Last Updated on September 1, 2023 by asoulwindow
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Easy Guide to Fill Out a Shipping Packing List
Any business that buys or sells items internationally should have a basic knowledge of the paperwork required. When you book a shipment, you are given a number of documents to complete appropriately. The shipping packing list is one of them.
It is usually sent with your package to assist the courier service provider, customs and receivers. Plus, it enables them to see the precise contents of your cargo. And any error on the shipping packing list can result in delays in clearance at the destination port.
So, what exactly is a shipping packing list?
A packing list is a detailed agreement that displays an itemised inventory of the contents contained in a shipping package for the purposes of identification and counting. The document usually includes a lot of data about the shipment, such as how the shipment was physically packed.
Uses of a shipping packing list
The uses of a shipping packing list are as follows:
a) The Bill of Lading is issued with it.
b) It avoids the shipment of wrong items.
c) It’s used to check for Electronic Export Information on items.
d) The buyer or receiver can use it a checklist to tally the items they got.
e) In the event that goods are declared hazardous or dangerous, it also acts as proof of a Material Safety Data Sheet.
Who should produce it?
The vendor produces a packing list largely for the buyer’s convenience. Knowing what the items are and how they are packed assists relevant parties in determining how to appropriately manage them. All other documentation connected to the shipment, such as the commercial invoice or an air waybill should match the information on the packing list. This not only ensures consistency, but it also contributes to the audit trail required for compliance and your own records.
However, note that in some countries, a packing list may be required for customs clearance. But if the business invoice provides all of the information typically included on a packing list, this may be sufficient.
Contents of a shipping packing list
- The shipper’s entire name, address and telephone number
- Date
- The country from where the items are being shipped
- Address of the cargo’s origin nation
- Address of the cargo’s final destination country
- The total number of packets
- Each package’s volume and weight
- Detailed description of each package
- Invoice number associated with the shipment
- HS Code
- Accurate value of the total shipment
Important factors to look out for on a packing list
It is required to provide the monetary value for all goods being sent when shipping B2B. This enables customs to determine the value of the shipment and guarantee that the correct number of products are counted.
Then the shipment will be weighed and recorded after it reaches both the origin and destination ports. Hence, it is critical to double-check this information on the shipping packing list. This can cause significant delays, particularly when the shipment cannot be transported until the information is confirmed to be correct.
The shipping packing list must always be meticulously filled out. It can mean the difference between a quick port release and weeks of delays and tens of thousands of dollars in late fees. To prevent such hassle, you can count on DHL Express as your international shipping partner.
With the help of its shipping tools such as ODD (On-demand delivery) and MyDHL+, DHL makes the shipping process smoother and safer. The best part is that DHL’s in-house customs team takes care of all the local or international customs requirements and carries out all the complex paperwork on your behalf.
So, if you wish to enquire more about DHL’s products and services, contact their customer service specialists now!
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