Packaging, Palletising and Export Packing Guide (ISPM 15)

Preparing cargo for road shipment comes down to sturdy pallets, securing with stretch film and strapping, the consignee's details being visible on every package, and documents that agree with one another. A short check before the loading day saves time at the border and at unloading.

• The commercial invoice, packing list and, if there is one, the certificate of origin must agree with each other and with the cargo.
• If you use wooden pallets or packaging, check which countries require the ISPM 15 mark.
• If there are dangerous goods, settle the ADR requirement and the labels beforehand.
• On the loading day, the person who will receive the driver and the ramp details should be known.

Sharing pallet dimensions and stackability at the quotation stage makes vehicle planning easier.

In air freight, packaging must withstand shock, vibration, and changes in temperature and pressure, and the consignee and shipper details must be clearly legible on every package. For multi-piece shipments, numbering the pieces 1/3, 2/3, 3/3 and so on immediately reveals a missing or mixed-up piece.

• Use sturdy cartons, enough internal cushioning for delicate items, and strong taping.
• Remove old labels and stick the new ones where they are visible.
• Allow for the fact that pieces may be stacked on top of one another during loading.
• Declare the packed dimensions and weight; the cargo is re-measured at the airport and any difference shows up in the charge.

Most cargo held at the airport acceptance point is held because of a gap in the packaging, the label or the dangerous goods declaration.

LCL tariffs apply to non-IMO, that is non-hazardous, general cargo and to cargo packed so that it can be stowed inside a container. For some products such as food, alcohol, tobacco and pharmaceuticals, restrictions or additional approval conditions may apply depending on the destination or transshipment port.

• Dangerous (IMO/IMCO) cargo is outside the scope of these tariffs and needs a separate assessment.
• Some transshipment and destination ports do not accept food, alcohol and tobacco products; some destinations ask for approval before food is loaded.
• Pharmaceutical industry and medical products depend on agent confirmation for each destination.
• Wooden packaging must comply with the ISPM 15 standard (stamped); on some lines fumigation is also required.
• Country-specific prohibited goods lists and document requirements (such as the HS code and pre-declaration) appear in the tariff notes.

Writing your product name and the destination port in the quote request lets the restrictions be checked from the start.

In export, packaging ensures that the product is protected throughout transport and that the right dimensions and weight are reflected in the documents. ISPM 15 is the international plant health standard applied to prevent pests being carried with wooden packaging and pallets; compliant wooden material carries a mark.

• Carton, filling, pallet, stretch film and strapping together provide protection; the choice is made according to how fragile the product is and the transport mode.
• The presence of the ISPM 15 mark on wooden pallets and crates is an entry condition in many countries; the requirement varies by country.
• In air freight, since weight and dimensions affect the charge, packaging volume should not be enlarged unnecessarily.
• The packing list must show carton and pallet details in line with the real situation.

Verify the destination country's current packaging and plant health rules with the carrier and the relevant authority.

A correct carton label and an orderly stock record make it clear throughout transport which product, batch and consignee the cargo belongs to. This reduces matching errors in warehouse preparation, customs control and delivery.

• The label carries the product description, quantity, batch number and consignee details; handling marks such as fragile or this way up are added as well.
• The label information must be consistent with the description on the invoice, packing list and declaration.
• FIFO means first in, first out, while FEFO releases the item closest to its expiry date first; FEFO is preferred for products such as food and pharmaceuticals.
• Tracking by batch and serial number makes it easier to trace the product in case of a return or recall.

Konsol Logistics helps you plan the transport and document steps after the warehouse exit; stock management inside the warehouse is carried out with the operator or partner concerned.