A Packing List is a document issued by the seller in international trade that details the packaging conditions, contents, weight, and volume of each shipment. It supplements the commercial invoice, and its core function is to enable the consignee, carrier, customs, and other parties to accurately understand the packaging details of the goods, facilitating verification of goods, arrangement of transportation, customs clearance, and warehousing and distribution. A packing list does not record the value of the goods, but it must be consistent with the information in the invoice, bill of lading, and other documents. It is one of the indispensable documents in customs declaration, shipment, and settlement processes.
A Packing List is a document issued by the seller in international trade that details the packaging conditions, contents, weight, and volume of each shipment. It supplements the commercial invoice, and its core function is to enable the consignee, carrier, customs, and other parties to accurately understand the packaging details of the goods, facilitating verification of goods, arrangement of transportation, customs clearance, and warehousing and distribution. A packing list does not record the value of the goods, but it must be consistent with the information in the invoice, bill of lading, and other documents. It is one of the indispensable documents in customs declaration, shipment, and settlement processes.
🎯 Purpose
The main function of a packing list is to provide detailed data on the packaging of goods for the buyer to verify the goods, the carrier to calculate freight, customs to inspect and release, insurance companies to assess risks, and banks to review documents. It is used by multiple parties including exporters, importers, freight forwarders, shipping companies, customs, banks, and insurance companies. A packing list is required in export customs declaration, import customs clearance, letter of credit negotiation, cargo transportation, and warehousing and distribution. It is a fundamental and critical document in international trade.
The main function of a packing list is to provide detailed data on the packaging of goods for the buyer to verify the goods, the carrier to calculate freight, customs to inspect and release, insurance companies to assess risks, and banks to review documents. It is used by multiple parties including exporters, importers, freight forwarders, shipping companies, customs, banks, and insurance companies. A packing list is required in export customs declaration, import customs clearance, letter of credit negotiation, cargo transportation, and warehousing and distribution. It is a fundamental and critical document in international trade.
📋 Key Fields
Packing List No.: Fill in the unique number assigned by the exporter, usually consistent with or linked to the invoice number, for easy document verification and archiving.. 常见错误: The number is inconsistent with the invoice number or reused, causing document confusion. Date: Fill in the date of issuance of the packing list, generally the same as or slightly later than the invoice date, but not earlier than the contract date.. 常见错误: The date is earlier than the contract or later than the bill of lading date, causing logical contradictions. Seller/Exporter: Fill in the exporter's full name, address, and contact information, which must be consistent with the invoice and contract.. 常见错误: Abbreviated name or incomplete address, inconsistent with the invoice. Buyer/Importer: Fill in the importer's full name, address, and contact information, which must be consistent with the invoice and contract.. 常见错误: The buyer's name is inconsistent with the letter of credit or contract, causing customs clearance obstruction. Invoice No.: Fill in the corresponding commercial invoice number for easy cross-reference and verification.. 常见错误: Incorrect or missing invoice number, causing document mismatch. Contract No.: Fill in the trade contract number for tracing the transaction background.. 常见错误: Missing contract number or inconsistent with the actual contract. Shipping Marks: Fill in the marks on the outer packaging of the goods, including consignee code, port of destination, package number, etc., which must be consistent with the bill of lading.. 常见错误: The marks are inconsistent with the bill of lading or the actual goods, causing the consignee to be unable to identify the goods. Description of Goods: Fill in the name, specifications, model, etc. of the goods, which must be strictly consistent with the invoice and letter of credit.. 常见错误: The description is too general or inconsistent with the invoice, which may be questioned by customs. Quantity: Fill in the number of pieces, boxes, or pallets of the goods, which must be consistent with the invoice and actual shipment.. 常见错误: The unit of quantity is unclear or contradicts the invoice quantity. Gross Weight: Fill in the gross weight of each package and the total gross weight, usually in kilograms.. 常见错误: Incorrect calculation of gross weight or unit confusion (e.g., pounds and kilograms). Net Weight: Fill in the net weight of the goods in each package and the total net weight, which must be consistent with the invoice weight.. 常见错误: Net weight greater than gross weight or inconsistent with the invoice. Measurement: Fill in the length, width, height of each package and the total volume, usually in cubic meters.. 常见错误: Incorrect volume calculation or inconsistent units, affecting freight calculation. Package Type: Fill in the packaging materials and methods, such as cartons, wooden boxes, pallets, etc., which must meet transportation requirements.. 常见错误: Unclear description of package type or inconsistent with actual. Country of Origin: Fill in the country of origin of the goods, which must be consistent with the invoice and certificate of origin.. 常见错误: Incorrect or missing country of origin, affecting tariff preferences. Remarks: Fill in special instructions, such as additional information required by the letter of credit, special handling of packaging, etc.. 常见错误: Omission of remarks required by the letter of credit, resulting in discrepancies.
