Packaging & Labelling

When transporting goods overseas, it is critical to comply with the relevant international and national standards for packaging & labelling. Of course, packaging and labelling requirements depend upon the industry and the type of goods being shipped – and national requirements are usually a good base for understanding what will be required for goods being exported.

For national standards you should refer to:

The Importer
The Customs & Excise authority of the importing country (See the Trade Profile of the relevant country)
Your shipping agent

Below you will find regulations & dimensions relating to labelling and ULDs (Unit Load Devices).

International Standards

The International Standards for General Purpose Containers are set out in ISO 55.181.10
The International Standards governing Air Containers are set out by IATA

The International standards for packaging are set out in:

ISO 55000
ASTM International’s Paper Standards & Packaging Standards
ASTM Packaging and Shipping Container Standards
North American Packaging Standards

The International standards for labelling are set out in:

ISO 28219

Container Dimensions

Ocean Container Dimensions

Most goods are exported in Containers which have the following standard dimensions:

Air Container Dimensions