What are shipping marks exactly?

Shipping marks (or case marks) are the identifying marks placed on each package to link the physical cargo to the shipping documents. They typically include a short code or initials, destination, and serial number (e.g. 'XYZ/HAMBURG/001'). The exact marks are agreed between buyer and seller and must appear identically on the packing list, commercial invoice, and bill of lading.

Are shipping marks the same as barcodes or SSCC labels?

No — traditional shipping marks are human-readable text/code marks for international trade documentation purposes. SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) labels and barcodes are used in supply chain management and warehouse systems. Many modern shipments use both: shipping marks for customs documents and barcode labels for warehouse scanning. They coexist on the same package.

Do all cartons in a shipment need to be individually marked?

Yes. Every individual package (carton, pallet, drum, crate) in the shipment should carry the shipping marks and package number. Palletised cargo should have marks visible on all four sides of the pallet. Inner cartons inside a palletised unit generally need marks too unless the pallet is shrink-wrapped and treated as one unit.

What is the difference between a shipping mark and a label?

Shipping marks are identifiers agreed between commercial parties — they identify who the cargo belongs to and where it's going. Labels are regulatory requirements — handling marks, dangerous goods labels, country of origin, and product compliance marks (CE, UKCA, etc.). A carton typically needs both.

What size must dangerous goods labels be?

Under the IMDG Code (sea) and IATA DGR (air), hazard class labels must be at least 100mm × 100mm on each side. For small packages where a full-size label cannot fit, reduced-size labels (at least 50mm × 50mm) may be used. The UN number must be shown in figures at least 6mm high (12mm for packages > 30 litres or 30kg).

Can I ship to the US without country of origin marking?

No. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires country of origin marking on virtually all imported goods under 19 USC 1304. Exceptions exist for specific product categories. Goods without proper origin marking are subject to additional examination, marking at the port (at importer's expense), or refusal of entry. CBP can also assess additional duties (marking duties) on unmarked goods.

What is the ISO 780 standard for handling marks?

ISO 780 is the international standard defining the graphical symbols used as handling marks on transport packages. It standardises symbols like 'Fragile', 'This way up', 'Keep dry', 'Do not stack', 'Temperature limits', and 'Centre of gravity'. These symbols are internationally understood without text, making them suitable for global shipments.

Do I need marks in the language of the destination country?

For most commercial shipping purposes, English marks are accepted globally. However, regulatory labels (food ingredients, pharmaceutical information, product safety warnings) typically must be in the official language(s) of the importing country. The US requires English. The EU requires all official EU languages for consumer product labels in each member state where sold.

Shipping Marks & Labeling

What Labels & Marks Does Your Cargo Need?

Select your cargo type and destination to see the exact marks, labels, and regulatory requirements that must appear on your packages.

Cargo type

Destination market

Required marks & labels

Required Recommended If applicable

Destination marks (consignee, port, country)

Shipping marks / case marks

Package numbers (1/20, 2/20...)

Gross weight + net weight

Country of origin (Made in...)

Handling marks (ISO 780 symbols)

Dimensions (L×W×H)

Mark Types

The 6 Types of Shipping Marks

Every export shipment requires a combination of marks. Each type serves a different purpose — from identification to regulatory compliance.

Destination Marks

Identify where the cargo is going. Include: consignee name or code, destination port or city, country of destination, and package number (e.g. 1/20, 2/20). Should appear on at least two sides of each package. Use the same marks exactly as stated in the Bill of Lading and commercial invoice.

Shipping Marks (Case Marks)

The unique identifier agreed between shipper and buyer to identify the consignment. Typically a short code, PO number, or initials followed by a serial number. Example: 'ABC/NYC/2025/001–020'. Must match across all documents (invoice, packing list, B/L) exactly.

Handling Marks

Internationally standardised pictograms (ISO 780) indicating how packages must be handled. Common symbols: fragile (broken wine glass), keep dry (umbrella), this side up (arrows), do not stack (crossed layers), temperature limit, sling here. No text is required — symbols are understood globally.

Weight & Dimension Marks

Gross weight and net weight of each package, and overall dimensions (L × W × H in cm or inches). Required by most carriers and customs. Center of gravity marking required for heavy or irregular lifts. Dangerous goods packages must show the gross weight on the package.

Country of Origin Mark

"Made in [Country]" or "Product of [Country]" — required by customs in most importing countries. The origin must match the Certificate of Origin and commercial invoice. US CBP requires country of origin on most imported goods. EU requires origin marking for goods where it could mislead consumers. Must be in English for most markets.

Dangerous Goods Labels

Mandatory under IMDG Code (sea), IATA DGR (air), and ADR (road) for all dangerous goods. Labels are diamond-shaped (100mm × 100mm minimum for sea/air), colour-coded by hazard class. Must include: hazard class number, subsidiary risk label (if applicable), and UN number. Labels must be on two opposite sides of the package.

Dangerous Goods

IMO / IMDG Hazard Class Labels

Dangerous goods must carry standardised diamond labels by hazard class. Labels must be 100mm × 100mm minimum for sea/air shipments.

Labels must be diamond-shaped, minimum 100×100mm (sea/air). Affix on two opposite sides of each package. Source: IMDG Code Amendment 41-22 / IATA DGR 65th Edition.

Common Mistakes

6 Marking Mistakes That Cause Delays

Marks don't match documents

The shipping marks on the carton must exactly match the marks shown on the packing list, commercial invoice, and bill of lading. Even minor differences (abbreviations, hyphens, case) give customs grounds to query the shipment.

Missing country of origin

US CBP and many other customs authorities will detain goods with missing or incorrect country of origin markings. The goods may be required to be marked at the port before release — at the importer's cost and delay.

Wrong or missing DG labels

Undeclared or mislabeled dangerous goods are one of the most serious violations in shipping. Carriers can refuse cargo, impose heavy fines, and the shipper faces criminal liability if undeclared DG causes an incident. Labels must be the correct class, correct size, and affixed on two opposite sides.

No package numbers

Each package should be numbered (1/20, 2/20, etc.) matching the packing list. Unnumbered packages create reconciliation problems at customs and during cargo surveys. If a package is missing, there's no way to identify which one.

Marks on only one side

Destination marks and shipping marks should appear on at least two sides of each package (preferably all four for large cartons). Handling marks must be on all sides where relevant. Marks on a single face may not be visible when packages are stacked.

Non-permanent, non-legible marking

Marks must be durable enough to survive the voyage — resist moisture, handling, and temperature changes. Adhesive labels without protective coating degrade in humid conditions. For long sea voyages, use stencilling, branding, or waterproof labels. Faded or smeared marks cause customs delays.

FAQ

Common Questions

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