What is a packing list?

In addition to the packing note, the bill of lading, the certificate of origin, the commercial invoice, and the insurance certificate, the packing list is one of the more important shipping documents commonly used in the international trade of goods.

Who creates the packing list?

It is created and signed by one of the employees of the shipping department of the company that ships the goods. If the shipment consists of several packages, each of these packages shall be accompanied by a packing slip. The packing list, which is kept together with the delivery note and the invoice for the other shipping documents, then records the number of packages and their contents. If the packages are sealed, the number of seals is sometimes shown on the packing list.

When are packing lists required?

However, packing lists are not only required for commercial shipments, but also for private goods transports across Customs borders, such as when moving to another country, packing lists containing the contents of the containers must be prepared. If private property or merchandise is shipped in sealed containers, the number of seals can also be recorded on the packing list. In the case of consignments of goods consisting of several parcels, boxes, pallets or containers, it is common to number them. These numbers of the containers can also be entered in the packing list.

What is the format of a packing list?

There are no specific rules on the exact structure of a packing list. The transport company engaged will usually provide an appropriate format. The purpose of a packing list is to provide a complete list of all goods belonging to a shipment. These are usually listed in table form. In addition to the item designation, the table contains the number of identical parts (number of pieces), the weight of each part, and the value of the transported goods. At the end of the list of the contents of the consignment, the gross weight of the entire cargo can still be noted.

What is the function of a packing list?

A complete packing list makes work easier for Customs authorities, as it is proof of the completely packed shipments by the dispatcher of the consignment, in accordance with the agreements made, and allows the recipient to check the completeness of the shipment. The format of the packing list is not subject to any specific standard, but they are usually prepared on A4 sized documents. This format usually proves to be the cheapest because the packing list is often attached in an envelope to the other shipping documents also produced in this format. Some transport companies attach the packing list directly to the shipment.

How is a packing list created?

A packing list can be created both by hand and by machine. The only important thing is that it is clearly marked as a packing list in the header. It is recommended to follow the national term with the international term ‘Packing list’. Furthermore, the packing list should be easy to read and complete in order to ensure smooth customs clearance. General cargo that was added to the shipment retrospectively and whose mention was forgotten in the packing list could easily be considered as smugglers’ goods. In addition to the list of goods transported, the packing list usually contains information on the sender and the recipient of the goods, such as name, address or registered office, telephone and fax number. In addition, the packing list may indicate the date of shipment and the country of destination. In addition, the packing list may contain notes on the transport route, such as road, rail, water or air, and on the type of packaging.