Packing List No.
Fill in the unique number assigned by the exporter, usually consistent with or linked to the invoice number, for easy document verification and archiving.
⚠️ The number is inconsistent with the invoice number or reused, causing document confusion.
Date
Fill in the date of issuance of the packing list, generally the same as or slightly later than the invoice date, but not earlier than the contract date.
⚠️ The date is earlier than the contract or later than the bill of lading date, causing logical contradictions.
Seller/Exporter
Fill in the exporter's full name, address, and contact information, which must be consistent with the invoice and contract.
⚠️ Abbreviated name or incomplete address, inconsistent with the invoice.
Buyer/Importer
Fill in the importer's full name, address, and contact information, which must be consistent with the invoice and contract.
⚠️ The buyer's name is inconsistent with the letter of credit or contract, causing customs clearance obstruction.
Invoice No.
Fill in the corresponding commercial invoice number for easy cross-reference and verification.
⚠️ Incorrect or missing invoice number, causing document mismatch.
Contract No.
Fill in the trade contract number for tracing the transaction background.
⚠️ Missing contract number or inconsistent with the actual contract.
Shipping Marks
Fill in the marks on the outer packaging of the goods, including consignee code, port of destination, package number, etc., which must be consistent with the bill of lading.
⚠️ The marks are inconsistent with the bill of lading or the actual goods, causing the consignee to be unable to identify the goods.
Description of Goods
Fill in the name, specifications, model, etc. of the goods, which must be strictly consistent with the invoice and letter of credit.
⚠️ The description is too general or inconsistent with the invoice, which may be questioned by customs.
Quantity
Fill in the number of pieces, boxes, or pallets of the goods, which must be consistent with the invoice and actual shipment.
⚠️ The unit of quantity is unclear or contradicts the invoice quantity.
Gross Weight
Fill in the gross weight of each package and the total gross weight, usually in kilograms.
⚠️ Incorrect calculation of gross weight or unit confusion (e.g., pounds and kilograms).
Net Weight
Fill in the net weight of the goods in each package and the total net weight, which must be consistent with the invoice weight.
⚠️ Net weight greater than gross weight or inconsistent with the invoice.
Measurement
Fill in the length, width, height of each package and the total volume, usually in cubic meters.
⚠️ Incorrect volume calculation or inconsistent units, affecting freight calculation.
Package Type
Fill in the packaging materials and methods, such as cartons, wooden boxes, pallets, etc., which must meet transportation requirements.
⚠️ Unclear description of package type or inconsistent with actual.
Country of Origin
Fill in the country of origin of the goods, which must be consistent with the invoice and certificate of origin.
⚠️ Incorrect or missing country of origin, affecting tariff preferences.
Remarks
Fill in special instructions, such as additional information required by the letter of credit, special handling of packaging, etc.
