Packing List (PL)

What is a Packing List?

A Packing List (PL) is a document used for customs declaration that identifies the quantity, weight, dimensions, and carton count of the shipped products.

The information listed on the Commercial Invoice must match the corresponding fields on the Packing List (e.g., the quantity of units for each product should be the same on both the Commercial Invoice and the Packing List).

What information goes on a packing list?

The supplier typically prepares the packing list. It includes the shipper and consignee, a description of the goods, the number of cartons or pallets, gross and net weights, dimensions, and carton marks. Many lists also show the invoice number and the purchase order (PO) number.

Why does packing list accuracy matter?

Carriers, customs brokers and warehouses all rely on the packing list. A mismatch with the commercial invoice or the physical cargo can trigger a customs exam, delay clearance or cause receiving errors at the warehouse. Review your supplier's draft before the shipment leaves, since corrections get harder once the cargo is in transit.

Back to the full glossary.