I. General Packaging Principles
What should be considered regarding general packaging principles? Based on the practice of general principles for export commodity packaging, the key aspects are: Standards—GB/T 19142 specifies the basic requirements, technical requirements, labels, marks, and identification for export commodity packaging (excluding dangerous goods);
Materials—Packaging materials and containers must be selected based on the product’s physical and chemical properties, with appropriate protective measures adopted according to anticipated storage, transport, and environmental conditions (GB/T 19142-2008); Protection—Unless otherwise specified in the contract, refer to GB/T 4768 for mold-proof packaging, GB/T 4879 for rust-proof packaging, GB/T 5048 for moisture-proof packaging, and GB/T 7350 for waterproof packaging (GB/T 19142-2008); Barcodes—Packaging barcodes must comply with GB/T 18127 (GB/T 19142-2016); Certification—If packaging bears marks for product safety, energy efficiency, or environmental certification, corresponding proof must be available (GB/T 19142-2016); Scope—Automation components generally fall under the category of “general cargo” (requiring moisture-proof, rust-proof, and shock-proof packaging, excluding special dangerous goods). In summary, the six key aspects of the general principles are: the GB/T 19142 standard, material/container selection, protection against mold/rust/moisture/water, GB/T 18127 barcodes, certification documentation, and the general cargo classification.
II.
Wooden Packaging
What should be considered regarding wooden packaging?
Regarding wood packaging quarantine practices, consider the following six key aspects: **Must**—Fumigation is mandatory whenever wooden pallets, crates, frames, or dunnage are used (failure to follow rules can lead to cargo detention, return shipment, or heavy fines at the destination port); **Solid Wood**—Solid wood pallets, crates, and raw timber beams require fumigation (plywood, “fumigation-free” boards, fiberboard, and plastic pallets are generally exempt as they typically do not harbor harmful pests); **ISPM 15**—Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade (if material lacks required markings or pest detection suggests treatment failure, National Plant Protection Organizations must respond—potentially taking emergency actions such as detention); **Heat Treatment**—Wood core temperature must reach at least 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes (new regulations require the core temperature to reach 56°C for at least 240 minutes, including over 71°C for at least 60 minutes); **Marking**—The IPPC stamp (e.g., “HT” for heat treatment) is mandatory for solid wood packaging (missing IPPC marks can result in detention, return, or destruction of cargo by the destination country); **Treatment**—After methyl bromide fumigation, the “MB” mark is applied (indicating methyl bromide treatment was used)—Six key checks for wood packaging: pallets/crates/frames, solid wood fumigation, ISPM 15 detention risks, 56°C heat treatment, IPPC stamps, and MB marks; ensuring compliance across these six areas.
III.
Markings and Labels
What to look for regarding markings and labels.
Based on export packaging marking practices, consider the following six aspects regarding markings: Clarity—markings and symbols must be clear and conspicuous (sized in proportion to the package, and capable of remaining intact within foreseeable usage environments and specified validity periods; GB/T 19142-2016); Two Sides—symbols must be applied to prominent locations on the wood packaging material (appearing on at least two opposite sides; symbols must be clear, legible, permanent, and immovable; GB/T 19142-2016); Color—avoid using red or orange for symbols (as these colors are reserved for dangerous goods labels; GB/T 19142 and IPPC standards); Printing—packaging marks and symbols should be applied via printing or stencil spraying (avoid using crayons, chalk, etc.; GB/T 19142-2016); Labeling—packages must clearly indicate weight and dimensions (use necessary and appropriate marks and symbols; GB/T 19142-2016); Transport—labels must clearly indicate the cargo name, weight, dimensions, destination, and transport symbols (e.g., “Fragile,” “This Side Up,” “Keep Dry”; labels should be affixed to the sides and top of the package; Shanghai Tengyi Boshi). In summary, the six key aspects of marking are: clarity and visibility, placement on opposite sides, avoidance of red and orange, use of printing or spraying, indication of weight and dimensions, and inclusion of transport symbols—ensuring all six criteria are met.
IV.
Special Cargo
What to consider for special cargo.
Based on practices for packaging special goods for export, here are six key aspects to consider: **Hazardous Chemicals**—Labels must comply with international regulations or the technical standards of the destination country/region (including chemical identifiers, pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and supplier details; simplified labels omitting precautionary statements are permitted for small packages ≤100ml; GACC); **Hazardous Packaging**—Packaging must undergo performance testing and use verification in accordance with regulations and standards for maritime, air, road, and rail transport of hazardous goods (issuing specific result certificates for performance testing and use verification; GACC Announcement No. 129); **Lithium Batteries**—Packaging must clearly and securely display the correct UN Number, UN Mark, and Class 9 hazardous goods mark/label (marks must be visible, clear, and durable against outdoor exposure; Watt-hour ratings must be marked on the outer container for all types, including standalone batteries/packs and those contained in or packed with equipment; CCPIT); **Rectangular Mark**—A rectangular mark is used for packages containing lithium batteries/packs compliant with Special Provision 188 (whereas a Class 9 diamond-shaped label is used for other packages; limited quantity and excepted quantity packaging provisions do not apply to lithium battery products; WTO Inquiry Point); **Small Packages**—Simplified labels (omitting precautionary statements) are permitted for packages ≤100ml (GACC); **Exemptions**—Exceptions apply for bulk products and cases exempted from hazardous goods packaging requirements under international regulations (GACC Announcement No. 129). In summary, ensure special compliance by checking these six areas: hazard communication labels, performance testing and use verification, UN marks for lithium batteries, rectangular vs. diamond marks, simplified labels, and exemption criteria.
