A packing list is an accompanying document for cargo, which is issued by shippers for each piece of cargo.
It is usually attached to a visible place so that you can find out what is in the package without opening it. The list indicates the name of the goods, net and gross weight, and type of packaging. The cost of the cargo is not indicated on the list.
A packing list is needed to transport goods abroad, during export or import. From it, customs takes data on the weight of the goods and calculates the customs value.
A packing list is not required for transportation within Russia, but it can be drawn up for the convenience of the parties – to know what is in the box without opening it. The buyer and seller have the right to agree that the seller will accompany deliveries with sheets.
A sheet is issued for a homogeneous cargo or assortment packed in one cargo place – a box, crate, pallet.
For example, the seller placed an order of 10 pieces of fabric in a crate and sent it to the buyer. He drew up a packing list for it with one name: homogeneous cargo.
Another seller sends a fragile cargo of glassware to a buyer – plates, cups and saucers. He placed each type of glassware in a corrugated box, and together they – in a rigid crate. In the packing list, the seller will indicate 3 names – according to the number of types of goods.
How to draw up a packing list
There is no unified form of the document, you can draw it up yourself. The main thing is to indicate:
- Sender of the cargo.
- Recipient of the cargo.
- Destination address.
- Type of packaging.
- Name of the goods, their quantity and weight.
The packing list is signed by the sender’s employee, whose duties include this.
The list is drawn up for each individual item of goods, that is, for each package of goods.
For example, a wholesale warehouse sent 3 boxes of milk and 1 box of kefir packets to a store. The warehouse drew up 4 packing lists for this shipment.
The packing list is prepared in two or three copies. One copy remains with the sender, the second is given to the cargo carrier. The third copy can be prepared separately for the recipient.