Indonesian products should be packed to survive rough cargo handlers and poor roads. During transit, handling, and storage, goods may have to endure bad weather and extreme temperatures. If they need special temperature controls or other protective measures, the Indonesian exporter should be sure their products receive these. The type of shipping may determine the kind of packing used. For example, if the goods are carried by ship, it is important to know whether they will be placed above or below deck.
Proper outer packaging is vital. Sub-standard packaging may damage the product during shipping and create problems for the importer in clearing and marketing the goods. The importer may then refuse to do further business.
There should be consistency of packaging and package sizes, an orderly loading of containers, shipping marks on the master pack, and article numbers on the inner packs. Shipping containers must be clearly stamped or stenciled on a minimum of two sides, with all code markings in waterproof ink. Since buyers generally use this packaging to ship products out of warehouses, the packages should be sturdy enough for multiple handling. Reusable rather than disposable packaging also addresses environmental concerns.
All non-manufactured wood used as dunnage, pallets, crating, or other packaging material must be treated by heat, fumigation, or chemical preservatives before being allowed into Canada. Similar restrictions apply to packaging material consisting of straw and hay. All shipments containing solid wood crating must be accompanied by an official phytosanitary or treatment certificate from Indonesia’s National Plant Protection Agency (NPPO) from the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture. Shipments containing solid wood crating must be accompanied by an official phytosanitary or treatment certificate. Shipments not containing solid wood crating must carry a statement that it does not contain this on accompanying documents. Shipments not meeting these requirements may be seized or denied entry into Canada, with incurred costs being the importer’s responsibility.
Exported products may not clear customs if labels do not conform to Canadian requirements, such as product weight or electrical standards. Marking distinguishes an Indonesian exporter’s goods from those of other shippers. Marks shown on the shipping container must agree with those on the bill of lading or other shipping documents, and may include some or all of the following: