A document used in international trade that provides key details about a shipment. It helps exporters, freight forwarders, and consignees understand how goods are packed, including their dimensions, weight, and any identifying marks or numbers on the packages.
A packing list may also be called a bill of the parcel, unpacking note, packing slip, delivery docket, delivery list, manifest, shipping list, or customer receipt.
Is a Packing List Legally Required?
Although a packing list is not a mandatory сustoms document, it plays an important role in making the import/export process smoother. It helps shippers, сustoms officials, and other parties in handling the shipment.
The Importance of a Packing List
A packing list provides an item count for the shipment and serves as proof of the inland Bill of Lading. It also contains necessary details for documents like the Certificate of Origin and the Electronic Export Information in the Automated Export System. If the goods are hazardous, the packing list can act as proof of a Material Safety Data Sheet.
Additionally, this document is needed to book international shipments and issue an international Bill of Lading. Customs brokers use the packing list to enter goods into their country’s import database, and buyers rely on it to verify the products they receive. In cases where payment is made under a letter of credit, the packing list serves as a supporting document for reimbursement.
