International Express Packaging Standards(No-Cost)

EZPick International Express Packaging Standards(No-Cost)

Comprehensive guide to ensure safe transportation and efficient customs clearance

I

General Packaging Requirements

1. Basic Principles

  • Sturdiness and Sealing: Packaging must be intact, lightweight, and shatter-proof to ensure contents do not leak or scatter during transport; internal padding materials (such as paper scraps) must not be exposed.
  • Adaptability: Packaging shape should match the nature and weight of the goods, facilitating loading/unloading and stacking. Avoid using deformed, damaged, or damp boxes.
  • Standardization: Cylindrical or other irregularly shaped packaging is prohibited (prone to rolling). Cartons must be reinforced with wide adhesive tape - rope binding is not allowed.

2. Size Specifications

  • Minimum Size: Extra small items (e.g. samples) need an outer box with L+W+H ≥40cm, smallest side ≥5cm.
  • Oversized Item Handling: Items >330cm in length or >68kg in weight require advance booking; items over 68kg must use wooden crates with 9cm pallets (raw wood requires fumigation certificate).

3. Filling and Void Control

  • Weight-based Packages: For void ≤3cm on any side, use fillers (e.g. bubble wrap) for fixation; >3cm requires box cutting.
  • Volumetric Weight Packages: Maximize space compression (fold bag-type packaging, cut boxes) to avoid shaking caused by voids.
II

Special Cargo Packaging Standards

Cargo Type Packaging Requirements Compliance Documents
Fragile Items (Ceramics) Double packaging, internal fillers must completely fill space -
Liquids/Pastes Containers require 5-10% empty space FDA/CE Certification
Valuables (Steel Products) Must use wooden crate packaging Fumigation Certificate (US)
Battery-Containing Products Batteries require UN38.3 Certification MSDS Safety Documentation
Food/Pharmaceuticals Moisture-proof cartons + vacuum packaging Certificate of Origin, Hygiene Certificate, Full MSDS Test Report

Note: Europe and America have strict quarantine requirements for wooden packaging. Raw wood requires fumigation treatment (provide IPPC-marked fumigation certificate), otherwise facing return or fines.

III

Weight and Volume Control Standards

1. Billing Rules

Volumetric Weight (Light Cargo):

Formula: L×W×H(cm) ÷ 5000 (DHL/UPS, etc.) or ÷8000 (EMS, when any side ≥60cm)

Optimization: Cut boxes/compress padding to make package full without redundant space

Actual Weight (Heavy Cargo):

  • Single items ≥21kg billed as heavy cargo; <21kg billed by initial weight + continuation weight (0.5kg unit)
  • Padding materials should be lightweight (e.g. foam) to avoid significantly increasing actual weight

2. Overweight/Oversize Handling

  • Single items >68kg or length >330cm require advance booking; Entire shipment >300kg requires booking even if single items meet standards
  • Heavy cargo must use pallets to prevent damage during loading/unloading
IV

Customs Compliance Requirements

1. Labels and Markings

  • Outer boxes must clearly display: Product name, composition, net weight, country of origin (bilingual), declared value (avoid undervaluation)
  • Remove old labels and barcodes to prevent customs misjudgment
  • Sensitive goods (batteries, liquids) require special marks (e.g. leak-proof, fragile)

2. Document Preparation

  • Essential Documents: Commercial invoice, packing list, transportation contract
  • Special Documents:
    • Fumigation certificate (wooden crates)
    • FDA/CE certification (food, cosmetics)
    • MSDS (chemicals)

3. Prohibited and Restricted Items

Generally Prohibited:

  • Flammable substances
  • Weapons
  • Currency
  • Fresh meat
  • Seeds
  • Drugs

Restricted Items:

  • Medicines/health products require destination country permission
  • Optical discs ≤10 pieces require genuine proof
V

Operational Recommendations

  • Optimize Volumetric Weight: Prioritize compressible bag packaging or cut boxes to reduce space; valuable items still prioritize protection.
  • Compliance Check: Research destination country policies in advance (e.g. EU's PPWR regulations effective 2026 requiring biodegradable materials).
  • Logistics Provider Coordination: Use sensitive goods dedicated channels (e.g. DHL sensitive goods service) and allow extra customs clearance time.

For detailed case studies and country differences, refer to: International Express Packaging Guide|Sensitive Goods Transportation Standards

Next