Goods that arrive damaged, or are stopped at customs because a label is wrong, cost exporters more than almost any other mistake. Export packaging has to survive weeks of handling, heat and humidity, and labels have to satisfy the rules of the destination country, not just the buyer. This guide covers both.
Pack for the full journey: strong export cartons, moisture protection and pallets made of heat-treated or fumigated wood stamped under ISPM 15, or plastic or paper pallets. Mark every carton with the shipping marks, carton number, weights and dimensions, and country of origin. For consumer and food products, follow the destination's label rules: language, product name, ingredients, allergens, net quantity, importer or responsible person, and any required marks.
Packaging that survives the journey
- Cartons: use export-grade corrugated boxes (5-ply or 7-ply for heavy goods) and agree the strength with the buyer.
- Moisture: containers "sweat" when they cross climate zones. Use liners, poly bags, desiccants or container dry bags for food, textiles, leather and paper.
- Load: palletise and stretch-wrap where the buyer's warehouse uses forklifts, and secure the load in the container with dunnage or airbags.
- Food grade: food must be packed in food-grade material, and bags for grains and spices should be clean and new.
To plan quantities per container, see container sizes and capacity and the CBM calculator.
ISPM 15 for wooden packaging
Most countries require wooden pallets, crates and dunnage to be treated under the international standard ISPM 15, to stop pests travelling in raw wood. The wood is heat treated (HT) or fumigated with methyl bromide (MB, now restricted in many countries) and stamped with the IPPC mark, the country code, the treatment provider's number and the treatment code. Untreated wood can be refused, treated or destroyed at your cost. Plywood, MDF and plastic pallets are exempt.
Shipping marks on cartons
- Buyer or consignee mark, and the order or PO number.
- Destination port.
- Carton number in sequence ("1 of 120").
- Gross and net weight, and carton dimensions.
- Country of origin: "Made in India" or "Product of India".
- Handling symbols such as "This way up", "Keep dry" and "Fragile" where relevant.
The marks must match the packing list and the commercial invoice.
Food labels by market
| Market | Key label rules |
|---|---|
| USA | English; statement of identity, net quantity in US and metric units, ingredient list, allergen declaration, Nutrition Facts panel, name and address of manufacturer or distributor. The facility must also be registered with the FDA. |
| European Union | Regulation (EU) 1169/2011: language of the member state, ingredients with the 14 allergens highlighted, net quantity, best-before or use-by date, storage conditions, nutrition declaration, and the name and address of the EU operator. |
| United Kingdom | Similar rules to the EU, in English, with a UK importer or business address. |
| Gulf (GCC) | Arabic is required (often Arabic and English), with production and expiry dates; halal certification for meat and many processed foods. |
Rules change and buyers often add their own requirements, so always get the buyer to approve the artwork before printing. See the FDA registration guide for the USA.
Non-food products
- Textiles and garments: fibre composition, care labels and size, in the language of the market.
- Electrical goods: CE marking in the EU, UKCA in Great Britain and FCC for many electronic devices in the USA. See the FCC certification guide.
- Toys and children's products: safety marks and age warnings.
- Barcodes: retail buyers usually need GS1 barcodes on each unit.
A pre-shipment packing checklist
- Buyer has approved packaging and label artwork in writing.
- Wooden packaging is ISPM 15 stamped.
- Carton marks match the packing list and invoice.
- Moisture protection is in place for sensitive goods.
- Photos of packed cartons and the loaded container are saved for the buyer and any insurance claim.
Frequently asked questions
What is ISPM 15?
The international standard for wooden packaging such as pallets and crates. The wood must be heat treated or fumigated and stamped with the IPPC mark before export.
Do I need "Made in India" on export products?
Most importing countries require the country of origin to be shown on the goods or their packaging, and cartons should carry it too. Check the buyer's market rules.
What should be written on export cartons?
The buyer's mark, order number, destination port, carton number, gross and net weight, dimensions, country of origin and handling symbols.
Which languages are needed on food labels?
English for the USA and UK, the language of each member state in the EU, and Arabic for Gulf countries, often with English as well.
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