The packing list is an extension of the commercial invoice, as such it looks like a commercial invoice. Please see the sample Packing List below.

The exporter or his/her agent---the customs broker or the freight forwarder---reserves the shipping space based on the gross weight or the measurement shown in the packing list.

Customs uses the packing list as a check-list to verify the outgoing cargo (in exporting) and the incoming cargo (in importing). The importer uses the packing list to inventory the incoming consignment.

For the fields in the preamble of the packing list, please refer to the Explanations: Fields in the Preamble of the Commercial Invoice.

For the purpose of explaining other fields in the packing list, it is assumed that the pneumatic tools in the sample L/C contain the following data:

" Package No. "

The entries preferably arranged in sequence from the lowest number to the highest, that is, from package No. 1 and up. From the sample L/C, enter "C/No. 1-50" or the like in the field (Package No.), provided it is not inconsistent with the marks and numbers on the master cartons.

" Item No. "   and   " Description of Goods "

The description of the goods in the packing list can be in general terms, provided it is not inconsistent with the description in the L/C. From the sample L/C and data of the pneumatic tools above, entering "A380" and "'ABC' Brand Pneumatic Tools" in the fields will satisfy the requirements.

" Quantity "

It shows the total quantity within a stated range of the package number and the breakdown in each package. The stated range is C/No. 1-50, enter:


100 Sets
2 Sets/Ctn.

or

100 Sets
2 Sets @ Ctn.


or the like in the field. The / and @ used here stands for per or each.

" Weight "

It shows the total weight within a stated range of the package number and the weight of each package. The stated range is C/No. 1-50, enter:


1,150 Kgs.
23 Kgs./Ctn.

or

1,150 Kgs.
23 Kgs. @ Ctn.


or the like in the field and put a notation "Gross Weight".

As far as the carrier is concerned, the gross weight or measurement of a consignment is needed to calculate the freight. In case the goods are assessed in the importing country or exported on the net weight basis, it is necessary to show the net weight and gross weight in the packing list. The entry may appear as:

N.W. 1,000 Kgs.
G.W. 1,150 Kgs.

" Measurement "

Ocean shipments are most often charged by the cubic meter (CBM or cbm). Enter:


5.65 CBM
0.113 CBM/Ctn.


in the field (Measurement). Sometimes, it is necessary to include the size or dimensions (length-width-height) of the master package. The entry may appear as:


5.65 CBM
0.113 CBM/Ctn.
@ 61 x 61 x 30.5 Cms.


The @ stands for at or each.

Some carriers may calculate the freight on a cubic feet (cft. or cu. ft.) basis. In the case of an irregular shaped cargo, take the three widest dimensions that describe the smallest cubic space enclosing the cargo to determine the measurement.

" signature and/or stamp "

The packing list and commercial invoice need not be signed, unless otherwise stipulated in the letter of credit (L/C). In practice, the original and the copy of the packing list and commercial invoice are often signed.

Marks & Numbers

Please see Shipping Marks and Numbers for detail information.

Corrections or Changes in the Packing List

Any visible corrections or changes made in the packing list must be initialled, as in the commercial invoice and all other export documents, by their respective issuers. In practice, the initial usually is done using a rubber stamp bearing the word "CORRECTION".

• Commercial Invoice
• Pro Forma Invoice
• Export-Import Quotations
• Product Inspection