📚 China import course
29 free lessons + 20 advanced lessons
Yalla China · Import · Course
Packing List: What It Is and How to Verify It
The packing list complements the commercial invoice. It details what is in every carton or container.
What is the difference between the invoice and the packing list?
- The invoice: states the monetary value and is used to calculate duties
- The packing list: states the actual contents and is used for sorting and stock-taking
Contents of a correct packing list
For every carton or package:
- Box number
- Net weight — the goods alone
- Gross weight — including packaging
- Dimensions (L × W × H in centimetres)
- Contents: number of pieces and their description
Shipment totals:
- Total number of cartons
- Total gross weight
- Total volume in cubic metres (CBM)
How to check the packing list
1. Compare it with the commercial invoice — the quantities must match
2. Check the weights against the freight invoice
3. On receipt, open a random sample of cartons and check that the contents match
Practical tip:
Ask the supplier to send you photos of the packed cartons with their numbers and labels before shipping. This makes remote quality checks easier and prevents problems later.
What is the difference between the invoice and the packing list?
- The invoice: states the monetary value and is used to calculate duties
- The packing list: states the actual contents and is used for sorting and stock-taking
Contents of a correct packing list
For every carton or package:
- Box number
- Net weight — the goods alone
- Gross weight — including packaging
- Dimensions (L × W × H in centimetres)
- Contents: number of pieces and their description
Shipment totals:
- Total number of cartons
- Total gross weight
- Total volume in cubic metres (CBM)
How to check the packing list
1. Compare it with the commercial invoice — the quantities must match
2. Check the weights against the freight invoice
3. On receipt, open a random sample of cartons and check that the contents match
Practical tip:
Ask the supplier to send you photos of the packed cartons with their numbers and labels before shipping. This makes remote quality checks easier and prevents problems later.