BA CC6 International Trade and Agreement

Activity No. 5
Lesson 5 Export Packing and Marking

What is export packing?

 It is the preparation of goods to be ship internationally.
 It also enables that your goods will arrive safely intact, secured and
undamaged once it gets to your buyer overseas.
 The degree of export packing depends on the kind of product, the mode of
transportation, shipment facilities and as well as the airport or port destination.
What are the things to be considered in export packing? Explain each.
Things to be considered in packing:
1. Nature of the product. Some products need to be more protected in packing and
packaging especially if it is a more fragile one.
2. Mode of transportation. Sea transports are taking much longer shipment than air
shipment, so the packing should be more secured.
3. Climactic conditions during journey. It is good if the weather is always fine around
the whole world but some sea voyages and even plane voyages are dangerous not
only for us, humans but also for cargoes.
4. Pilferage susceptibility. Make sure that the products cannot be easily stolen from
where they are stored during the journey. Some products may be of little value but
they still need to be secured but in most cases high-value products are the most
prone ones to pilferage.
5. Customer’s requirements. Some buyers want to have their own specifications of
the packing so if there is an agreement on what you will provide for what is required;
you have to abide to it.
6. Cost of packing materials as against total export cost. It is natural for a seller to
have a much better packing for their products but that also means that it will cost
more than the actual price of the product.
Find picture and description of the different types of export packing
Different types of export packing and their uses:
1. Boxes and crates – it is used to pack a variety of items, mostly used by shippers
worldwide. Both may be made from wood, but has different structure. Packaging
boxes are solid and covered on all sides to ensure the security of the items while
crates, on the other hand, may have open sides with a solid top and bottom (making
the items more visible for inspections).
2. Pallets – are a flat transport structure that helps support goods and keep the
stability of the goods as they are lifted by forklifts or cranes. It provides a structural
foundation for a load unit and divides shipping container items among separate units.
Items place on pallets are usually secured by straps or shrink wrap to add more
security to it.
3. Drums – they are usually for transporting such liquids or powders that needs to be
kept dry. They can be made from a variety of materials such as fibre, stainless steel
and polyethylene.
4. Containers – for practicality, most exporters prefers using containers and it is much
easier to pack and move items. They can be made from standardized metal and
provide all around protection for high-value products like expensive cars and
specialized equipment.
5. Loose or unpacked packaging – there are heavy vehicles that cannot be contained
instead they are transported as general cargo. In order to prevent such damage to the
items, extra protective materials are used or placed around the goods to secure them
and prevent moisture absorption that might cause some rust.

What is export marking?

 Marking allows you to identify practically anything.
 Export marking is the principal identification for the international mobility of
goods.
 The marks should be very simple so the handlers in the port won’t be confuse
and the buyer as well.
 There are three important types of data that should be given proper marking in
export such as essential data, other data and handling instructions.
Give at least ten symbols apply to packages. What is the description and meaning of
each symbol?
1. Wine glass – the cracked wine glass label lets you know that the items inside the
packaging are “fragile.”
2. Hands with box – it just means that it should be “handle with care.” Items inside are
more likely fragile, made up of intricate parts or otherwise can be easily damaged.
3. Flames – it means the material inside is “flammable.” The shipment should be keep
away from sparks, open flame hot surfaces and smoking.
4. Upward Arrows – it is two upward arrows which indicates “this ways up.” For the
duration of shipping/delivery, the carton should face upright.
5. X Over Hook – it is a symbol depicting a hook marked over with an X means “use
no hooks.” Absolutely no hand hooks should be attached to pull the parcel.
6. Multiple Boxes in Prohibition Sign – it is a universal no-sign covering a tower of
boxes, which means “do not stack.” The symbol might even display a couple of boxes
toppling to the floor, showcasing the outcome if you pile cartons.
7. Person Lifting in Prohibition Sign – boxes with this label just means that they are
“heavy”, so “do not lift.” A trolley is needed for it.
8. Stacked Boxes – pay attention to numbers on the stacked boxes icon. If you see
“3”, the “stack limitation” is 3 units. Some stacks will have top boxes marked with an 8
and X, for example. You then know the “max carton” stack is 7.
9. Box Beneath Sunshine – it means “protect from heat.”
10. Thermometer – it is more particular, in that it will provide “temperature limitations.”
It is important that containers are stored in the noted degree range.
What is export labeling?
 Just like export packaging, labeling should also be done with extra care.
 It is important that an exporter is familiar to all sorts of sign and symbols.
 Labeling of a product also provides information like how to use, transport,
recycle, or dispose of the package or product. With pharmaceuticals, food,
medical, and chemical products, some types of information are required by
governments.
 Labeling should be in English, and words indicating country of origin should be
as large and as prominent as any other English words on the package or label.
 Labels should make clear the quantity and quality of the goods. The
information may include the following:
 Shipper's mark
 Country of origin
 Weight marking (in pounds and in kilograms)
 Number of packages and size of cases (in inches and centimeters)
 Handling marks (international pictorial symbols)
 Cautionary markings, such as "This Side Up."
 Port of entry
 Labels for hazardous materials
 The importing countries’ own regulations concerning the marking and labeling,
especially of dangerous substances such as explosives, must be checked and
observed.
Explain the importance of export labeling?
 Export labeling is important as it helps to make the product eye catching and
makes it look attractive.
 It can also help save some money by saving the product from wrong handling.
 It can be used specially by marketers to encourage more potential buyers to
purchase the product.
 It is also important because it can help communicate aspects of consumer use
and safety.
 Labeling also helps the viewer to differentiate the product from the rest in the
shelves of the market.
 This also helps to spread awareness among customers about the item they are
consuming and contains information whether a product has harmful chemicals
especially if it is meant to be used for children.