Short answer: TIS-GDV splits export marking into a shipping mark, an information mark and handling instructions. The shipping mark identifies receiver and destination, the information mark gives country of origin, weight and dimensions, and standardised pictorial symbols show how to handle the package. U.S. trade guidance adds that the overseas buyer usually specifies which marks to use.
Not legal, customs or tax advice. General information from public pages; confirm with the authority, your customs broker or a lawyer.
Three marks
| Mark | What goes in it |
|---|---|
| Shipping mark | Identification mark such as the receiver's initials or company name; identification number such as the receiver's order number; total items in the consignment; package number within it, for example 5/12; place and port of destination |
| Information mark | Country of origin as the destination country's rules require (some countries do not want it, and it may be omitted if contractually agreed); weight, required from 1,000 kg; dimensions in centimetres |
| Handling instructions | Whether the package is sensitive to heat or moisture, breakable, has a top and bottom, a centre of gravity or lifting points, using standardised ISO and DIN symbols that must never be omitted |
Appearance and placement
- Apply directly or on adhesive labels; clear, durable and in a colour that stands out, usually black [1]
- The centre-of-gravity symbol goes on two upright surfaces at right angles [1]
- Lifting symbols sit equidistant from the centre of gravity [1]
What U.S. trade guidance lists
- The overseas buyer usually specifies which export marks appear [2]
- Shipper's mark, weight in pounds and kilograms, number of packages and case size in inches and centimetres [2]
- Handling marks using international pictorial symbols; cautionary words in English and the destination language [2]
- Port of entry, and hazardous materials labels using universal symbols [2]
The U.S. page was written for U.S. sellers, so its country-of-origin line names the USA; read it as a list of mark types, not as origin wording for goods from India [2].
Carton checklist for a first export order
- [ ] Ask the buyer which marks they require before cartons are printed [2]
- [ ] Number each carton as a fraction of the total, for example 5/12 [1]
- [ ] Print the destination port and the receiver's order number [1]
- [ ] Add weight and centimetre dimensions [1]
- [ ] Add the handling symbols that fit the product, such as fragile and this way up [1]
- [ ] Check marks match the shipping documents (general practice)
See also what to put in a packing list, barcode placement on cartons and packing fronted frames for transport. Origin-marking rules per market are on the labelling rules comparison.
Questions answered
What are the three kinds of export marking?
TIS-GDV names the shipping mark, the information mark and handling instructions.
Who decides which export marks appear?
U.S. trade guidance says the overseas buyer usually specifies which export marks appear on the cargo.
Is a weight mark always required?
TIS-GDV says weight is required from 1,000 kg, and notes standards recommend a lower threshold.
Further reading
- Marking of packages, TIS-GDV (Transport Information Service)
- Export packing and labeling (archived guidance), U.S. International Trade Administration (archived)
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General information, not legal, customs or tax advice. Your written quote and contract govern. Examples use invented numbers unless stated otherwise.