Packing slip vs. export packing list

They sound the same, and many shipping apps print something called a "packing slip." For an export shipment, that is usually not enough.

Packing slip

• Who it's for: the customer who opens the box.
• What it shows: order number, items and quantities in that box.
• Who makes it: your store or shipping app, automatically.

Export packing list

• Who it's for: your freight forwarder, the carrier, and customs at both ends.
• What it shows, carton by carton:
  • carton or package number (for example 1–24)
  • contents and quantity in each carton
  • net and gross weight per carton and in total
  • dimensions per carton
  • shipping marks and the invoice reference
• Why it matters: customs may open a specific carton and compare it with the list. The forwarder uses the totals to book space and to file.

They must agree with the commercial invoice

The packing list does not show prices, but its quantities, carton count and weights must match the commercial invoice. Most document-related delays we hear about come from those two documents being typed separately.

Practical tips

• Number cartons the same way on the list and on the carton labels.
• Show weights in the units your buyer expects (kg and lb if in doubt).
• Keep one line per carton for mixed cartons; group identical cartons only if each carton really is identical.