Import packaging requirements: what you must know before shipping

Shipping goods across borders means more than putting items in a box. Import packaging requirements protect products, satisfy customs, and keep patients safe when medicines move internationaly. Want a clear, practical list of what matters? Read on — this is the short, useful version for importers and pharma teams.

Core rules and labels

Every shipment needs clear labeling: product name, net weight, batch or lot number, manufacture and expiry dates, storage conditions (for example: "Keep refrigerated 2–8°C"), and country of origin. For pharmaceuticals, add active ingredient strengths, manufacturer address, and any special handling notes. Dangerous goods must follow IATA (air) or IMDG (sea) labeling and include the correct UN hazard class number.

Wooden packaging and pallets often need ISPM-15 treatment and a visible stamp. If you use chemical raw materials, include an up-to-date Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Missing or wrong labels are a top cause of customs delays and returned shipments.

Documents, regulations and testing

Customs wants the right paperwork: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/air waybill, certificate of origin, and any product-specific certificates (GMP certificate, free sale certificate, or health certificate for medicines). For pharma, expect to show product registration or import permits in the destination country.

Serialization rules matter. The EU Falsified Medicines Directive and the US Drug Supply Chain Security Act require serialized 2D barcodes and traceability for many prescription drugs. Check the destination country's requirements early — compliance often takes months to set up.

Material and performance testing helps avoid damage: choose packaging tested to ISTA or ASTM drop and vibration standards. For cold-chain goods, validate your insulated shippers and temperature data loggers. A common fail: relying on ice packs without validated hold-time data — that risks spoiled batches.

Packing technique affects cost and customs clearance. Use appropriate cushioning, secure pallets with stretch film, and follow weight limits of carriers. Label pallets with consignee details and a pallet ID that matches the packing list and invoice.

Quick checklist you can use now:

• Label: product name, batch, expiry, storage temp, origin.
• Docs: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airwaybill, certificate of origin, GMP/import permits.
• Safety: SDS for chemicals, IATA/IMDG declarations for hazardous goods.
• Pharma specifics: serialization, tamper-evident seals, child-resistant closures if required.
• Cold chain: validated shippers, data loggers, defined hold times.
• Materials: ISPM-15 stamped wood, recyclable options if requested by buyer or regulation.
• Testing: ISTA/ASTM validation for transport conditions.

Need help checking a shipment? Start with the destination country’s regulator website and your carrier’s packaging guide. Small changes up front save big delays and costs at import. If you ship medicines, prioritize serialization, cold-chain validation, and proper certificates — those three items are where most problems begin.