In this international shipping guide, we share some tips on how to prepare and package your goods for shipping. We also share some guidelines on what can and cannot be shipped. This international shipping guide is here to help you prepare your goods more effectively.

The first thing to consider is the packaging itself. The best parcel packaging advice we can give you is to package your item according to its qualities. To give you an idea of the typical qualities you will need to keep in mind, here are some things to consider:

• Weight. How strong and durable is the packaging box? Is it suitable for the weight of the item you are shipping? If your item is very heavy, it will need a heavy duty boxy that can secure the weight without risk of the box breaking during shipment.
• Size & Shape. Ideally, you need a box that provides plenty of space. Goods should never touch the sides of the box they have been placed in to avoid the risk of damage. If you have an unusually shaped item, you will need to get advice from a professional, such as an eLogX international shipping expert, to find out the best way to package your item safely.
• Form. Solid items are easy enough to package, but liquids and powders have very different packaging requirements and materials.
• Value & Fragility. If your item is high value, it will need extra protection in the form of padding and filling. Likewise, it will also require more protection if the item is fragile. You will need special handling labels for these boxes, too.
• Final Use. While not as urgent as other factors, you may also want to consider whether the box needs to be retail ready, or whether it can get away with markings on the box during transit.
• Regulations. Certain products may have specific requirements for packaging outside of the basic requirements. We have listed some of these types of products below to give you a better idea of how to package your worldwide shipping parcels safely.

How to Package Your Worldwide Shipping Parcels

Some general parcel packaging advice to keep in mind for abnormal items include the following:

Liquids and Powders

In any international shipping guide you read, you will soon see that liquids and powders have very specific requirements to be shipped abroad. A number of common powders and liquids are classed as dangerous goods, which means that they need to be regulated before they are taken aboard any plane. Perfumes and many other items are also classified as dangerous – even if they do not seem like a risk at first glance. Often, you will need to be a registered dangerous goods shipper to send liquids and powders internationally. Contact eLogX to find out more about whether or not it is possible to ship this type of order.

Not sure how to package your worldwide shipping parcels that include liquid or powder? If the items you are shipping have not been classed as dangerous goods, and require additional stringent packaging requirements, you will need to take the following steps to avoid spills or leaks during shipment:

• Ensure that liquids are kept in leak-free containers, with strong internal material such as styrofoam adding extra protection. Seal liquid in a plastic bag, then place into a strong double walled box.
• Seal semi-liquids, greasy or strongly scented substances with packing tape. You can then wrap them in grease-proof paper and place into a strong double wall box.
• Powders and fine grains must be put into strong plastic bags, properly sealed and packed into a rigid box.

Electronics

Electronics, including tablets, computers and all other parts need full protection, as they are fragile and easily damaged. Most often, retail boxes do not provide a high level of protection. An ideal way to package this type of goods is to use a box within a box. This It is also a good idea to note that transporting lithium-ion batteries has very strict regulations both domestically and internationally.

Some parcel packaging advice for electronics include the following tips:

• Use the original manufacturer packaging with inner cushioning material if possible.
• If this is not possible, use multiple layers of bubble wrap to a thickness of roughly 6cm.
• Use a strong outer box that is at least 14cm larger than the inner box.
• Place 6cm of filler material in the outer box before placing the inner box inside, keeping a gap of at least 6cm on all sides before adding more filler material.
• Close and seal the box carefully.

Looking for more tips on how to package your worldwide shipping parcels? Contact eLogX today for expert parcel packaging advice, and will give you a detailed international shipping guide.