Labelling and packaging your goods for export
Factors to consider when choosing export packaging
This page explains 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 asking people with experience in this area, such as business contacts, your packaging supplier 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. Read about packaging regulations on the Netregs website - Opens in a new window.
Wood packaging requirements
International regulations exist to control the spread of forest pests and timber diseases. You may find it cost-effective to consider alternative packaging.
Dangerous goods
Regulations for dangerous goods are very specific on acceptable inner and outer packaging. See our guide on moving dangerous goods.
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 labelled 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 freight forwarder.
Read our guide on food labelling and packaging in international trade
Subjects covered in this guide
- Introduction
- What is export packaging?
- Your export packaging options
- Factors to consider when choosing export packaging
- Get the details of your export packaging right
- What to mark on your package for export
- Where to buy packaging and labels
