In cross-border logistics, non-compliant packaging is a common cause of returns. To avoid returns due to packaging issues, sellers must adhere to a series of packaging regulations.
In this article, Weefreight will explain these in detail and hope they are helpful.
Packaging Material Selection
Durability: Choose appropriate packaging materials based on the nature of the goods and the mode of transportation, ensuring they can withstand the various external forces during transportation. For sea freight, choose wooden boxes of moderate thickness and good quality, or high-strength cardboard boxes. For fragile items such as electronics, consider adding cushioning materials.
Moisture-proof and waterproof: Due to the long duration of cross-border transportation and the volatile environment, goods are easily affected by moisture. For moisture-sensitive goods, such as food and electronics, use waterproof cartons, plastic bags, or add moisture-proof agents to the packaging.
Environmental Compliance: Some countries and regions, such as the European Union, have environmental requirements for packaging materials. Whenever possible, choose recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials, such as paper fillers, and avoid using plastic packaging that does not meet environmental standards. Wooden packaging must be heat-treated or fumigated and affixed with compliance markings.
Packaging Size and Weight
Size Adaptation: Package dimensions should be designed based on the actual dimensions of the goods and the loading requirements of the transport vehicle, avoiding being too large or too small. Mainstream express delivery channels typically require a single package to be ≤300 cm in length + width + height, with no single side exceeding a specific threshold. Exceeding this limit may trigger a surcharge or result in rejection.
Weight Limits: Different logistics channels and shipping methods have different weight limits for packages. For example, Amazon FBA stipulates that standard-sized items with a longest side exceeding 63.5 cm or weighing more than 22.5 kg may be considered oversized and will be rejected if they do not meet the oversized item shipping requirements.
Packaging Methods
Carton Packaging: Cartons are typically sealed with tape at least 48 mm wide. For heavier items, strapping tape may be used for reinforcement. Cardboard boxes should be filled with bubble padding, pearl cotton, and other filling materials to prevent movement.
Wooden box packaging: Wooden boxes should be assembled using a reasonable structure and secured with fasteners such as nails and screws. The box should be lined with lining materials such as moisture-proof paper, and foam should be used for spacing and padding.
Pallet packaging: Goods should be stacked stably and rationally on pallets, with heavier items placed lower down and lighter items placed higher up, with the center of gravity located in the center of the pallet. Secure with wrapping film, strapping, and other materials.
Packaging Labels
Shipping Labels: Basic shipping information such as the port of departure, port of destination, shipping number, and box number, as well as the recipient’s name, address, and phone number, should be clearly marked on the outside of the packaging to facilitate transportation and delivery.
Warning Labels: For fragile, flammable, and corrosive items, appropriate warning labels such as “FRAGILE” and “FLAMMABLE” should be displayed on the packaging.
Label Language: Based on the language conventions of the target market, labels should be written in the local language or multiple languages to ensure accurate communication.
Special Cargo Packaging
Fragile Items: Pack in sturdy cartons filled with adequate cushioning materials, such as bubble wrap or foam, with the item placed in the center. Mark the “Fragile” label prominently on the outside of the packaging.
Liquid Cargo: Leave 5%-10% of the container’s interior space to prevent expansion and overflow, and ensure the lid is securely sealed to prevent leakage. For liquids in glass containers, the capacity of each container must not exceed 500 ml, and the gross weight of each package should not exceed 25 kg. The interior of the box should be filled with cushioning and absorbent materials.
Electronic Products: Use anti-static packaging materials, such as anti-static bags or anti-static foam, to prevent damage from static electricity.
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