A Must-Have for Cross-Border Sellers: Packaging Standards and Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions for Last-Mile Delivery in 20 Countries

I. Preface: Last-Mile Compliance in 20 Countries – The “Profit Guardian” for Cross-Border Sellers

In the global layout of cross-border e-commerce, the compliance of last-mile transportation directly determines the cost and user experience of the “last mile”. According to the 2024 Global Cross-Border Logistics Compliance Report, losses caused by non-compliant last-mile packaging and unclear shipping restrictions consume an average of 15%-20% of sellers’ profits. However, a compliance checklist covering major global trading countries can help sellers reduce such losses by more than 60%.

This article selects 20 core markets across Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain), the Americas (the US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina), Oceania (Australia, New Zealand), and Africa (South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt). It provides actionable compliance guidelines from four dimensions – “packaging material standards, packaging operation specifications, air shipping restrictions, and ocean shipping restrictions” – to help cross-border sellers accurately meet the requirements of each country and achieve efficient fulfillment.

II. 5 Countries in Asia: Combining Refinement and Localization, Avoiding Cultural Taboos

The Asian market is a core position for cross-border sellers due to its close trade ties and cultural relevance. However, its last-mile requirements combine “refinement” and “localization”, with a focus on the environmental friendliness of materials and cultural taboos.

1. China (Mainland): Environmental Protection First, Exclusive Specifications for E-Commerce Parcels

• Packaging Standards:
• Materials: “Recyclable or biodegradable materials” (such as recycled cartons and corn starch-based cushioning films) must be used. Ultra-thin plastic bags with a thickness < 0.025mm are prohibited (as required by the Plastic Restriction Order);
• Operations: E-commerce parcels must be affixed with “express electronic waybills”, including “recipient’s name, phone number, and detailed address (down to the house number)”. The waybill font size must be ≥ 10pt, and barcodes must not be covered;
• Size: The weight of a single ordinary courier parcel must be ≤ 50kg, and the size (length + width + height) must be ≤ 180cm. Oversized parcels must use large-item logistics channels (such as SF Express Large Items and JD Logistics Large Items).
• Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions:
• Air Shipping: For lithium-ion batteries, a “UN38.3 test report” must be provided. The lithium content per package must be ≤ 100Wh. Flammable and explosive items (such as disinfectants with an alcohol concentration > 75%) are prohibited;
• Ocean Shipping: Dangerous goods must use “IMO-compliant containers” and be affixed with dangerous goods labels. Unquarantined animal and plant products (such as fresh fruits) are prohibited.

2. Japan: Lightweight Packaging, Strict Cultural Taboos

• Packaging Standards (supplementing previous details):
• Materials: Cartons must comply with the “JIS Z 1507 standard” with a bursting strength ≥ 150kPa. “Paper folding cushioning parts” are preferred for cushioning materials. Black packaging is prohibited (as it symbolizes funerals);
• Operations: Waybills must be “marked in both Japanese and English”. The recipient’s name must include Chinese characters and Kana (e.g., “田中 たなか”). The delivery time slot must be marked with an error ≤ 30 minutes.
• Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions:
• Air Shipping: For food, a “Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Food Safety Certification” must be provided. For pharmaceuticals, an “import license” is required. Counterfeit anime merchandise is prohibited (in violation of the Copyright Law);
• Ocean Shipping: Liquid goods must use “leak-proof IBC tanks” with a single container capacity ≤ 200L. During storage, they must be isolated from other goods by ≥ 1 meter.

3. South Korea: Dual Control of Environmental Protection and Labeling

• Packaging Standards:
• Materials: Packaging must be marked with a “recyclable symbol” (e.g., “♻️” + material type). Disposable foam plastics are prohibited. Cushioning materials must be “paper or compostable plastics”;
• Operations: Waybills must include a “Korean address” (with English assistance). The postal code is 6 digits (e.g., “04538”). The “cargo type” (e.g., “electronic products”, “clothing”) must be marked.
• Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions:
• Air Shipping: Lithium-ion batteries require “KC certification”. Food containing meat is prohibited (to prevent foot-and-mouth disease). Pharmaceuticals require an “approval from the Korea Food and Drug Safety Administration”;
• Ocean Shipping: Dangerous goods must be declared to South Korean customs 24 hours in advance. Anti-government propaganda materials are prohibited. For containers over 20 feet, a storage location reservation is required.

4. India: Customs Clearance Documents Bound to Packaging, Strict Restrictions

• Packaging Standards:
• Materials: There are no mandatory environmental requirements, but “waterproof cartons” are recommended (as India has heavy rains during the rainy season). Liquid goods must use “double-layer sealed packaging”;
• Operations: Waybills must include the “importer’s PAN card number” (Indian tax identification number). The address must be specific to the “state, city, and neighborhood”. The “Made in China” label must be affixed (origin requirement).
• Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions:
• Air Shipping: Electronic products require “BIS certification”. Lithium-ion batteries are prohibited (special channels are required). Pharmaceuticals require an “approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization”;
• Ocean Shipping: For goods with a value exceeding 1,000 USD, an “import license” is required. Animal fur products are prohibited. Containers can only be picked up after “customs inspection and release”.

