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.
Related terms
Guides that use this term
Trade terms
EXW vs FOB vs DDP: Which Incoterm to Use When Buying from China
EXW, FOB and DDP compared for China imports: who pays each cost, where risk transfers, and which term suits first-time buyers vs experienced importers.
Updated 2026-09-26 · 3 min read
Fairs
How to Plan a China Sourcing Trip: Cities, Itinerary, Visas
Plan a 5–7 day China sourcing trip: cities by product, a sample Guangzhou and Yiwu itinerary, visa-free entry rules, mobile payments and a factory checklist.
Updated 2026-09-26 · 6 min read
QC
AQL Explained: How Pre-Shipment Inspection Sampling Works
What AQL means in product inspection, how sample sizes are chosen, and which AQL levels importers typically set for critical, major and minor defects.
Updated 2026-09-26 · 3 min read
E-commerce
China Dropshipping Agent vs AliExpress: Which to Use and When
AliExpress dropshipping vs a China fulfillment agent compared on product cost, delivery time, branding, quality control and stock, plus clear signs it's time to switch.
Updated 2026-09-25 · 6 min read
Private label
Custom Packaging from China: Options, Printing, MOQs and Labels
How to order custom packaging from China: poly bags, colour boxes, mailers and inserts, printing methods, MOQs, dielines, barcodes and origin marking.
Updated 2026-09-24 · 5 min read
Platforms
Alibaba Trade Assurance: What It Covers and How to Claim
What Alibaba.com Trade Assurance covers and excludes, which payments qualify, refund windows, delivery-delay compensation and how to file a claim.
Updated 2026-09-23 · 5 min read
Part of Shipping & Logistics.