Export Guide
Export Carton Packaging Requirements
What export cartons must satisfy beyond domestic shippers: stacking and humidity, marks and compliance claims, palletization, container loading, and documentation buyers should lock before mass production.
Export is a different load case
Export cartons face longer storage, humidity swings, multiple handlings, and container top-load. A board that works for domestic parcels can crush at destination. Specify for the voyage you actually book.
Strength and climate
Set ECT/construction against product weight and stack height in container and warehouse. Add margin for humid lanes. Consider double-wall or higher ECT when history shows crush. Validate with filled trials when SKUs are critical.
Moisture and adhesives
High moisture softens board and stresses bonds. Align adhesive process with export board programs (see delamination and viscosity articles). Avoid undocumented “waterproof carton” claims—define what test or film/coating you actually need.
Marks, labels, and compliance language
Shipping marks, barcodes, country-of-origin rules, and retailer label guides belong in artwork approval. Recycled or FSC claims only with documents. Do not print eco claims the mill cannot support.
Palletization and container loading
Specify pallet size, stack pattern, edge protection, slip sheets/dunnage if used, max stack, and whether loads are floor-loaded. Crush damage often starts with bad loading, not only weak board. Decide Incoterms together with who controls loading.
Inspection timing
Inspection must finish before cutoff. Define what fails a shipment (wrong flute, soft board, print out of tolerance). Retain photos and board samples.
Documentation pack
Commercial invoice, packing list, packing details, certificates if contracted, and any test reports. Align HS/description with your broker early for unusual constructions.
Buyer checklist before PO
Duty defined; construction + ECT locked; artwork approved; packing method approved; inspection plan dated; claim path written; pilot vs full volume decided.
Related reading
Corrugated Packaging Sourcing Guide, How to Choose Corrugated Board, Single Wall vs Double Wall, Industry News briefs on freight and wood-free loading.