5. Singapore: Efficient and Convenient, Clear Compliance Threshold

• Packaging Standards:
• Materials: There are no special environmental requirements, and ordinary cartons are acceptable. However, fragile items must use “suspension packaging” (such as airbag bags) to avoid damage due to transportation vibrations;
• Operations: Waybills must include an “English address”. The postal code is 6 digits (e.g., “123456”). The “cargo weight and volume” must be marked (to facilitate quick customs clearance).
• Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions:
• Air Shipping: Dangerous goods require an “approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore”. Drugs and firearms are prohibited. Food requires a “Singapore Food Agency Certification”;
• Ocean Shipping: There are no special prohibited items (except internationally common prohibited items), but cargo information must be declared 48 hours in advance. For oversized cargo, a terminal hoisting reservation is required.

III. 5 Countries in Europe: Dual Core of Environmental Protection and Privacy, VAT Compliance Is Key

The European market focuses on “high environmental standards, strict privacy protection, and VAT control”. Although these 5 countries belong to the EU or the European Economic Area, there are subtle differences that require precise adaptation.

1. The United Kingdom: Independent Specifications After Brexit, Labels Bound to Taxation

• Packaging Standards (supplementing previous details):
• Materials: A “recyclable symbol” and “manufacturer information” (company name and address) must be marked. Disposable plastic packaging is prohibited. Cushioning materials must be “paper”;
• Operations: Waybills must include an “English address”. The postal code is 7 digits (e.g., “SW1A 1AA”). For goods with a value exceeding 135 GBP, a “VAT declaration number” must be affixed.
• Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions:
• Air Shipping: Lithium-ion batteries require a “UN38.3 test report + UKCA certification”. Pet food containing meat is prohibited. Pharmaceuticals require an “approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency”;
• Ocean Shipping: After Brexit, a “customs declaration form” (CN23 form) is required. Nazi-related items are prohibited. Containers must undergo “UK Border Force inspection”.

2. Germany: Dual Control of Environmental Tax and Carbon Footprint

• Packaging Standards (supplementing previous details):
• Materials: The carbon footprint must be ≤ 5kg CO₂ per piece. A “carbon footprint certification report” must be provided; otherwise, an environmental tax of 0.5 EUR per piece will be levied. Cushioning materials must be 100% recyclable;
• Operations: Waybills must be “in both German and English”. The postal code is 5 digits (e.g., “10115”). Dangerous goods must be affixed with “German warning labels” (e.g., “flammable” marked as “Feuergefährlich”).
• Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions:
• Air Shipping: Electronic products require “CE certification”. Anti-government propaganda materials are prohibited. Food requires “EU Food Contact Materials Certification” (e.g., LFGB certification);
• Ocean Shipping: Dangerous goods must use the “dedicated dangerous goods channels at the Port of Hamburg and Port of Bremen”. Untreated medical waste is prohibited.

3. France: Bilingual Labels and Gift Packaging Standards

• Packaging Standards (supplementing previous details):
• Materials: Disposable plastics are prohibited. Cushioning materials must be “compostable” (complying with the EN 13432 standard). Gift packaging must be affixed with the “Cadeau” (French for “gift”) label;
• Operations: Waybills must be “in both French and English”. The postal code is 5 digits (e.g., “75001”). Private parcels must be marked with “Confidentiel” (confidential) to avoid information leakage.
• Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions:
• Air Shipping: Lithium-ion batteries require “CE certification + UN38.3 report”. Anti-government books are prohibited. Food requires an “approval from the French Food Safety Agency”;
• Ocean Shipping: For goods with a value exceeding 150 EUR, “VAT declaration” is required. Counterfeit luxury goods are prohibited (France has strict intellectual property protection). A container unloading time reservation is required.

4. Italy: Significant Regional Differences, Damage Prevention Needed in the South

• Packaging Standards:
• Materials: There are no mandatory environmental requirements, but “thickened cartons” (5-ply corrugated) are recommended in the southern region due to poor transportation conditions. Fragile items must use “multi-layer cushioning”;
• Operations: Waybills must be “in both Italian and English”. The postal code is 5 digits (e.g., “00100”). The “cargo type” must be marked (to facilitate classified delivery).
• Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions:
• Air Shipping: Pharmaceuticals require an “approval from the Italian Medicines Agency”. Flammable and explosive items are prohibited. Electronic products require “CE certification”;
• Ocean Shipping: Dangerous goods must be declared 48 hours in advance. Unquarantined wood products are prohibited (to prevent borers). A storage reservation is required at the Port of Genoa and Port of Naples.

