In international logistics, Mark refers to the identification printed or pasted on the goods packaging. It is used to mark information about the goods, facilitating quick identification during transportation, warehousing, customs clearance, etc., and avoiding misdelivery, wrong shipment, or loss of goods. Marks are an indispensable part of international cargo transportation, especially when multiple batches or categories of goods are mixed.

Main Functions of Marks:

    1.    Identifying Goods: Clearly indicate the ownership, destination, batch, and other information of the goods, allowing all parties (carriers, customs, consignees, etc.) to quickly confirm the goods.

    2.    Facilitating Transportation: Help transportation links (such as ports and warehouses) efficiently sort and load/unload goods, reducing operational errors.

    3.    Assisting Customs Clearance: Customs in some countries require clear marks on goods packaging as auxiliary proof of customs declaration information.

    4.    Preventing Errors and Omissions: Distinguish different goods through marks when multiple batches of goods are mixed, avoiding misdelivery or loss.

Common Contents of Marks (Chinese-English Reference):

Marks usually include the following information, with specific contents agreed upon by the buyer and seller. Common combinations are as follows:

    •    Consignee's Name/Code: Such as company abbreviations or customer-specified codes.

    •    Destination: Such as port names (e.g., "LONDON", "SHANGHAI") or city names.

    •    Reference Number: Such as Contract No., Order No., L/C No. (Letter of Credit Number), etc.

    •    Package Number: Indicates the serial number of the package in the entire batch of goods, e.g., "1-100" (1st piece, total 100 pieces), "No. 3/20" (3rd piece, total 20 pieces).

    •    Other Additional Information: Such as Country of Origin (e.g., "MADE IN CHINA"), Gross Weight, Net Weight, Measurement, or special signs (e.g., "Fragile", "This Side Up" and other indicative marks).

Classification of Marks:

    1.    Main Mark: The primary identification, containing the above core information (consignee, destination, reference number, etc.), usually located on the front of the package.

    2.    Side Mark: Auxiliary identification, mostly indicating details such as the number of pieces, weight, and size, located on the side of the package.

Example:

A typical mark may be as follows:
ABC CO., LTD (Consignee)
LONDON (Destination)
PO NO. 20230501 (Purchase Order Number)
1-50 (Package Number: 1st piece, total 50 pieces)

Notes:

    •    Marks should be clear and firm, not easy to fall off or blur (especially in long-distance transportation such as sea freight).

    •    They must comply with the special requirements of the destination country (for example, some countries prohibit the use of certain words or symbols).

    •    The information on the marks should be consistent with documents such as customs declarations and bills of lading to avoid customs clearance issues due to inconsistent information.

Standardized marks can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of international logistics and are important "identity signs" in cargo transportation.