Export Packing, Marking and Labeling

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
Section 2 –F

Export Packing, Marking and Labeling

Export Packing

          Export Packing refers to the proper way of protecting the good for a secured and safe travel going to the
country of destination. The goods must arrive at the buyer’s destination in superb condition, having withstood
natural calamities, handling stress, attempted pilferage and the like.

Things to be considered in packing:

1.       Nature of the product. The more fragile the product is, the more protective the packing and packaging should
be.

2.       Mode of transportation. since sea transport would have a longer haul than air shipment, the packing should be
more secured.

3.       Climactic conditions during journey. Good if the weather is always fine around the world. As it is, some sea
voyages, even plane voyages, are dangerous not only for humans but also for cargoes.

4.       Pilferage susceptibility. Make sure that the products are not easily stolen from, say, master cartons where the
products are stored during the journey. In majority cases, watches and other high-value consumer products are
most prone to pilferage.

5.       Customer’s requirements. It cannot be helped that some buyers would like to have their own packing
specifications, If you have agreed prior to the shipment that you will provide for what is required, you have to
abide by the agreement.

6.       Cost of packing materials as against total export cost. Sometimes, you would like to have the best packing for
your product. However, you might end up with a beautiful pack which costs more than the actual price of the
product.

Several types of export packing:

a.       fiber board box or carton

b.      wooden packing crates
c.       wooden crates
d.      wire bound boxes
e.      pallets

Export Marking

          Marking allows you to identify practically anything. The export shipping mark is the principal
identification for the international movement of goods. The marks should be very simple and not at all elaborate
so as not to confuse the handlers in the ports, and your buyer as well.

Basically there are three important types of data which should be given proper marking in export:

1.       Essential Data

-          Name and address of exporter

-           Name and address of customer
-          Case/crate/package number
2.       Other Data

-          Weight of the package

-          Order number
-          Port of shipment
-          Destination
-          Origin of goods

3.       Handling Instructions

-          To avoid breakages

-          Language of the buyer

International Marking Systems for Pallets and Packages

          Boxes, wooden cases and crates are often marked with handling instructions in the language of the
country of origin. While this may safeguard the contents to some extent, it is o little use for goods consigned to
countries with different languages.

          Graphical symbols offer the only possibility of conveying the consignee’s intention and their adoption
will reduce loss and damage caused by incorrect handling.

          The following symbols apply to packages of all kinds, but do not include instructions or other marks
specific to the handling of dangerous merchandise. They should be stenciled in black directly on the surface.
The use of red or orange should be avoided since these colors are used in the labeling of dangerous goods.

Export Labeling
 After the brand name, the labeling if the most obvious information on the product. These are the rules
in export labeling:

1. Labels should make clear the quantity and quality of the goods. The information may include the
following:
- name and address of the exporter
- weight or volume of contents
- ingredients
- material contents
- specific instructions

2. Information must be given in the language and measurement system of the importing country.
3. The importing countries’ own regulations concerning the marking and labeling, especially of
dangerous substances such as explosives, must be checked and observed.