A garment export carton typically carries the buyer's purchase order number, the style number, colour, size breakdown, total quantity, carton number out of the total, gross and net weight, carton dimensions, country of origin and any retailer label or barcode. Markings are printed or stencilled on at least two sides, in the format your warehouse and your customers require. Get them wrong and the shipment can be refused at the distribution centre or charged back for relabelling.
The standard marking set
- Buyer name and purchase order number.
- Style number and a short description, plus the colour name or code.
- Size breakdown, listing each size and the pieces of that size in the carton.
- Total quantity in the carton.
- Carton number of total, for example 12 of 120, so a missing carton is visible at receipt.
- Gross and net weight in kilograms.
- External dimensions in centimetres, length by width by height.
- Country of origin, normally shown as Made in India.
- Shipping marks: destination, port and any consignee reference.
- Handling marks where relevant, such as this way up and keep dry.
Retailer labels and barcodes
Many retailers require their own carton label with a GS1 serial shipping container code barcode that links the carton to the advance shipping notice sent before arrival. The label position is usually fixed, often on the long side a set distance from the base, and the barcode must scan at the warehouse. If your goods go to a retailer, obtain their packing manual before production and follow it exactly, because label faults are one of the most common chargebacks in apparel.
Mixed cartons need a packing list inside or on the carton that matches the label. Hanging goods need the same information on a tag attached to the rail or hanger set. Ask the retailer whether the label must also show the barcode data in readable text, since many require it.
Points buyers often miss
Markings must match the packing list and invoice line by line, because customs and the receiving warehouse both compare them. Keep brand names off the outside of the carton if theft in transit is a concern; many buyers use a code instead. If the goods ship on wooden pallets, the pallets must be ISPM 15 treated and stamped. Inner cartons and polybags carry their own labels, and these should agree with the outer marking.
Use a stencil or printed label rather than handwriting, and specify the language. Where the destination requires local-language origin marking, confirm the exact wording with your customs broker before cartons are printed, because reprinting after packing means opening every carton.
How we handle it
We check carton markings and retailer labels against the packing list before loading, and we scan barcodes rather than trusting that they printed correctly. Loading supervision confirms the carton count and sequence into the container. Weekly updates include packing and labelling status alongside production. If you want a second pair of eyes on your packing manual, a free 20-minute sourcing review is a good start.