What is the packing list used for?

Before shipping the goods, the exporter creates a Packing List, which, together with a set of shipping documents, is sent to the consignee (importer) to organize customs clearance of the goods.

Freight forwarders, customs brokers and/or other supply chain partners will use the information on your packing list to correctly identify and transport your shipment.

Customs authorities in both the exporting and importing countries will also use the packing list to understand how the goods were packed and loaded.

Importers will use the packing list to identify products when unloading goods from containers.

What information is included in the packing list?

It is important that exporters include all information on the packing list template to avoid problems or delays when transporting goods through customs. Typically this information includes:

1. Information about the exporter – This includes basic company contact information including company name, logo, address, phone numbers. Please note that you can add any additional information here.
2. Consignee and Buyer (if not Consignee) – This includes basic company contact information, including company name, address, phone numbers.
3. Delivery details. Important shipping and logistics details are included to help the consignee, logistics companies, and customs brokers properly manage transportation, customs clearance, and final delivery of goods. Delivery details include:

• Shipping method: road, rail, air or sea transport.
• Type of transportation – FCL, LCL or other.
• Country of origin
• Country of final destination (where the goods are delivered to the final address)
• Name of the ship/aircraft
• Flight No
• Port of Loading (POL)
• Date of departure
• Port of Discharge (POD)
• Final destination (country)

4. Reference numbers and additional information. These sections provide reference numbers, dates and additional information:

• Export Delivery note number
• Date
• Bill of lading number (if known)
• Buyer reference number (usually the buyer’s purchase order number)
• Packaging Information

5. Information about the product and packaging. The exporter must provide details of exactly how the goods were packaged and loaded into the shipment. As mentioned above, packing lists can be designed in different ways, depending on how the goods are packaged and the type of shipment. Below are the packing details that you should include in the main section of your packing list template. This includes important information such as:

• Product code (unique product reference number)
• Description of goods
• Quantity of units (number of goods)
• Type and number of packages. For example, “Pallet x 12”
• Net weight (kg)
• Gross weight (kg)
• Dimensions with packaging (m3)

6. Signature of an authorized person. To complete the document, the shipper can add his signature information:

• Subscribed company
• Name of authorized person with signature
• Electronic signature
• Electronic company seal