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