Packing list
A packing list is a per-package itemisation of a shipment — usually accompanying a commercial invoice — that lists the contents, weights, and dimensions of each carton or pallet for the receiving party and customs.
A packing list breaks the shipment into physical units: carton 1 contains items A, B, C with these weights and dimensions; carton 2 contains items D, E, F; and so on. The total at the bottom should match the commercial invoice quantity and the BOL piece count.
Customs entries for many destinations require a packing list. Without it, customs cannot verify that the declared cargo matches what is physically inside the container, and entries get held.
The packing list is the receiving team's primary reference. When the cargo arrives, the packing list is what they reconcile against — physical count, condition check, damage notation.
Related terms
- Commercial invoiceA commercial invoice is the seller's bill to the buyer for an international shipment, listing goods, quantities, prices, and terms. It is the central document for customs valuation in most jurisdictions.
- Bill of lading vs. shipping manifestA bill of lading is a legal contract between a shipper and a carrier for a single shipment. A manifest is an operational document listing all cargo on a vehicle, vessel, or container, often covering many bills of lading.
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