When it comes to importing goods, it is crucial to have proper shipping marks on the packaging. Shipping marks are labels that provide important information about the contents of the package, such as the destination, weight, and handling instructions. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of shipping marks, including what they are, what should be included on them, and who is responsible for providing them.
To ensure a smooth import process, it is essential to follow guidelines for shipping marks. These guidelines cover everything from the size and placement of the labels to the information that must be included. Additionally, there are UN packaging standards that must be followed for certain types of goods. By understanding these requirements, importers can avoid costly delays and ensure that their goods arrive at their destination safely and efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- Shipping marks are labels that provide important information about the contents of a package.
- Guidelines and UN packaging standards must be followed to ensure a smooth import process.
- Proper shipping marks can help avoid costly delays and ensure that goods arrive safely at their destination.
What are Shipping Marks
Shipping marks are a set of symbols, signs, and labels that are used to identify and differentiate goods during transportation. They serve as a guide for staff in handling and moving the cargo safely and accurately. These marks provide information on the size, weight, nature, and special handling requirements of the goods in the shipment.
Shipping marks are crucial in ensuring the protection of the goods during transit. Without clear and accurate markings, the risk of damage to the cargo increases significantly. Handlers rely on shipping marks to determine the fragility of the contents and to take appropriate precautions in handling them.
The use of universally understood stickers or marks to indicate caution is common in shipping. These marks serve as a warning to handlers to exercise care when handling the cargo. The proper use of shipping marks is essential in ensuring the integrity of the goods and the safety of the persons and ships involved in the transportation process.
In summary, shipping marks play a crucial role in the shipping industry, providing clear and concise information to handlers to ensure the safe and accurate transportation of goods.
What Should be on Shipping Marks?
In international trade, a complete set of shipping marks is required. Shipping marks can be divided into primary shipping marks, sub shipping marks, and indication signs.
Primary Shipping Marks
Primary shipping marks are usually simple geometric shapes such as triangles, circles, or diamonds with textual representation. The textual representation includes the consignee name, trade contract number or letter of credit number, and shipping symbols. These primary shipping marks should be fully recorded in the relevant shipping documents such as the shipping order, bill of lading, manifest, and so on.
Sub Shipping Marks
Sub shipping marks are a supplement to the primary shipping marks. The content of sub shipping marks generally includes:
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Description of Goods: The name of the goods should be written in both English and the country of production. The height of the text should not be less than 5 cm and refers to the specific standard shipping name.
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Port of Destination: The full name of the port of arrival should be written directly in the text. Abbreviations, abbreviations, and codes are not allowed. The customs generally refuse to release goods without a port of destination.
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Package Number: The serial number is printed on the goods or outer packaging for each cartoon. The part number is used to assist the primary shipping marks in distinguishing cargo groups and calculating the number of packages.
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Weight and Measurement: The shipment size refers to the external dimensions of the outer packaging or naked shipment, and the weight usually indicates the total weight and the net weight. The weight and size shipments codes are used to be collected shipping, handling, and storage work basis.
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Country of Origin: The country of origin is generally expressed in English and the language of the country of origin. The country of origin logo is a trade of one international export standard. Many countries prohibit importing goods without the mark of the country of origin, and most countries will impose fines on them.
Indication Signs
Indication signs, also known as protection signs, remind relevant personnel of matters that they should pay attention to loading, unloading, storage, opening, etc.
Who Provides the Labels and Shipping Marks for Import Shipment?
In international trade, the buyer provides the primary shipping marks that generally display the product brand, product name, contract number, model number, destination name, and other important information. On the other hand, the sellers provide the sub shipping marks, which include product size, gross weight, net weight, and other relevant details.
The seller usually designs the shipping mark, and there is no need to specify it in the contract. However, if the buyer specifies the shipping mark, both parties must agree on the time for the buyer to provide the shipping mark in the packaging contract. If the buyer fails to provide it within the specified time, the seller can decide on its own.
It is important to note that the labels and shipping marks play a crucial role in international trade as they help to identify the products and ensure that they are delivered to the correct destination. It is, therefore, essential to ensure that they are accurate and clearly visible.
The following table summarizes the key points regarding who provides the labels and shipping marks for import shipments:
| Who provides the labels and shipping marks? | What information is included? |
|---|---|
| Buyer | Primary shipping marks, including product brand, product name, contract number, model number, destination name, etc. |
| Seller | Sub shipping marks, including product size, gross weight, net weight, and other relevant details. |
In conclusion, both the buyer and seller have a role to play in providing the labels and shipping marks for import shipments. It is important to ensure that they are accurate and clearly visible to avoid any delays or confusion during the transportation process.
Guidelines for Shipping Marks
When shipping goods, it is crucial to follow certain rules and regulations regarding shipping and handling marks to ensure the protection of the goods and their safe transportation. Here are some guidelines to follow when marking packages:
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Identification shipping marks should be made in waterproof ink using stencils in a clear font size. These marks should indicate the destination and port and must be present on at least three sides of the package to be easily visible.
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Trade names should be avoided as they may indicate the contents of the package, increasing the chances of theft. Instead, coded marks should be used, and the codes should be changed frequently to avoid familiarity with handlers.
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The shipping marks should also be indicative in case the package requires special handling. This information should also be present on the lading bill.
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All markings should be legible, permanent, and clear. They should also be in a language or languages that are understood at both the origin and destination of the package.
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It is recommended to use stencils to make the markings in clear and legible sizes and fonts with waterproof ink to ensure they are not missed.
Following these guidelines will help ensure that the packages are handled properly and reach their destination safely. It is crucial to remember that every freight has to be handled by numerous people until it reaches its destination, making these markings essential for the protection of the goods.
Picture Shipping Markings
To avoid any confusion or mishandling of packages, pictorial markings are a simple solution that can be implemented. This method allows for easy understanding of the handling instructions, regardless of language or education level. Many cargo companies, including DHL, use this method to ensure the safety of packages.
It is important to note the contents of each package when packing and to apply appropriate shipping marks accordingly. The following markings may be applied depending on the contents of the crates:
- Fragile: A symbol of a broken wine glass
- Handle with care: A symbol of two hands holding a box
- This side up: A symbol of an arrow pointing upwards
- Keep dry: A symbol of a raindrop
- Do not stack: A symbol of two boxes with a diagonal line through them
By using these pictorial markings, packages can be handled with care and arrive safely at their destination.
UN Packaging Standards
The United Nations introduced Performance Packaging Standards in 1991, which require shipping companies to comply with specific rules when dealing with potentially hazardous contents. Compliance involves the use of correct markings that indicate the right shipping process and the type of contents in the package.
One key aspect of compliance with UN Packaging Standards is the use of hazard categories to identify potentially dangerous contents. These categories include explosive materials, toxic gases, flammable liquids, substances that are prone to combustion, oxidizing matter, solid or liquid poisonous contents, radioactive substances, and substances that are corrosive by nature. Additionally, some substances may be potentially hazardous regardless of whether they fit into any of the above categories.
Shipping companies must be aware of these hazard categories and ensure that the correct markings are used in packages. For example, explosive materials that fall into categories 1.1 to 1.3 and 1.4F or 1.5 are typically not allowed on airplanes.
To comply with UN Packaging Standards, it is important to label packages with the correct shipping marks. If you encounter any shipping mark issues when importing from China, it is recommended to seek help from a professional who can consolidate your shipments and label them with the correct shipping marks.