由 caicai8478 In international logistics, your powder goods pass through countless hands: from factory workers, warehouse managers, truck drivers, customs brokers, to shipping company operators and consignees at the destination port. They may speak different languages, but they share a common understanding of a globally universal “visual language” – labels and markings.
For sensitive goods like powder, labels and markings are no longer simple markings, but lifelines concerning safety, compliance, and efficiency. They are a silent language for communicating with the world, the unique and accurate “identification marks” of goods throughout their journey.
Chapter 1: Concept Clarification – Labels and Markings, Each with its Own Function
First, we clarify two core concepts:
Markings: Identification marks on the outside of the goods’ packaging, primarily used for logistics and identification.
Function: Like a “courier waybill” for goods, ensuring it is delivered to the right place, to the right person, and treated correctly.
Content: Consignee information, destination, package number, weight, dimensions, etc. Location: Primarily on outer packaging boxes, pallets, or drums.
Label: Attached to the cargo packaging, it serves as a warning label explaining the product’s characteristics and hazards, primarily for safety and compliance.
Function: Like an “instruction manual” and “warning sign” for the goods, it informs operators how to handle the goods safely and meet legal and regulatory requirements.
Content: GHS pictograms, transport labels, handling instructions, etc.
Location: May appear on both inner and outer packaging; must be clearly visible.
Simple analogy: Shipping marks are like “identity cards,” telling others “who I am and where I’m going”; labels are like “health and safety reports,” telling others “what my characteristics are and what precautions to take.”
Chapter Two: The Eye of Safety—Mandatory Labeling for Powder Goods
This part is of paramount importance to regulation; any errors can lead to rejection or fines.
- GHS Hazard Pictogram Labels
What are they: A globally harmonized chemical classification and labeling system, consisting of a set of pictograms with red diamond borders and black symbols.
Why is it necessary: Regardless of whether your powder is classified as a hazardous material, if it poses a physical or health hazard (such as flammability, toxicity, corrosivity, or harm to the aquatic environment), it must be affixed to the inner packaging of each smallest unit of sale.
Core elements: Pictogram + Signal word (“Danger” or “Warning”) + Hazard statement + Precautionary instructions.
- Transport Label
What is it: During transport, if the powder is identified as a hazardous material, a transport label conforming to the IMDG Code or IATA DGR must be affixed to the outer packaging.
Why is it necessary: To inform all participants in the transport chain of the hazardous nature of the goods so that proper segregation, storage, and emergency response measures can be taken.
Core elements: Hazard category label (e.g., flame symbol for “Flammable Solids”), correct transport name, UN number.
- Handling Instruction Label
What is it: General handling instruction markings.
Why is it necessary: To remind operators of basic handling requirements, which is especially important for powders.
Common Labels:
“Keep Dry”
“Upside Up”
“Prevent Breakage”
“Stacking Limits”
Chapter 3: The Soul of Logistics—Shipping Marks Ensuring Accurate Delivery
Shipping marks are the guarantee of logistics efficiency; missing or incorrect information will lead to delays, misdelivery, or even loss of goods.
Side Marks and Main Marks:
A complete shipping mark usually consists of a “main mark” and “side marks.”
A. Main Mark – Core Identification Information
Usually located on the front of the packaging box, it contains the most critical logistics information:
Consignee: Company name, specific contact person.
Port of Destination: Clear city and port name (e.g., ROTTERDAM, NL).
Contract/Order Number: Linked to the specific commercial contract.
Piece Number: Crucial information! Formatted as 1/50, 2/50 … 50/50, clearly indicating the total number of pieces and the current number of pieces. Facilitates inventory counting and sorting in case of partial damage.
B. Side Markings – Physical Parameter Information
Usually located on the side of the packaging box, allowing operators to quickly understand the physical characteristics of the goods:
Product Name: The precise name consistent with the customs declaration (e.g., Titanium Dioxide Powder).
Gross Weight/Net Weight: Usually in kilograms.
Dimensions: Length x Width x Height (unit: centimeters). Crucial for calculating freight and cargo space.
Country of Origin: E.g., MADE IN CHINA.
Chapter 4: Practical Guide – Creating the Perfect “Identification” System
- Design Principles:
Clear and Durable: Printed using waterproof and abrasion-resistant materials. The information must withstand the moisture and turbulence of long-distance sea transport.
Prominent Location: Affixed to a prominent position on the packaging box, avoiding obstruction by straps, pallets, or other goods.
Common Language: Use English or the common language of the destination country.
Information Consistency: All information on the shipping marks (product name, weight, quantity) must be completely consistent with the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and other documents.
- Special Bonus Points for Powder Goods:
Double Shipping Marks: Shipping marks are printed on two different sides of the packaging box to ensure that one side is always visible regardless of how it is stacked.
Pallet Shipping Marks: For palletized goods, additional large, conspicuous shipping marks and labels are affixed to the stretch film around the pallet.
Opening Instructions: If there are special requirements for the inner packaging (such as requiring special tools to open), these can be indicated in the shipping mark area.
Summary:
For powder goods, any negligence in labeling and shipping marks is like transporting an unknown package in the dark—extremely dangerous and inefficient. A well-designed, accurate “identity card” is your professional commitment to all partners in the supply chain; it silently declares:
“I am safe, I am compliant, I know where I am going, please treat me according to the rules.”