Packing list is a commercial document, in broad perspective.
It is a detailed listing of the contents of the shipment and acts as a supporting document of both commercial invoice and bill of lading.
The packing list (abbreviated as P/L) gives great deal of information regarding the incoming cargo without mentioning the value of the goods.
Gross weight, net weight, packing type, container number, seal number, number of packages, description of goods are the key points of an ordinary packing list.
It is required for customs clearance and most of the times accompanying the commercial invoice.
A packing list is expected to be issued by the exporter.
Packing list is one of the key documents in a typical commercial letter of credit. It is requested under almost all of the letters of credit.
On this page you can find most common discrepancies related to a packing list.
Packing List Discrepancies
- Description of goods is in conflict with other documents
- Packing list and certificate of origin show different net weight and gross weight
- Container number not in accordance with the bill of lading
- Package type is not consistent with that stated in the letter of credit
- Not issued by party as requested by the letter of credit
- Packing list shows short shipment
- Packing list shows over shipment
- Insufficient number of originals presented
Important Definitions Regarding the Packing List under Latest Letter of Credit Rules:
- According to letter of credit rules the content of the document is much more important than the title of the document. As an example, a requirement for a “Packing List” will be satisfied by a document containing packing details whether it is titled “Packing List”, “Packing Note”, “Packing and Weight List”, etc., or bears even no title.
- A packing list is to be issued by the entity stated in the credit. When a credit does not indicate the name of an issuer, any entity may issue a packing list.
- Banks only examine total values, including, but not limited to, total quantities, total weights, total measurements or total packages, to ensure that the applicable total does not conflict with a total shown in the credit and on any other stipulated document.
- When a credit contains a non‐documentary condition, compliance with such condition need not be evidenced on any stipulated document. However, data contained in a stipulated document are not to be in conflict with the non‐documentary condition. For example, when a credit indicates “packing in plastic cases” without indicating that such data is to appear on any stipulated document, a statement on the packing list indicating a different type of packing is considered to be a conflict of data.