⚠️ Omission of remarks required by the letter of credit, resulting in discrepancies.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Packing list information is inconsistent with the invoice and bill of lading, such as quantity, weight, marks, etc., resulting in customs inspection failure or bank refusal. Incorrect calculation of gross weight, net weight, volume, or inconsistent units, affecting freight calculation and space arrangement. Omission of specific statements or remarks required by the letter of credit, such as 'packed on pallets', causing discrepancies. The description of goods is too simple or inconsistent with the actual goods, which may be deemed as false declaration by customs. Failure to provide a packing list in a specific language or format as required by the importing country, causing customs clearance delays. The packing list number is not linked to the invoice number, causing document confusion and affecting archiving and querying. Failure to update the packing list date in time, making it later than the bill of lading date, causing logical contradictions. For multiple shipments, failure to issue separate packing lists or clearly list the details of each batch.
⚠️ Packing list information is inconsistent with the invoice and bill of lading, such as quantity, weight, marks, etc., resulting in customs inspection failure or bank refusal.
⚠️ Incorrect calculation of gross weight, net weight, volume, or inconsistent units, affecting freight calculation and space arrangement.
⚠️ Omission of specific statements or remarks required by the letter of credit, such as 'packed on pallets', causing discrepancies.
⚠️ The description of goods is too simple or inconsistent with the actual goods, which may be deemed as false declaration by customs.
⚠️ Failure to provide a packing list in a specific language or format as required by the importing country, causing customs clearance delays.
⚠️ The packing list number is not linked to the invoice number, causing document confusion and affecting archiving and querying.
⚠️ Failure to update the packing list date in time, making it later than the bill of lading date, causing logical contradictions.
⚠️ For multiple shipments, failure to issue separate packing lists or clearly list the details of each batch.
🌍 Country Requirements
United States: U.S. Customs requires that the packing list must detail the contents, weight, and dimensions of each package and be consistent with the commercial invoice. For wooden packaging, fumigation certificates or ISPM 15 compliance are required. The packing list must be in English and indicate the country of origin. Specific format requirements are subject to the latest U.S. Customs announcements. European Union: The EU requires that packing list information be accurate and complete, and consistent with the invoice and customs declaration. For special goods such as food and pharmaceuticals, additional declarations complying with EU regulations are required. Wooden packaging must comply with ISPM 15 standards. The packing list must be in an official EU language or English. Specific regulations are subject to the latest EU customs announcements. Japan: Japanese Customs requires that the packing list detail the name, quantity, package type, gross weight, net weight, and volume of the goods, and be consistent with the invoice. For food, agricultural products, etc., certificates complying with Japanese quarantine requirements are required. The packing list must be in Japanese or English. Specific regulations are subject to the latest Japanese Customs announcements. South Korea: Korean Customs requires that the packing list must be consistent with the invoice and bill of lading information and detail the packaging details of each package. For imported food, cosmetics, etc., Korean labels and additional certificates are required. Wooden packaging must comply with ISPM 15 standards. Specific regulations are subject to the latest Korean Customs announcements. Middle East (Saudi Arabia/UAE): Saudi and UAE customs require that the packing list be in Arabic or English and consistent with the invoice. For specific goods, certificates complying with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) standards are required. Wooden packaging must comply with ISPM 15 standards. Specific regulations are subject to the latest local customs announcements. Brazil: Brazilian Customs requires that the packing list must detail the name, quantity, gross weight, net weight, and volume of the goods, and be consistent with the invoice. For imported goods, Portuguese labels and declarations complying with Brazilian regulations are required. Wooden packaging must comply with ISPM 15 standards. Specific regulations are subject to the latest Brazilian Customs announcements. India: Indian Customs requires that the packing list be consistent with the invoice and bill of lading and detail the packaging details. For specific goods, certificates complying with Indian standards are required. Wooden packaging must comply with ISPM 15 standards. The packing list must be in English. Specific regulations are subject to the latest Indian Customs announcements. Russia: Russian Customs requires that the packing list be in Russian or English and consistent with the invoice. For imported goods, declarations and certificates complying with Russian regulations are required. Wooden packaging must comply with ISPM 15 standards. Specific regulations are subject to the latest Russian Customs announcements.
