
type, quantity, and any other relevant specifications
- Weight and measurements of the entire shipment
- Packaging details, including the number of boxes,
pallets, or containers
- Any special instructions, such as handling,
storage, or temperature requirements
- The name and signature of the person responsible
for the shipment
For an effective export packing
list template, make sure to include all relevant details in a clear,
concise format, such as a table or spreadsheet. Always double-check the accuracy
of the information before attaching the foreign trade export packing
list to international shipments to ensure smooth processing.
General Information
· Title
of the document; It can be prepared both in Turkish and English separately, or
it can be prepared in both languages as one document.
· Consignor;
address, title, and contact information of exporting companies.
· Consignee;
the address, title, and contact information of the importing companies.
· Description
of the goods; should be consistent with the commercial invoice, also indicates
the qualification and HS code of the goods.
· Date;
indicates the date that the packing list was prepared.
· Delivery
term; is not a must but if it will be added, it should be consistent with the
commercial invoice.
· Country
of origin; The country of origin of the product should be included in the
packing list.
· Commercial
invoice number; although not mandatory, it may be preferred to link the
commercial invoice with the packing list.
· Commercial
invoice date; although not mandatory, it may be preferred to link the
commercial invoice with the packing list.
· Letter
of credit number; for payments with letter of credit, it should be added to the
packing list.
Information According to the
Transportation Vehicle
When preparing a packing list
according to the transportation vehicle, it's important to include details such
as the mode of transport (airline, seaway, highway), the identification of the
transportation vehicle (e.g., container number, flight number, truck or vessel
name), and the shipping route with origin and destination points. The list
should also specify the loading and unloading locations, how the cargo is
distributed within the vehicle or container, and any special environmental
conditions (e.g., temperature control for sensitive goods). Additionally,
include the vehicle's weight capacity, the cargo's weight and volume, and any
tracking information relevant to the transport vehicle to ensure safe handling,
compliance, and efficient tracking throughout the shipment's journey.
Seaway
· Place
of receipt; it indicates the place where the products will be delivered to the
carrier, if it is specified on the bill of lading, it can also be added to the
packing list.
· Port
of loading; it should also be added to the packing list as stated on the bill
of lading.
· Port
of discharge; it should also be added to the packing list as stated on the bill
of lading.
· Place
of delivery; if it is stated on the bill of lading, it can also be added to the
packing list.
· Vessel;
the name of the ship on which the products are loaded must be added to the
packing list.
· Voyage
no; It should also be added to the packing list as stated on the bill of
lading.
· Container
number; if the products are loaded in containers, the container number for each
container must be added to the packing list.
· Seal
number; if the products are loaded in containers, they should be added to the
packing list.
Airline
· Airport
of departure; it should also be added to the packing list as stated in the
airway transport document.
· Airport
of destination; it should also be included in the packing list as stated in the
airway transport document.
· Air
waybill number; it should be added to the packing list.
Highway
· Place
of taking over the goods; it must also be included in the packing list as
specified in the CMR transport document.
· Place
of delivery of goods; it must also be included in the packing list as specified
in the CMR transport document.
· Plate
number; the front and rear plate numbers of the trailer can be added to the
packing list.
Information According to Packaging
· Gross
weight; it shows the weight of the product and the packaging, the value of the
gross weight of the products should be added to the packing list export
document, as stated in the transport document and the commercial invoice.
· Net
weight; indicates the weight of the product, should be added to the packing
list.
· Number
and kinds of packages; the number of containers and the kind of the packaging
should be added to the packing list.
For a packing list shipping
example, you can refer to sample documents that show how to itemize the
contents and ensure that the necessary details are included. This example helps
guide exporters in making sure their packing lists meet all requirements for
smooth shipment and clearance.
Streamlining Shipments with TradeAtlas Data
TradeAtlas, with its comprehensive
database of importer and exporter information and shipment details, plays a
pivotal role in optimizing the export process. The packing list, when combined
with TradeAtlas data, ensures smooth coordination between exporters, freight
forwarders, and customs authorities. By providing detailed shipment
information—such as packaging, weights, and dimensions—along with data on
transport routes, vehicles, and delivery points, TradeAtlas helps exporters
streamline logistics, ensure compliance, and accurately calculate shipping
costs. This integrated approach minimizes errors, delays, and disputes,
improving the efficiency and transparency of global trade operations.
For detailed information on the
subject of documents used in foreign trade, you can review the content “What
Are The Documents Used in Foreign Trade?”.