5. Spain: Timeliness First, Packaging Adapted to Delivery Rhythm

• Packaging Standards:
• Materials: “Waterproof cartons” must be used (Spain has heavy rains). Fresh food must use “temperature-controlled packaging” (such as insulated boxes + ice packs) to avoid spoilage;
• Operations: Waybills must be “in both Spanish and English”. The postal code is 5 digits (e.g., “28001”). “Priority delivery” (e.g., “Prioritario”) must be marked to adapt to the local fast-paced delivery.
• Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions:
• Air Shipping: Lithium-ion batteries require “CE certification”. Food containing meat is prohibited. Pharmaceuticals require an “approval from the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices”;
• Ocean Shipping: For goods with a value exceeding 22 EUR, “VAT declaration” is required. Counterfeit football merchandise is prohibited (Spain has a developed football industry and strict intellectual property protection). Cargo information must be declared in advance at the Port of Barcelona and Port of Valencia.

IV. 5 Countries in the Americas: Equal Emphasis on Damage Prevention and Compliance, Significant Regional Differences

The American market covers developed countries (the US, Canada) and emerging markets (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina). Last-mile requirements feature the dual characteristics of “high damage prevention standards” and “complex customs clearance”.

1. The United States: Strict Control of Damage Prevention and Labeling (supplementing previous details)

• Packaging Standards:
• Materials: 5-ply corrugated cartons (for goods weighing > 5kg). “Biodegradable bubble wrap” is used for cushioning materials. The width of sealing tape must be ≥ 50mm. Wrapping waybills with transparent tape is prohibited;
• Operations: Waybills include a “9-digit zip code” (e.g., “10001-1234”) to improve delivery accuracy. Dangerous goods are affixed with “UN number labels” (e.g., UN38.3 for lithium-ion batteries).
• Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions:
• Air Shipping: Food requires “FDA registration”. Pharmaceuticals require “FDA approval”. Counterfeit electronic products are prohibited (the US Customs has a high seizure rate for intellectual property violations);
• Ocean Shipping: Dangerous goods must use “US Coast Guard-certified vessels”. For oversized cargo, an “overweight permit” must be applied for in advance. A container pickup time reservation is required at the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach.

2. Canada: Bilingual Labels and Low-Temperature Protection

• Packaging Standards:
• Materials: In northern regions with cold winters (below -20℃), “cold-proof packaging” (such as insulation film + cushioning cotton) must be used to prevent liquid goods from freezing;
• Operations: Waybills must be “in both English and French”. The postal code is 6 digits (e.g., “M5V 2T7”). The “cargo weight (pounds)” must be marked (Canada commonly uses imperial units).
• Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions:
• Air Shipping: Lithium-ion batteries require “Transport Canada certification”. Food containing meat is prohibited (to prevent mad cow disease). Pharmaceuticals require an “approval from Health Canada”;
• Ocean Shipping: For goods with a value exceeding 20 CAD, “customs declaration” is required. Anti-government propaganda materials are prohibited. Dangerous goods information must be declared in advance at the Port of Vancouver and Port of Toronto.

3. Brazil: Complex Customs Clearance, Packaging Bound to Documents

• Packaging Standards:
• Materials: “Wear-resistant cartons” must be used (Brazil has many logistics links and frequent handling). Liquid goods must use “leak-proof + pressure-resistant packaging” (such as stainless steel containers);
• Operations: Waybills must include the “Brazilian tax number (CPF/CNPJ)”. The address must be specific to the “state, city, street, and house number”. The “origin label” (Made in China) must be affixed.
• Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions:
• Air Shipping: Electronic products require “INMETRO certification”. Lithium-ion batteries are prohibited (special permits are required). Pharmaceuticals require an “approval from the National Health Surveillance Agency”;
• Ocean Shipping: For goods with a value exceeding 50 USD, an “import license” is required. Animal fur products are prohibited. Customs clearance takes a long time at the Port of Rio de Janeiro and Port of Santos (7-10 days of buffer time is recommended).

4. Mexico: Regional Security and Packaging Protection

• Packaging Standards:
• Materials: “Anti-theft packaging” (such as one-time seals + tamper-proof labels) must be used to prevent theft during transportation. Fragile items must use “multi-layer cushioning” (such as EPE foam + bubble wrap);
• Operations: Waybills must be “in both Spanish and English”. The postal code is 5 digits (e.g., “06000”). The “cargo value (USD)” must be marked (to facilitate customs clearance valuation).
• Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions:
• Air Shipping: Electronic products require “NOM certification”. Firearms and ammunition are prohibited. Food requires an “approval from the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks”;
• Ocean Shipping: Dangerous goods must be declared 72 hours in advance. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are prohibited. A berth reservation for unloading is required at the Port of Manzanillo and Port of Veracruz.

5. Argentina: Foreign Exchange Control and Packaging Compliance

• Packaging Standards:
• Materials: There are no special environmental requirements, but “sturdy cartons” must be used (Argentina has weak logistics infrastructure) to avoid packaging damage;
• Operations: Waybills must include the “Argentine tax number (CUIT)”. The address must be in “Spanish”. The “cargo quantity and specifications” must be marked (to facilitate customs inspection).
• Air/Ocean Shipping Restrictions:

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