A packing list, also known as a bill of parcel or delivery list, is one of the vital import documents. It is used when importing goods from outside the EU to an EU country and contains information on the products loaded onto the given means of transport. In this article, we introduce the packing list and its role in the import procedure.
Packing list and other import documents
Goods imported from outside the European Union must undergo customs clearance. If you do not want your goods to be detained at the border, you need a complete set of documents. These include Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin (if required), other certificates (depending on the product type), confirmation of payment, and packing list.
The packing list data must match those on the Commercial Invoice, Bill of Lading, and other similar documents. Otherwise, the credibility of the packing list may be questioned.
Why do you need a delivery list?
The packing list is needed for the clearance of goods and serves as a precaution against the shipping of incorrect cargo. The importer and other parties involved in transporting the goods can verify if the products ready to be shipped match the order. The packing list is also used to issue a waybill and, in some cases, evidence supporting a payment method.
In addition, a packing list contains information about the net and gross weight of the products, which are not included in the invoice. When clearing customs, the cargo weight is required for each given HS code; therefore, a packing list might be helpful.
What does a packing list include?
The information included in a delivery list is:
- Packing list number and date of issue
- Exporter information
- Importer information
- Consignee information
- The subject of the transaction
- Commercial Invoice number
- Bill of Lading number
- Country of origin
- Importer’s country
- Port of loading
- Port of unloading
- Gross and net unit weight
- Total gross and net weight of cargo
- Cargo dimensions
- Delivery terms
- Quantity of goods and packages
What is important to remember about delivery lists?
One essential factor to consider is that the packing list details should match those on the Invoice, Bill of Lading, and similar documents. Moreover, you can use a packing list as a waybill, proving that the goods have been handed over to the consignee. Therefore, the packing list can also serve as a basis for border authorities to inspect and charge, depending on the transported goods’ value.
Packing list – summary
The packing list is an essential import document without which you cannot proceed with customs clearance. All details on the packing list must be in unison with those on the invoice; otherwise, the list’s credibility may be questioned. It can also replace the waybill, which is another document required for customs clearance.
