Sourcing glossary
Packing list
Also known as: PL, Packing slip, Shipping list
A shipping document listing how the goods are packed, carton by carton, with quantities, carton numbers, net and gross weights and dimensions, used by forwarders, customs and warehouses to identify and check the cargo.
The packing list does not show prices; it shows what is in each carton and how much the shipment weighs and measures. Forwarders use it to book space and quote freight by CBM or chargeable weight, customs officers use it to pick cartons for examination, and your receiving warehouse uses it to count stock in.
Ask your Chinese supplier for the packing list before the goods leave the factory, and check that total cartons, weights and volumes match the commercial invoice and the booking. Mismatches are a common reason for customs holds and extra fees at fulfilment centres. See shipping from China to Amazon FBA for carton labelling and packing rules.
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