Packing List

The packing list complements the commercial invoice by focusing on the physical reality of the shipment rather than its commercial value. While the invoice tells customs what was sold and for how much, the packing list tells cargo handlers exactly what's in each box, how much it weighs, and how to identify it.

A complete packing list identifies the shipper and consignee, references the invoice number, and states the shipment date. The core content details each package: carton or roll numbers, product descriptions, quantities per package, gross and net weights, and dimensions. Total counts—number of packages, total gross weight, total net weight, and total volume in cubic meters—summarize the shipment for logistics planning.

For fabric shipments, the packing list takes on particular importance because textiles are typically packed in rolls rather than uniform cartons. Each roll may contain different meterage, and buyers need to know exactly which roll numbers contain which fabrics. A well-prepared packing list for fabric might show carton ranges (1-10, 11-15), the number of rolls per range, total meters, and weights—enabling the buyer to verify receipt against the shipping documents.

The packing list serves multiple purposes beyond customs. Port workers use it to handle cargo correctly. Warehouse staff use it to verify incoming goods. Insurance adjusters use it to assess claims when damage occurs. For LC transactions, the packing list must align perfectly with other documents—quantities matching the commercial invoice, package marks matching the bill of lading.

Best practice is to prepare the packing list alongside the commercial invoice, ensuring consistency from the start. If last-minute packing changes occur—a roll gets added or removed, weights adjust after final measurement—the packing list must be updated before documents are submitted.