Packaging for export has never had a generally acceptable standard. As it has always been majorly determined by standards of countries of destination of the goods, and by buyers request.
In export, packaging and labelling works simultaneously. An exporter must be familiar with the quiddity of packaging and labelling, before they begin export.
IMPORTANCE OF LABELLING AND PACKAGING
Labelling and packaging comes in different forms, materials, sizes or shapes. Product labels do not just add to the uniqueness of the goods they are attached to, but convey necessary information on product awareness, specifications on side effects of components if any, age range of use and most importantly, it’s a company’s way of connecting with their customers.
NECESSARY LABEL REQUIREMENTS
Country of origin of goods
Components or ingredients used
Production date
Expiry date
Net content
Direction of use (if necessary)
Storage temperature
Handling emblems (warnings)
Brand name
Packaging sizes
Port of entry
TYPES OF PACKAGING
Sales, primary or consumer unit packaging; is the direct packaging in contact with the product. The primary purpose of this packaging is to contain and protect the product against contamination or stains.
Outer, secondary or stock keeping unit packaging (SKU): this is intended to group a specified number of primarily packaged products together. In some cases, it doubles as a packaging and shipping packs.
Tertiary, bulk or transit packaging : this is deployed for the protection of goods during transit to their various points of sale. It prevents damages, and is a collection of several stock keeping units.
FACTORS THAT DETERMINES PACKAGING
All packaging types serve as protective layers for the goods they package. And choosing the right packaging matters.
Legal compliance : Packaging standards must be in compliance with necessary laws of the countries of destination of the products.
Durability : this should be taken into consideration when deciding the types of packaging. As it can affect the shelf life of any goods.
Availability and affordability : an affordable but good, attractive and easily available packaging material is an all time choice. As it would be accessible at all times.
HOW TO PACKAGE
Content packs don’t have to be very expensive. But an attractive packaging would leave a good impression on users and onlookers. Packaging rightly to avoid contamination or damages during transit, saves a great deal on having to replace damaged goods when it gets to users.
Know the net content
Understanding that the weight of goods should determine the packaging is key. As products go through various phases before reaching to the end user. To ensure the products are still in good shape to the user, the heavier the product, the stronger the packaging materials. Very heavy products might need extra layer packaging while less weighty products can be packed in bags.
Fillings and cushioning
When your packaging materials, whether boxes, bags or crates, are bigger than the content, it easily shifts position. To avoid damages during transit, ensure to include fillers and cushioning materials to aid the balance of the packaged content. Fillings come in forms, sizes and shapes of hard paper boards, bubble wraps, airbags e.t.c. For additional protection of heavier items, boxes can be doubled.
Sealing of goods
If your packaging requires a box, use appropriate tapes, not straps or strings. As the boxes would not bind properly.