Export sanitaryware is usually packed one piece per carton, in a strong multi-wall corrugated box with foam or moulded inserts that stop the ceramic touching the carton walls. Fittings and seat covers are packed separately inside the box or in their own carton.
The container load matters as much as the box. Cartons must be stacked tightly, the right way up, and braced so nothing moves at sea or on the road.
The carton
Most factories use 5-ply or 7-ply corrugated cartons for WCs, with heavier board for one-piece models and large basins. The carton should be sized to the product plus its inserts, with no empty space for the piece to shift.
Ask for the carton specification in writing: board grade, number of plies, and the stacking height the carton is designed for. A weak carton can collapse when a container is stacked high, and the piece inside breaks even though the box looked fine at loading.
Inserts and protection
- Expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polyethylene foam blocks at the corners and under the base.
- Moulded pulp trays, which some markets prefer because they are easier to recycle.
- A foam or cardboard sleeve around the rim and other thin edges.
- A plastic bag over the piece to keep dust and moisture off the glaze.
- Separate protection for cistern lids, which are thin and break easily.
Fittings and accessories
Flush valves, fill valves, buttons and seat covers are usually supplied in a small carton or bag inside the main box. On a two-piece WC, the cistern often has its own carton. Make sure the packing list shows which carton holds which parts.
Fittings that are pre-installed in the cistern should be secured so they do not rattle loose. Check this on a sample carton before loading starts.
Pallets or floor loading
Sanitaryware can be loaded loose on the container floor or on pallets. Floor loading uses more of the container's volume, which matters because sanitaryware fills by space, not weight. Palletised loads are faster to unload with a forklift and suffer less handling damage at the warehouse.
If you use wooden pallets, check the treatment rules for your market. Our guide on ISPM 15 pallets explains the marking that most countries require.
Loading the container
- Load heavier cartons at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- Keep every carton upright, following the arrows printed on it.
- Fill gaps with cardboard, foam or inflatable dunnage bags so the load cannot shift.
- Brace the last row near the doors so it cannot fall when the container is opened.
- Photograph each stage of loading and the sealed doors.
Packing and container count
Better packing takes more space, so you fit fewer pieces per container. This trade-off is usually worth it. Our article on how many WCs fit in a 40 ft container explains how carton size sets the count. Even with good packing, some breakage can happen, and our guide on sanitaryware breakage rates explains how contracts deal with it.
Next step
We check carton specifications, approve sample packs and supervise container loading. To discuss your range and packing, book a free sourcing review.