Packing list

The packing list describes how the goods are packed inside the container: how many packages, what each contains and what it weighs. Customs, the freight forwarder and the importer use it to receive and check the cargo.

What to include

For a fresh produce export container, it usually includes:

Container and seal numbers.
Number of boxes and pallets, and boxes per pallet.
Product, variety, size or pack for each line.
Net and gross weight per line and in total.
Package marks and, where relevant, lot or traceability codes.

Packing list vs. commercial invoice

The commercial invoice is about money: prices, payment terms and Incoterm. The packing list is about the physical cargo: packages, weights and packaging. Both must match on quantities and descriptions, and both must match the bill of lading.

Common mistakes

Weight or quantity mismatches lead to inspections and claims:

Total weights that differ from the bill of lading.
A box count that does not match the invoice.
Sending the draft instead of the final version after the container is closed.

How ContainerDocs helps

When you upload a new version of a packing list, ContainerDocs keeps the previous one in the history and always sends the current one, so customers never receive a draft.

General information. Requirements change by country, product and trade agreement; confirm them with your customer or customs broker.