Skip to main content

Generic / Other Customers

Use these standard requirements when shipping to customers without a specific guide. These are conservative defaults that should be acceptable to most buyers.
Always ask the customer for their compliance guide first. Use these defaults only when no specific requirements are provided.

When to Use This Guide

SituationAction
New customer, no guide providedUse these defaults
Customer says “standard packing”Use these defaults
Small order, no specific instructionsUse these defaults
Customer has specific guideUse their guide instead

Safe Defaults Summary

RequirementSafe Default
Carton Label SizeA4 (210mm × 297mm)
Barcode TypeCode 128
Max Carton Weight15 kg
Max Carton Dimensions60 × 40 × 40 cm
Size SortingSingle size per carton
Poly BaggingYes, individual
SealingH-seal, clear tape
DocumentsInvoice, Packing List, COO

Carton Label

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                                                 │
│  FROM: MAC LEATHER CO                           │
│        [Your full address]                      │
│                                                 │
│  ─────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│                                                 │
│  TO: [Customer name]                            │
│      [Customer address]                         │
│                                                 │
│  ─────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│                                                 │
│  PO: [Customer PO number]                       │
│  Style: [Style reference]                       │
│  Description: [Product name]                    │
│  Colour: [Colour name]                          │
│  Size: [Size]                                   │
│  Quantity: [Units in carton]                    │
│                                                 │
│  ─────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│                                                 │
│       ║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║║        │
│       [Barcode number]                          │
│                                                 │
│  ─────────────────────────────────────────────  │
│                                                 │
│  Carton: [X] of [Y]                             │
│  Gross Weight: [XX.X] kg                        │
│  Dimensions: [L] × [W] × [H] cm                 │
│  Country of Origin: PAKISTAN                    │
│                                                 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Label Specifications (Safe Defaults)

SpecificationDefault
SizeA4 (210mm × 297mm)
OrientationPortrait
PaperWhite, 80gsm minimum
Barcode TypeCode 128
Barcode HeightMinimum 20mm
Quiet ZoneMinimum 10mm each side
PrintLaser printer, black ink
PlacementOne label per carton, largest face
A4 is universally accepted. If customer prefers smaller, A5 (148mm × 210mm) is also widely acceptable.

Product Label

Safe Default Specifications

SpecificationDefault
Size50mm × 80mm
Material250gsm card minimum
BarcodeEAN-13 or customer-provided
AttachmentClear loop or cotton string

Required Elements

ElementInclude
Product DescriptionYes
SizeYes, clearly visible
ColourYes
BarcodeYes, with human-readable
CompositionYes
Care InstructionsYes
Country of OriginYes
PriceOnly if customer requires

Packing Requirements

Carton Specifications (Safe Defaults)

SpecificationDefault
Maximum Weight15 kg gross
Maximum Length60 cm
Maximum Width40 cm
Maximum Height40 cm
Carton MaterialDouble-wall corrugated
Carton ColorPlain brown kraft
15 kg is the safest maximum. Most warehouses can handle this weight. Heavier cartons risk rejection.

Packing Rules (Safe Defaults)

Default Rule: Single size per carton.This is the safest approach as most customers require it.
ApproachRisk Level
Single size per cartonLow risk
Mixed sizesHigh risk - may be rejected
Exception: Only mix sizes if customer explicitly permits it in writing.
Default Rule: Individual poly bagging required.
SpecificationDefault
Bag MaterialClear polypropylene
Bag Thickness25 micron minimum
ClosureSelf-adhesive or fold-seal
WarningInclude suffocation warning
Why: Almost all customers require individual bagging. It protects garments and is expected by DCs.
Default Rule: H-seal with clear tape.
┌───────────────┐
│ ═══════════   │ ← Top seal
│       │       │
│       │       │ ← Edge seals
│       │       │
│ ═══════════   │ ← Bottom seal
└───────────────┘
SpecificationDefault
Tape Width50mm
Tape ColorClear
PatternH-seal (all edges)
QualityNo gaps, neat edges
Why: H-seal is the most secure and widely accepted.
Default Rule: Use paper void fill.
MaterialAcceptable
Kraft paperYes (preferred)
Tissue paperYes
Bubble wrapCheck with customer
Packing peanutsAvoid
Air pillowsCheck with customer
Why: Paper is universally acceptable and environmentally friendly.

Required Documents

Standard Document Set

DocumentCopiesRequired
Commercial Invoice3Yes
Packing List2Yes
Certificate of Origin1 original + 2 copiesYes
Bill of Lading/AWBOriginal + 2 copiesYes

Commercial Invoice (Safe Format)

FieldInclude
Your company detailsFull name, address, contact
Customer detailsName, address
Invoice numberYour reference
Invoice dateCurrent date
PO referenceCustomer’s PO number
DescriptionEach style/colour
QuantityUnits per line
Unit pricePer piece
Total valueLine totals + grand total
CurrencyAs per PO (usually USD or GBP)
IncotermsAs per PO (FOB if not specified)
HS codes6-digit minimum
Country of originPakistan

Packing List (Safe Format)

FieldInclude
Shipment referenceYour reference
Customer POCustomer’s PO number
Carton numbers1 of X, 2 of X, etc.
Carton contentsStyle, colour, size, qty per carton
Carton weightsGross and net
Carton dimensionsL × W × H
TotalsTotal cartons, total pieces, total weight

Troubleshooting

Cause: Non-compliance with unknown requirements.Solution:
  1. Ask customer for specific reason
  2. Request their compliance guide
  3. Document for future shipments
  4. Update internal records
Cause: Order placed informally.Solution:
  1. Request formal PO from customer
  2. If not available, use your internal reference
  3. Clearly state “No PO provided” on documents
  4. Get customer confirmation in writing
Cause: Their system requires specific format.Solution:
  1. Ask for exact specifications
  2. Request sample label for reference
  3. Test scan before bulk printing
  4. Document for future orders
Cause: Customer hasn’t specified.Solution:
  1. Use 15 kg as safe maximum
  2. Ask customer for their limit
  3. Err on the side of lighter
  4. Record answer for future reference
Cause: Customer requested ratio packs.Solution:
  1. Get ratio in writing (e.g., 1-2-2-1)
  2. Follow exact ratio specified
  3. Label cartons clearly
  4. Document in packing list

Getting Customer Requirements

Questions to Ask

When onboarding a new customer, ask for:
InformationWhy Needed
Compliance/routing guideFull specifications
Label templateExact format required
Barcode typeEAN-13, Code 128, etc.
Max carton weightDC handling limits
Size sorting ruleSingle or mixed
Required documentsWhat they need
DC addressDelivery location
Contact for queriesWho to ask

Sample Request Email

Subject: Shipping Compliance Requirements

Dear [Customer],

We are preparing your order [PO number] for shipment.

To ensure compliance with your DC requirements,
please provide:

1. Carton label specifications (size, format)
2. Barcode type required
3. Maximum carton weight
4. Packing requirements
5. Required shipping documents

If you have a supplier compliance guide,
please share it with us.

Thank you,
[Your name]

Quick Reference Checklist

Before shipping without specific customer guide:
  • Confirmed no customer guide exists
  • Using safe defaults from this page
  • Carton labels: A4 size, Code 128
  • Single size per carton
  • Individual poly bagging
  • Carton weight ≤ 15 kg
  • H-seal with clear tape
  • Commercial Invoice × 3
  • Packing List × 2
  • Certificate of Origin
  • All barcodes test-scanned