European Fragile Items Shipping Checklist: Packaging, Labeling, and Customs – All Essential

Shipping fragile items across borders to Europe is like a three-act play requiring meticulous coordination: packaging is the foundation, labeling is the guide, and customs is the checkpoint. Missing any one link can ruin the entire journey. Please use this ultimate checklist to verify each item and ensure your goods arrive safely and compliantly.

Act One: Indestructible Packaging – Safety is the Cornerstone

✅ Core Objective: Achieve “zero movement” within the box, resisting long-distance jolting.

Item No. | Inspection Item | Implementation Standards and Precautions

1. Inner Packaging – Independent Cushioning: Each item is tightly wrapped with ≥3 layers of bubble wrap/pearl cotton, with bubbles facing the item, and secured with tape.
2. Inner Packaging – Isolation and Protection: Multiple items must be separated using corrugated cardboard dividers or custom foam liners to prevent contact between them.
3. Packaging – Space Management: Leave ≥3-5 cm of cushioning space between the item and each side of the outer box.
4. Filling – Material Selection: Use environmentally friendly inflatable cushions, honeycomb paper, etc., to fill all gaps, ensuring no internal noise when the box is shaken.
5. Outer Box – Structural Strength: Use brand new, double/five-layer high-quality corrugated cardboard boxes. Check edge crush strength (ECT), recommended ≥44.
6. Outer Box – Sealing Reinforcement: Use wide (≥5cm) tape and the “H-type” sealing method to seal the bottom and top of the box.
7. Waterproofing Measures: Place moisture-proof bags inside the box or wrap it with a waterproof membrane to cope with changeable weather.

Act Two: Clear and Accurate Labeling – Communication is Key

✅ Core Objective: Make your package “speak” in the logistics chain and receive gentle treatment.

Item No. Inspection Item Implementation Standards and Precautions

8. Fragile Label: Affix internationally recognized “tumbler” fragile labels to all six sides of the box.
9. Multilingual Warnings: Clearly label with words such as “FRAGILE” and “Zerbrechlich”.
10. Directional Markings: Affix “↑ THIS SIDE UP” and “DO NOT STACK” labels.
11. Receiving Information: Print and securely affix the waybill, ensuring the sender/receiver information is clear, accurate, and unobstructed.
12. Internal Information Sheet: Place an additional copy of the waybill and information card inside the box in case the outer box labels are damaged.

Act Three: Comprehensive Customs – Compliance is the Passport

✅ Core Objective: Ensure complete documentation and accurate information for rapid customs clearance.

Item No. Inspection Item Implementation Standards and Precautions

13. Commercial Invoice: Provide at least two copies, including: detailed product name, material, quantity, declared value, and sender/receiver information. The value must be declared accurately.
14. Packaging Material Compliance: Confirm that the packaging materials (especially plastics and inks) comply with EU heavy metal content limits (lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium <100ppm).
15. EPR Registration and Payment: EPR registration for packaging laws in the country of product sale has been completed, and proof of payment is ready.
16. Product-Specific Certifications: For fragile items such as electrical appliances or toys, ensure the CE marking is affixed and a declaration of conformity is available.
17. Country of Origin Marking: The product itself or its sales packaging should bear “Made in China” or a similar country of origin marking.
18. Customs Duty Prepayment/Collection: Confirm the customs duty payment method with the customer and logistics provider to avoid customs clearance delays due to payment issues.

Summary: Your Final Pre-Shipment Inspection

Before sealing the last box, please confirm again:

The packaging has passed the “shake test” and “1-meter drop test.”

Labels are clearly visible on all six sides of the box.

Customs documents are complete, accurate, and completely consistent with the actual goods.

Following this checklist will not only significantly reduce your damage rate but also establish a reliable and professional supply chain image for the European market. We wish you a successful shipment!