United States
U.S. Customs requires that the packing list must detail the contents, weight, and dimensions of each package and be consistent with the commercial invoice. For wooden packaging, fumigation certificates or ISPM 15 compliance are required. The packing list must be in English and indicate the country of origin. Specific format requirements are subject to the latest U.S. Customs announcements.
European Union
The EU requires that packing list information be accurate and complete, and consistent with the invoice and customs declaration. For special goods such as food and pharmaceuticals, additional declarations complying with EU regulations are required. Wooden packaging must comply with ISPM 15 standards. The packing list must be in an official EU language or English. Specific regulations are subject to the latest EU customs announcements.
Japan
Japanese Customs requires that the packing list detail the name, quantity, package type, gross weight, net weight, and volume of the goods, and be consistent with the invoice. For food, agricultural products, etc., certificates complying with Japanese quarantine requirements are required. The packing list must be in Japanese or English. Specific regulations are subject to the latest Japanese Customs announcements.
South Korea
Korean Customs requires that the packing list must be consistent with the invoice and bill of lading information and detail the packaging details of each package. For imported food, cosmetics, etc., Korean labels and additional certificates are required. Wooden packaging must comply with ISPM 15 standards. Specific regulations are subject to the latest Korean Customs announcements.
Middle East (Saudi Arabia/UAE)
Saudi and UAE customs require that the packing list be in Arabic or English and consistent with the invoice. For specific goods, certificates complying with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) standards are required. Wooden packaging must comply with ISPM 15 standards. Specific regulations are subject to the latest local customs announcements.
Brazil
Brazilian Customs requires that the packing list must detail the name, quantity, gross weight, net weight, and volume of the goods, and be consistent with the invoice. For imported goods, Portuguese labels and declarations complying with Brazilian regulations are required. Wooden packaging must comply with ISPM 15 standards. Specific regulations are subject to the latest Brazilian Customs announcements.
India
Indian Customs requires that the packing list be consistent with the invoice and bill of lading and detail the packaging details. For specific goods, certificates complying with Indian standards are required. Wooden packaging must comply with ISPM 15 standards. The packing list must be in English. Specific regulations are subject to the latest Indian Customs announcements.
Russia
Russian Customs requires that the packing list be in Russian or English and consistent with the invoice. For imported goods, declarations and certificates complying with Russian regulations are required. Wooden packaging must comply with ISPM 15 standards. Specific regulations are subject to the latest Russian Customs announcements.
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between a packing list and a commercial invoice?: A packing list mainly lists the packaging details of the goods, such as quantity, weight, volume, etc., and does not show the value of the goods; a commercial invoice lists the value, unit price, total price, etc., and is the core document for settlement and customs declaration. Both need to be consistent in information, but their functions are different. Does a packing list need to show the value of the goods?: Usually not. The core of a packing list is packaging details, and value information is reflected in the commercial invoice. However, if required by the letter of credit or the importing country, it must be shown according to specific requirements. How are gross weight and net weight calculated on a packing list?: Gross weight is the total weight of the goods plus packaging, and net weight is the weight of the goods themselves. The gross weight and net weight of each package must be calculated separately and summarized. The unit is usually kilograms. Does a packing list need to be signed and stamped?: Generally, it needs to be signed and stamped by the exporter to confirm the authenticity of the information. If required by the letter of credit, it must be signed in the specified manner. Electronic packing lists may require digital signatures. What are the consequences if the packing list information is inconsistent with the invoice?: It may lead to customs inspection failure, customs clearance delays, bank refusal, or buyer rejection. It is essential to ensure that all document information is consistent. What should be done if the letter of credit requires the packing list to show a specific statement but it is omitted?: It may constitute a discrepancy and lead to bank refusal. Immediately contact the buyer to amend the letter of credit or reissue a compliant packing list. Does a packing list need to show the country of origin?: Usually yes, especially for goods enjoying tariff preferences. The country of origin must be consistent with the invoice and certificate of origin. How should a packing list be handled for multiple shipments?: Each batch should have a separate packing list, or the details of each batch should be clearly listed in one packing list with batch numbers for verification.
