One of the issues to be taken into account in the logistics sector is that, in order to carry out a correct movement of goods, it is necessary to take into account not only the relevant legislation and regulations, but also the use of certain documents to carry out these actions in the correct way.
Especially in the export of goods, administrative documentation plays an essential role. The Packing list is one of the priority documents to be able to develop this type of shipments.
Let’s take a closer look at what the Packing list documentation is all about.
What is the export packing list?
In a simple way we can define the Packing list as the document where all the goods to be exported must be specified.
It provides the final recipient with information about the shipment, including how it is packaged, the dimensions and weight of each package, and the markings and numbers noted on the outside of the boxes.
What information it should contain
As mentioned above, the packing list is a document that provides general and detailed information on the goods in circulation.
It is necessary to emphasize that providing all the detailed information on the merchandise is mandatory, as it has the character of a sworn declaration at customs.
An error in the Packing List can lead to delays and errors in customs handling that can cause severe problems.
But what information should the Packing List contain?
There is no general template for filling out this type of document. Depending on the type of company and merchandise, Packing List information can be added or customized to help better understand the type and characteristics of the merchandise.
Therefore, the data that should not be missing in the Packing list are the following:
- Data of the sender and receiver of the goods.
- Origin and destination address.
- Dates
- Quantity and description of the packages that are part of the goods
- The weight and volume of each product and of all packages must be shown.
Do not forget the invoice related to the products to be shipped.
There are also other considerations that, although not mandatory, it is always a good idea to include them in the Packing list documentation: the harmonization system code (HS, TARIC) or relative information in the case of using containers.
What it is used for and when it is necessary
As mentioned at the beginning of this text, the Packing List is a document that is required for the export of goods.
It provides all the detailed and orderly information about the goods, which facilitates their identification for all interested parties within the customs services and final consignee.
There are two clear objectives for the use of the Packing list:
- Avoid blocking of goods at customs.
- Detection of products and goods that are not allowed in the countries of entry.
But it is not only necessary to be able to export products, it is also essential to obtain the Bill Landing, accreditation that confirms the receipt of the goods.
Therefore, the Packing List is one of the most important documents for every export. Proper compliance is the key factor for successful exports.
How to do it. Tips for correct filling
There is no doubt that the correct completion of the Packing list is one of the most important tasks that will give us the guarantee that the shipment will not give any kind of problem.
To do this correctly, it is important to know the structure of the Packing list and what should be included in each item.
Packing list structure
Header
The invoice data associated with the shipment must be included, as well as all the detailed information of the importer and exporter, plus the date of shipment.
Body of the document
This is the place where the quantity and description of the packages that are part of the merchandise must be listed, as well as the weight and volume of each product and of the set of packages.
Finally include the value of each package and the final set.
Across Logístics, leaders in logistics solutions
At Across Logistics we are leaders in logistics solutions that meet the most stringent demands in terms of time, cost and sustainability.
Among our services you can find:
Customs Brokerage Services: Your cargo deserves our full attention, so you can consider us as an extension of your logistics department. Do not hesitate to call us and ask for information, our team of consultants will be pleased to answer your questions and inform you about the particularities of the current regulations. Among our customs brokerage services you can find:
- Customs declarations
- Assistance to physical inspections
- Customs, fiscal and tax consultancy
- Authorized Economic Operators
- Particular services
- Certificates of Origin
Warehousing and distribution
We find and provide an intelligent, competitive and flexible warehousing solution tailored to the customer’s specific needs. Among our warehousing and distribution services you can find:
- Picking & packing
- Bonded warehouse. DA, DDA and LAME
- Dangerous goods warehouse (APQ)
- Security-Surveillance 24/7
- Inventory and order management
- Intermodal
- Seamless integration between systems
- Periodic reporting of key performance indicators (KPIs)
- SOIVRE warehouse inspection
- Sanitary Registration Food
- Warehouse Management System (WMS)
- Last Mile Delivery
- Value-added services
- Continuous process improvement
- 360° management of your business
