Packing problems discovered after goods have left China are expensive to fix. Packing problems discovered before freight handoff cost almost nothing to address.
These are the practical packing checks NZ and AU buyers should confirm before goods move to a freight forwarder.
Carton strength
Cartons that are undersized, flimsy, or poorly constructed will not survive international freight. Ask for the carton specification — material weight (gsm), dimensions, and how many units per carton. For heavy or fragile goods, confirm that the carton is rated for the product weight and for stacking.
Labelling
Each carton should have clear, accurate labelling that matches the packing list. Check for:
- Product name and item code
- Quantity per carton
- Gross and net weight
- Country of origin (required for NZ and AU customs)
- Destination address or consignee details where required
Missing or incorrect labels cause delays at customs and create confusion at the warehouse on arrival.
Product protection
Confirm what internal packaging is used — foam, bubble wrap, dividers, or similar. For fragile products or items with painted or finished surfaces, inadequate internal protection causes damage in transit.
Ask for photos of a packed carton before the shipment is sealed, especially for first orders.
Quantities and packing list accuracy
Before freight moves, verify that the packing list accurately reflects what is actually packed. Count total cartons, total units, and check that the packing list matches both the purchase order and the commercial invoice. Discrepancies at this stage cause customs problems in NZ and AU.
Mixed goods and consolidation
If your shipment includes multiple products or is being consolidated with other cargo, confirm that each product is clearly separated, labelled, and identified in the packing list. Mixed cartons without clear identification create sorting problems at the destination.
Spare parts
If spare parts were agreed as part of the order, confirm they are packed separately with their own packing list entry. Spare parts mixed in with main product cartons without clear identification are difficult to locate on arrival.
Shipment readiness confirmation
Before goods are released to the freight forwarder, ask the supplier for:
- Photos of packed cartons and packing
- A copy of the packing list for review
- Confirmation of total carton count and weight
This takes a few hours and prevents the most common freight handoff problems.
Summary
Packing readiness is not complicated. It is a checklist confirmed before goods move. Buyers who skip this step discover the problems in an NZ or AU warehouse — at their own cost and inconvenience.
ANZSBS can help coordinate packing checks and freight handoff preparation. Contact us with your shipment details.