Q: What is the difference between a packing list and a commercial invoice?
A: A packing list mainly lists the packaging details of the goods, such as quantity, weight, volume, etc., and does not show the value of the goods; a commercial invoice lists the value, unit price, total price, etc., and is the core document for settlement and customs declaration. Both need to be consistent in information, but their functions are different.
Q: Does a packing list need to show the value of the goods?
A: Usually not. The core of a packing list is packaging details, and value information is reflected in the commercial invoice. However, if required by the letter of credit or the importing country, it must be shown according to specific requirements.
Q: How are gross weight and net weight calculated on a packing list?
A: Gross weight is the total weight of the goods plus packaging, and net weight is the weight of the goods themselves. The gross weight and net weight of each package must be calculated separately and summarized. The unit is usually kilograms.
Q: Does a packing list need to be signed and stamped?
A: Generally, it needs to be signed and stamped by the exporter to confirm the authenticity of the information. If required by the letter of credit, it must be signed in the specified manner. Electronic packing lists may require digital signatures.
Q: What are the consequences if the packing list information is inconsistent with the invoice?
A: It may lead to customs inspection failure, customs clearance delays, bank refusal, or buyer rejection. It is essential to ensure that all document information is consistent.
Q: What should be done if the letter of credit requires the packing list to show a specific statement but it is omitted?
A: It may constitute a discrepancy and lead to bank refusal. Immediately contact the buyer to amend the letter of credit or reissue a compliant packing list.
Q: Does a packing list need to show the country of origin?
A: Usually yes, especially for goods enjoying tariff preferences. The country of origin must be consistent with the invoice and certificate of origin.
Q: How should a packing list be handled for multiple shipments?
A: Each batch should have a separate packing list, or the details of each batch should be clearly listed in one packing list with batch numbers for verification.
📝 Sample
[Packing List - Complete Filling Example]
Packing List No.: PL-2026-0915-A
Date: 2026-09-15
Seller/Exporter: Ningbo Sunrise Import & Export Co., Ltd.
Address: No. 88 Zhongshan East Road, Yinzhou District, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
Contact Person: Ms. Lily Chen
Tel: +86-574-8888-6677
Email: lily.chen@sunrise-trade.cn
Buyer/Importer: EuroHome Trading GmbH
Address: Industriestrasse 45, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Contact Person: Mr. Thomas Weber
Tel: +49-69-1234-5678
Email: purchase@eurohome-trading.de
Invoice No.: INV-2026-0915-A
Contract No.: SH-EH-2026-078
Shipping Marks:
EUROHOME
FRANKFURT
C/NO. 1-120
MADE IN CHINA
Description of Goods:
1. Stainless Steel Vacuum Flask, Model SF-500, 500ml, silver color, 60 boxes
2. Stainless Steel Vacuum Flask, Model SF-750, 750ml, matte black, 40 boxes
3. Bamboo Lid Coffee Mug, Model BM-350, 350ml, 20 boxes
Quantity:
SF-500: 60 boxes × 24 pcs = 1,440 pcs
SF-750: 40 boxes × 18 pcs = 720 pcs
BM-350: 20 boxes × 36 pcs = 720 pcs
Total: 120 boxes, 2,880 pcs
Gross Weight:
SF-500: 12.50 kg per box, total 750.00 kg
SF-750: 14.80 kg per box, total 592.00 kg
BM-350: 9.60 kg per box, total 192.00 kg
Total Gross Weight: 1,534.00 kg
Net Weight:
SF-500: 11.20 kg per box, total 672.00 kg
SF-750: 13.30 kg per box, total 532.00 kg
BM-350: 8.40 kg per box, total 168.00 kg
Total Net Weight: 1,372.00 kg
Measurement:
SF-500: 0.060 CBM per box, total 3.600 CBM
SF-750: 0.068 CBM per box, total 2.720 CBM
BM-350: 0.052 CBM per box, total 1.040 CBM
Total Volume: 7.360 CBM
Package Type: Export standard five-ply corrugated cartons with shock-absorbing foam lining; full container shipment, cartons palletized and loaded into 1×20GP container.
