Export Packaging

Export packaging is also often referred to as transport packaging, which is one of three main types of packaging that are likely to be needed for exported goods.

• Transport or export packaging is the outermost layer of packaging and is designed to protect your goods during transit. Examples include wooden crates, metal drums and plastic shrink-wrapping.
• Outer packaging is an intermediate layer of packaging, which often also serves a retail-promotion purpose. An example would be a box containing multiple units that doubles as a retail display fixture and can be placed directly on a shop shelf, as is common with many convenience foods.
• Sales packaging is the immediate layer of packaging around your goods – the packaging that remains when the goods reach their end-user. Examples include the bottles in which beverages are contained, or the boxes many electronics items are sold in. Sales packaging often also serves a marketing purpose by containing prominent branding images and information.

These three types of packaging work like Russian dolls – each layer of packaging is complete on its own terms, but contained within a further layer of outer packaging.

Your export packaging options

You have a wide variety of options when choosing how to package goods for export, with materials such as wood, paper, metal, plastic, glass and textiles commonly used.

The main types of export packaging include:

• Loose or unpacked – a common option for large items such as heavy vehicles. Making sure they’re stowed securely is more important than adding a layer of protective packaging.
• Boxes or crates – one of the most prevalent options. They are often stacked on pallets and shrink-wrapped for stability. Less durability is required if goods are also containerised.
• Drums, usually made of metal or plastic – commonly used for transporting liquids and powders or goods that need to be kept dry.
• Wrapping – often used with goods stacked on pallets, wrapping both adds to stability and protects goods.
• Pallets – allow smaller packing units such as boxes and cartons to be grouped together. They allow easy mechanical transporting (eg forklift trucks), which eases the process of loading, unloading and warehousing.

These options are not mutually exclusive, so you may want or need to use more than one.

Containers and Break-Bulk

For logistical efficiency, containers are used to transport most export consignments. Containers are standardised metal boxes, often measuring 6 metres long and 2.4 metres deep/wide. The goods inside might still need packaging, but the container offers added protection, and increased security from theft.

The term ‘break-bulk’ refers to goods carried as general cargo, rather than in containers. This increases the risk of damage during transit, so make sure adequate dunnage is used. Dunnage is protective material placed around the goods to prevent damage from movement, moisture or other causes.

You must also comply with general export procedures.

Factors to consider when choosing export packaging

The packaging options you can choose from, and offers advice on packaging dangerous goods. You might need help deciding which option is best for you. A good place to start is by contacting businesses with experience in this area, such as BRENT Packaging & Logistics, or trade association, or a freight forwarder if you’re using one.

Factors that will influence packaging decisions are explained below.

Protection

Avoiding damage to your goods is the main purpose of export packaging. One of the reasons that containers and pallets have become so standard is that they combine efficiency with excellent cargo protection.

Security

You need to take steps to prevent goods being stolen or tampered with. Containerisation helps with this, and using container seals makes tampering even less likely. Shrink-wrapping and secure straps also act as deterrents. Export packaging should be kept as plain as possible – providing details of the contents, eg brand names, encourages theft.

Mode of transport

This may influence your packaging. For example, bulk ocean shipments of liquids, grain and ores don’t need any packaging. And goods transported by air generally need less protective packaging than those sent by ship.

Cost

It’s a false economy to try to cut costs by using sub-standard packaging. The standard options (eg cartons grouped on pallets and then loaded into containers) have become the standard because they’re reliable. Unless your goods require special care, you’re unlikely to gain much by opting for above-standard packaging.

Waste legislation

Many markets abroad have waste regulations that favour packaging which can be easily recycled or has a minimal impact on the environment when disposed of. In many export markets, there are stricter rules on packaging waste and collection, eg the ‘green dot system’ in Germany.

You must comply with The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations that aim to minimise the amount of waste packaging businesses generate and ensure that packaging can be reused, recovered or recycled. If your business handles more than 50 tonnes of packaging in a year and has a turnover of more than £2 million, you must also comply with the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations. You must register with your environmental regulator and recycle and recover certain amounts of packaging waste.

Wood packaging requirements

International regulations exist to control the spread of forest pests and timber diseases. Contact BRENT Packaging & Logistics Ltd. for any wooden crating options.

Dangerous goods

Regulations for dangerous goods are very specific on acceptable inner and outer packaging.   Consider contacting a professional service or business to help with the facilitation of dangerous goods transport such as BRENT Packaging & Logistics Ltd.

Food and perishable goods

Within the European Union (EU), food labelling and safety requirements are based on the same rules, so the rules UK exporters must follow for their dispatches are similar for all member states. Many foods, such as meat, have specific extra requirements. For instance, all fruit and vegetables destined for the EU must be labeled with their country of origin. Outside the EU, standards vary from country to country. The rules are complicated and you should seek specialist advice from your trade association or BRENT Packaging.

Export Packaging Done Right!

Once you have decided what kind of packaging you need, use this page to check if there are any further issues you should consider including:

• Information and labelling – certain information has to be clearly marked on your export packages.
• Rules in your export markets – check that your consignments comply with local regulations. Certain markings may be required and in some countries certain packaging materials, eg straw filling, are prohibited.
• Load securing – even adapted packaging has a limit to the vibrations it can withstand before it collapses. Make sure your packaging can be secured in its container and/or vehicle.
• Restrictions on wood packaging – certain countries require wood packaging to be marked and accompanied by a wood packaging certificate. In many cases it will be sufficient to check that your wood packaging is ISPM 15 compliant.   BRENT Packaging meets the latest ISPM 15 regulations for wood packaging.
• Packaging waste – you have a legal duty to minimise the weight and volume of the packaging you use. Heavy users of packaging also have to register with the Environment Agency and become accredited as exporters. In many export markets, there are stricter rules on packaging waste and collection, such as the ‘green dot system’ in Germany.
• Hazardous goods – any exports of dangerous goods will have to be safely packaged and clearly marked and labelled. The rules vary slightly depending on which mode of transport you’re using.  Consider consulting an export in the transportation of hazardous/dangerous goods (see BRENT Packaging).
• Insurance – your transport insurance cover may be adversely affected if it can be shown that your goods were damaged due to poor packaging. For more information, see our guide on transport insurance.
• Contracts – to avoid disputes in case goods are damaged in transit, consider including packaging specifications in your contracts with buyers.

When exporting (or importing) your packaging must take into consideration any infestation concerns. Since food products are closely controlled, this mostly comes into play when using wood pallets, boxes or crates. Specifically, the long-horn beetle has become an international concern sparking a current and very strict set of shipping regulations outlined in ISPM 15.

Export packing can also reference packing for protection from environmental exposure. Commonly in commercial cargo, export packaging includes a vapor barrier material such as MIL-B-131 and other moisture prevention and/or moisture absorption materials.

Military export packaging often also includes corrosion protection such as surface lubricants or other chemicals used to avoid corrosion from salt or air.

Depending on the type of containerization, export packaging may also include protection from sun, wind, sand, etc.

Export shipping containers are often constructed differently for strength and to allow for more lifting and transporting options. This is due to lesser controls and equipment used in other countries. Containers need to be designed to survive greater abuse and in general greater exposure to the elements.