Key Takeaways
- Invoice vs. Packing List: The Commercial Invoice establishes customs value and payment terms, whereas the Packing List establishes physical weights, dimensions, and package numbering.
- Net Weight vs. Gross Weight: Net Weight is the weight of the goods alone; Gross Weight includes all inner/outer packaging and pallets (and must match the Bill of Lading).
- Shipping Mark Consistency: Physical marks printed on cartons/pallets must match the Shipping Marks declared on the Packing List, B/L, and Thai Customs entry.
1. Mandatory Elements of a Customs-Compliant Packing List
To prevent customs queries at Thai ports and airports, a Packing List should clearly state:
- Shipper, Consignee, and Notify Party names and addresses.
- Reference Commercial Invoice number and date.
- Itemized description, quantity per package, total package count, and packaging type (Cartons, Pallets, Drums, Crates).
- Itemized and total Net Weight (KGS) and Gross Weight (KGS).
- Package dimensions and total volume in Cubic Meters (CBM).
- Exact Shipping Marks and package sequence numbers.
2. Shipping Mark Rules in Thailand (Shipping Mark Thailand)
Under Thai Customs procedures, the Shipping Marks declared on the import/export entry must match the physical markings on the cargo packages and the Bill of Lading. If packages bear no marks, all documents must consistently state "NO MARK" (N/M).
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When wooden crates or pallets are declared on the Packing List, solid wood packaging material must bear a visible ISPM 15 (IPPC) heat-treatment or fumigation stamp to comply with plant quarantine regulations.
Official Sources: Thai Customs Department (customs.go.th) and Department of Agriculture (doa.go.th).
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View Document Verification & Customs ServicesA Packing List is a mandatory international shipping document prepared by the exporter that itemizes the physical packaging details of a shipment—including carton/pallet counts, packaging types, Net Weight, Gross Weight, dimensions (CBM), and Shipping Marks. Customs officers use the Packing List to verify physical cargo against the import/export declaration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Does a Packing List include product prices?
A:No. Product unit prices and total values are shown on the Commercial Invoice, whereas the Packing List details package counts, packaging types, Net Weight, Gross Weight, and CBM dimensions.
Q:What happens if the Packing List Gross Weight differs from the Bill of Lading?
A:Any discrepancy between the Packing List, import declaration, and the carrier's Bill of Lading manifest will block cargo release at the port or airport terminal until corrected.
Q:How should unmarked cartons be declared on the Packing List?
A:If cartons or pallets have no physical shipping marks, declare "NO MARK" (or "N/M") consistently across the Invoice, Packing List, B/L, and customs entry.
