Documents
Packing list
A document listing every package in a shipment with its contents, weights, dimensions and marks.
In four languages
The packing list shows what is in each carton, crate or pallet: contents and quantity, net and gross weight, dimensions or volume in CBM, marks and numbers, and the container and seal numbers. Customs uses it to plan inspections, the carrier uses it for weight and volume, and the receiving warehouse uses it to check the delivery. It must agree with the commercial invoice and the bill of lading on the number of packages, weights and marks. Example: a Kuwait importer receives an LCL shipment of 85 cartons from Yiwu. The packing list shows carton numbers 1 to 85, what each holds, and a total of 7.4 CBM and 1,120 kg gross, so the destination warehouse can count the cartons on arrival and customs can pick specific cartons to open.
Questions
What is the difference between a packing list and an invoice?
The invoice shows prices and values for customs and payment, while the packing list shows the physical details of each package. Both must describe the same goods.
Is the container weight declaration the same as the packing list?
No. The verified gross mass (VGM) is a separate declaration the shipper gives the carrier before a container is loaded.