Country of Origin: China
Remarks:
1. The quantity, weight and volume listed in this Packing List shall be consistent with Invoice INV-2026-0915-A.
2. The Letter of Credit requires showing Lot No.: LOT NO. SF20260815.
3. Container No.: TCLU1234567; Seal No.: CN889900.
4. The goods do not contain wood packaging and comply with the phytosanitary requirements of the importing country.
The above is for reference only. Actual completion shall be subject to the Letter of Credit/Contract/requirements of the importing country.
[Packing List - Complete Filling Example]
Packing List No.: PL-2026-0915-A
Date: 2026-09-15
Seller/Exporter: Ningbo Sunrise Import & Export Co., Ltd.
Address: No. 88 Zhongshan East Road, Yinzhou District, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
Contact Person: Ms. Lily Chen
Tel: +86-574-8888-6677
Email: lily.chen@sunrise-trade.cn
Buyer/Importer: EuroHome Trading GmbH
Address: Industriestrasse 45, 60313 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Contact Person: Mr. Thomas Weber
Tel: +49-69-1234-5678
Email: purchase@eurohome-trading.de
Invoice No.: INV-2026-0915-A
Contract No.: SH-EH-2026-078
Shipping Marks:
EUROHOME
FRANKFURT
C/NO. 1-120
MADE IN CHINA
Description of Goods:
1. Stainless Steel Vacuum Flask, Model SF-500, 500ml, silver color, 60 boxes
2. Stainless Steel Vacuum Flask, Model SF-750, 750ml, matte black, 40 boxes
3. Bamboo Lid Coffee Mug, Model BM-350, 350ml, 20 boxes
Quantity:
SF-500: 60 boxes × 24 pcs = 1,440 pcs
SF-750: 40 boxes × 18 pcs = 720 pcs
BM-350: 20 boxes × 36 pcs = 720 pcs
Total: 120 boxes, 2,880 pcs
Gross Weight:
SF-500: 12.50 kg per box, total 750.00 kg
SF-750: 14.80 kg per box, total 592.00 kg
BM-350: 9.60 kg per box, total 192.00 kg
Total Gross Weight: 1,534.00 kg
Net Weight:
SF-500: 11.20 kg per box, total 672.00 kg
SF-750: 13.30 kg per box, total 532.00 kg
BM-350: 8.40 kg per box, total 168.00 kg
Total Net Weight: 1,372.00 kg
Measurement:
SF-500: 0.060 CBM per box, total 3.600 CBM
SF-750: 0.068 CBM per box, total 2.720 CBM
BM-350: 0.052 CBM per box, total 1.040 CBM
Total Volume: 7.360 CBM
Package Type: Export standard five-ply corrugated cartons with shock-absorbing foam lining; full container shipment, cartons palletized and loaded into 1×20GP container.
Country of Origin: China
Remarks:
1. The quantity, weight and volume listed in this Packing List shall be consistent with Invoice INV-2026-0915-A.
2. The Letter of Credit requires showing Lot No.: LOT NO. SF20260815.
3. Container No.: TCLU1234567; Seal No.: CN889900.
4. The goods do not contain wood packaging and comply with the phytosanitary requirements of the importing country.
The above is for reference only. Actual completion shall be subject to the Letter of Credit/Contract/requirements of the importing country.
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⚠️ This page is for reference only. Customs regulations may change; please refer to the latest announcement of local customs brokers or customs authorities.