V.
Declaration Coordination
Key aspects of declaration coordination: Pallets—In accordance with the latest Customs standards effective July 2, 2025, all goods packed on pallets must clearly indicate pallet details on the customs declaration (e.g., plastic pallets must be declared as such; Shenzhen Customs); Declaration—Specific requirements depend on pallet material (e.g., plywood boxes—also known as fumigation-free boxes—are custom-made from plywood or composite boards; since the plywood undergoes high-temperature and high-pressure processing, it is exempt from additional fumigation and can be exported directly; Shenzhen Customs); National Regulations—Enterprises must understand regulations such as the management of wood packaging materials in international trade (ISPM 15) and the administrative measures for quarantine and treatment of wood packaging for outbound cargo (e.g., accurately defining the scope of wood packaging and familiarizing themselves with IPPC mark formats; Ningbo Customs); Regional Differences—Pay close attention to specific country regulations regarding wood packaging (e.g., Russia requires a fumigation certificate per recent agreements, and the EU requires a phytosanitary certificate, whereas Canada and Australia do not require such certificates; Ningbo Customs); Environmental Protection—Some regions, such as the EU, prohibit packaging materials containing lead or mercury (prioritize recyclable materials like molded pulp or recycled plastic; Shanghai Tengyi Boshi); Solid Wood—Export boxes made of solid wood must be free of bark and insect boreholes larger than 3 mm in diameter (solid wood packaging must undergo heat treatment/fumigation/drying—specifically, maintaining a core temperature of ≥65°C and relative humidity of ≥80% for 5 hours; non-compliant items face mandatory on-site destruction and are ineligible for international transport; Douyin)—Six key points for declaration: pallet information, fumigation-free plywood, ISPM 15 compliance, destination country differences, environmental requirements, and the three requirements for solid wood; mastering these six points ensures a smooth declaration process.
Conclusion
What are the export packaging requirements for automation components? The conclusion is that standards are defined across five dimensions: General Rules, Wood Materials, Markings/Labels, Special Requirements, and Declaration.
General Rules—GB/T 19142 “General Rules for Export Commodity Packaging” (covering basic requirements, technical specifications, and labeling; applicable to export goods excluding dangerous goods; material selection based on physicochemical properties; protective measures based on storage and transport environments; anti-mold, anti-rust, moisture-proof, and waterproof measures per GB/T 4768, 4879, 5048, and 7350; barcodes per GB/T 18127; certification marks serving as proof). Wood Materials—Solid wood pallets, crates, frames, and dunnage must be fumigated and stamped with the IPPC mark (ISPM 15 international standard: heat treatment core temperature ≥56°C for >30 minutes—new regulations require 56°C for 240 minutes or 71°C for 60 minutes; methyl bromide fumigation requires the “MB” mark; absence of IPPC mark leads to cargo detention, return, or destruction at the destination port; solid wood must be bark-free and free of insect boreholes >3mm; treatment at 65°C and 80% humidity for 5 hours); plywood, fumigation-free boards, fiberboard, and plastic pallets are exempt from fumigation and can be exported directly. Markings/Labels—Clear and conspicuous, with dimensions proportionate to the package; applied in prominent locations on at least two opposing sides; clear, legible, permanent, and immovable; avoid red and orange colors; use printing or stencil spraying (avoid wax crayons or chalk); indicate mass and dimensions; affix labels for cargo name, weight, dimensions, destination, and handling instructions (e.g., Fragile, This Side Up, Keep…
…Dry) on the sides and top; for special cases—hazardous chemicals for export must comply with Announcement No. 129 (hazard communication labels including chemical identifiers, pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and supplier details; simplified labels for volumes under 100ml; packaging compliant with maritime, air, road, and rail regulations regarding performance testing and usage verification); lithium batteries (or packs) must bear UN numbers, UN markings, and Class 9 labels (outer container markings indicating watt-hour ratings, rectangular marks per Special Provision 188, and other diamond-shaped marks; packaging must not rely on limited quantity or excepted quantity exemptions); declaration—customs declarations for palletized goods must clearly state pallet information; ensure familiarity with ISPM 15 standards and regulations on quarantine treatment for wooden packaging of outbound goods; prepare documentation according to destination country requirements (e.g., fumigation certificates for Russia, phytosanitary certificates for the EU, and no certificates required for Canada or Australia);
and adhere to EU restrictions on lead and mercury while prioritizing recyclable materials. In summary, regarding export packaging: fumigate and brand solid wood; choose plywood to avoid fumigation; print clear markings on two sides;
and strictly follow regulations for hazardous chemicals and lithium batteries—master these four key steps, and packaging compliance is assured.
