Trade Documents
What is a Packing List?
Packing list format, fields, and consistency with commercial invoice for export shipments.
A packing list details packages, weights, and dimensions without prices — supporting customs, carriers, and warehouse receiving.
Meaning and When to Use Packing List
Packing List (Packing List) is an Incoterms® 2020 rule for international trade. Required for virtually all international shipments regardless of Incoterm.
Always state the full format in contracts — e.g. "Packing List Shanghai, Incoterms® 2020" — not the acronym alone.
Choose Packing List based on who can best arrange carriage, insurance, and import clearance.
Division of Responsibilities, Risk, and Cost
Under Packing List, responsibilities typically split as follows:
- Seller: List cartons/pallets with net/gross weight and dimensions
- Seller: Reference commercial invoice number and marks & numbers
- Buyer: Use for customs inspection and warehouse inbound
- Buyer: Verify quantity received against packing list
Mismatch with invoice or actual cargo causes customs delays and insurance claim issues.
Pricing and Cost Practice
Packing list excludes prices — but weights drive freight and CBM charges. Use CBM Calculator and Packing List Generator.
Documents and Compliance
Send with commercial invoice to buyer, forwarder, and customs broker. Marks must match cartons and B/L description.
Examples
Example — 10 cartons breakdown
Carton 1–10: qty, N.W./G.W., L×W×H cm, total CBM 2.85 — matches invoice qty 1,000 pcs.
Example — LCL shipment
Forwarder uses packing list CBM to allocate LCL space and confirm chargeable weight.
FAQ
- Does packing list show prices?
- No — prices belong on commercial invoice only.
- Is packing list mandatory for customs?
- Most countries expect it for clearance and inspection.
- Packing list vs delivery note?
- Packing list is export-focused detail; delivery note is domestic shipment proof.
- Who prepares packing list?
- Usually shipper/exporter or factory before container stuffing.
- Must weights match B/L?
- Total gross weight should reconcile with transport documents within reasonable tolerance.
Conclusion
Keep packing list aligned with invoice and physical cargo. Try the Packing List Generator with CBM tools.