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STEP 17: EXPORT DOCUMENTATION
You are here: Step 17: Export documentation > Documents involving the importer > Packing lists  
Packing lists

Introduction

When you prepare your goods for shipment, you will be required to prepare a detailed export packing list. This is a formal document that itemises quite a number of details about the cargo such as:

  • Your name and contact details
  • The importer's/consignee's/buyer's name, address and contact details
  • The gross, tare and net weights of the cargo
  • The nature, quality and specifications of the product being shipped
  • The type of package (such as pallet, box, crate, drum, carton, etc.)
  • The measurements/dimensions of each package
  • The number of pallets/boxes/crates/drums, etc.
  • The contents of each pallet or box (or other container)
  • The package markings, if any, as well as shipper's and buyer's reference numbers

It is also important that the details on the packing list (such as shipper's/importer's details, number of items involved, etc.), match what is stipulated on the commercial invoice and bill of lading/airway bill. You can imagine that if there is a mismatch between the packing list and the other transport/export documents that this may lead to closer scrutiny of the cargo and may ultimately result in delays in the cargo arriving at its destination! Note that pricing information is not required on the packing list.

Tip

If you are exporting to a market using imperial measures (such as the US or the UK), provide weights and dimensions in both metric (kg and mm), as well as imperial (lbs and inches).

 

The purpose of the packing list

The packing list should be attached to the outside of a package in a waterproof envelope or plastic sheath marked "Packing list enclosed". The list is used by the shipper or forwarding agent to determine (1) the total shipment weight and volume and (2) whether the correct cargo is being shipped. In addition, customs officials (both local and foreign) may use the list to check the cargo. Packing lists come in fairly standard forms and can be obtained from your freight forwarder.

Don't make mistakes with the packing list

It is essential that the packing list agree exactly with all the terms and conditions of the export sale. It is important for you to realise that any mistake on the packing list may cause a delay in clearance at the port of destination. Customs Authorities in the target country have the right to delay the clearance of the shipment until the importer provides a packing list reflecting the real contents of the container (should your packing list be incomplete or incorrect). If all the information required for the packing list is already stated in the commercial invoice, then the packing list may be unnecessary. Our recommedndation is to provide it anyway - you don't want the consigment delayed simply becuase a customs official demands to see a packing list (you can never provide too much information).

Examples of packing lists

  • A completed packing list from China
  • Packing list from Wines of South Africa
  • Bellair packing list
  • Meridian packing list
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    Step 17: more information

    Step 17: Export documentation
          Documents involving the importer
               . The quotation
               . The proforma invoice
               . The export contract
               . The commercial invoice
               . Letter of credit
               . Certificates of origin/health/fumigation/pre-shipment inspection
               . Transport documents
          Documents required to export goods from South Africa
          Documents required for transportation
          Documents required for payment
          Marine Insurance

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    More information on Step 17
    Learning to export... The export process in 21 easy steps
    Step 1: Considering exporting
    Step 2:Current business viability
    Step 3:Export readiness
    Step 4:Broad mission statement and initial budget
    Step 5:Confirming management's commitment to exports
    Step 6: Undertaking an initial SWOT analysis of the firm
    Step 7:Selecting and researching potential countries abroad
    Step 8: Preparing and implementing your export plan
    Step 9: Obtaining financing for your exports
    Step 10: Managing your export risk
    Step 11: Promoting the firm and its products abroad
    Step 12: Negotiating and quoting in exports
    Step 13: Revising your export costings and price
    Step 14: Obtaining the export order
    Step 15: Producing the goods
    Step 16: Handling the export logistics
    Step 17: Export documentation
    Step 18: Providing follow-up support
    Step 19: Getting paid
    Step 20: Reviewing and improving the export process
    Step 21: Export Management
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