Packaging & Shipping Guide for China Exports
Guide to packaging and shipping manufactured goods from China: packaging types, container loading, labeling requirements, and documentation for international buyers.
Proper packaging and shipping arrangements are crucial for getting manufactured goods from China to their destination safely and cost-effectively. This guide covers best practices for foreign buyers.
Export Packaging Types
Chinese factories typically use these packaging types for export:
- Carton boxes: Standard for consumer goods, electronics, and small parts. Single, double, or triple wall depending on weight.
- Wooden crates: Required for heavy parts, machinery, and molds. Heat-treated (HT) or fumigated wood per ISPM 15 standard.
- Plywood cases: Lighter than wooden crates, suitable for precision equipment. Often used for mold and die shipments.
- Bubble wrap + foam: Inner packaging for fragile components. EPE foam, PU foam, or custom foam inserts available.
- Vacuum packaging: For rust-sensitive parts, electronics, and items prone to moisture damage.
- Corrugated cardboard boxes: Most economical for standard items. Edge crush test (ECT) rated for stacking strength.
Sea-worthy packaging is a critical specification — it means packaging suitable for ocean container shipping with humidity, stacking, and vibration protection.
Container Loading
Standard shipping container dimensions for planning:
| Container Type | Internal (L×W×H) | Max Payload | Usable Volume |
|---|
| 20 ft Standard | 5.9m × 2.35m × 2.39m | 28,000 kg | ~33 m³ (deck load-dependent) |
| 40 ft Standard | 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.39m | 28,000 kg | ~67 m³ |
| 40 ft High Cube | 12.03m × 2.35m × 2.69m | 27,500 kg | ~76 m³ |
Tips for efficient loading:
- Request pallet loading for smaller items (EU standard: 1200×800mm, US standard: 1200×1000mm)
- For molds: Use shipping skids with lifting lugs. Secure with steel strapping and rubber blocks
- Distribute weight evenly — heavy items at bottom of container
- Use cargo dunnage bags to prevent load shifting during transit
- Consider LCL (Less than Container Load) for shipments under 10 m³
Labeling & Marking
Export packages from China must include:
- Shipping marks: Buyer reference, destination port, package number (1/N)
- Gross weight (G.W.): Total weight including packaging, in kg
- Net weight (N.W.): Product weight only
- Dimensions: Length × Width × Height in cm
- Handling instructions: Fragile, This Side Up, Keep Dry — standard international symbols
- Country of origin: Made in China (required by most destination countries)
- HS Code: Harmonized System tariff code on commercial invoice and packing list
For EU destinations: CE marking on product label or packaging. For US: FCC marking for electronics.
Shipping Documentation
Standard documents required for shipping from China:
- Commercial Invoice: Seller, buyer, description of goods, unit prices, total value, terms of delivery (Incoterms)
- Packing List: Package contents, weights, dimensions, quantities per package
- Bill of Lading (B/L): Ocean transport contract and title document. Clean on-board B/L preferred.
- Certificate of Origin: Proof of Chinese manufacture. Can be issued by China Chamber of Commerce (CCPIT) or customs.
- Insurance Certificate (if buyer arranges insurance on CIF basis)
- Inspection Certificate (optional, from SGS, Bureau Veritas, or similar)
Customs Clearance
Common customs issues to watch for:
- HS Code misclassification: Incorrect tariff codes can cause delays or fines. Use the Harmonized System code accurately based on material and function.
- Value declaration: Customs may request proof of declared value. Undervaluation risks penalties.
- Intellectual property: Check trademarks and patents before importing branded goods.
- Restricted goods: Some products require additional permits (electronics, chemicals, batteries, medical devices).
- Fumigation certificate: Required for wooden packaging materials entering most countries (ISPM 15).