Coils
- Typical protection to discuss
- Surface wrap, edge/eye protection and stable cradling as needed.
- Confirm before dispatch
- Coil orientation, unit weight, lifting points and blocking/lashing plan.
TECHNICAL GUIDE / 02
Steel Export Packaging
A good packing plan protects the steel and helps it arrive identifiable and safe to handle. Specify the cargo, route and receiving conditions before choosing materials.
Set the packaging brief before quoting
Give the product form, surface finish, dimensions, unit weight, destination, transport mode, storage exposure and unloading method. These details determine moisture protection, edge protection, bundle size and securing.
Choose by product form
Sheets and plates
- Typical protection to discuss
- Interleaving or film for sensitive finishes; edge and corner protection.
- Confirm before dispatch
- Stack height, flat support, bundle marks and handling method.
Pipes and profiles
- Typical protection to discuss
- End caps where needed, separators and restraint against rolling or rubbing.
- Confirm before dispatch
- Bundle length/weight, lifting method and exposed ends.
Four risks to plan for
Moisture and corrosion
Agree the required storage period and exposure. Select appropriate barrier, desiccant or ventilation strategy for the steel and route; avoid trapping water inside wrap.
Surface and edge damage
Protect contact points and sharp edges. Specify whether cosmetic finish must remain intact at destination.
Cargo movement
Packaging holds a unit together; container securing keeps that unit in place. Plan load distribution, blocking and lashing for the cargo and transport unit.
Wood import rules
If solid wood pallets, crates or dunnage are used, check the destination's ISPM 15 implementation and required treatment/mark. Wholly processed wood packaging, such as qualifying plywood, is outside ISPM 15's scope.
Two references with different jobs
ISPM 15 · wood packaging
IPPC's phytosanitary standard addresses certain raw wood packaging material used in international trade. The destination's rules and the actual material construction still need checking.
CTU Code · packing and securing
IMO/ILO/UNECE guidance covers safe packing of cargo transport units, including load distribution and securing. It is guidance; applicable carrier and local requirements should also be confirmed.
Copy this packing checklist into your RFQ
- Product form, surface finish, size and unit weight
- Destination, transport route, transit and storage exposure
- Protection needed: moisture, edges, ends and surface
- Wood material and destination phytosanitary requirements
- Marks, packing list, photos, lifting and container securing plan
Common buyer questions
Is plastic wrap alone enough for sea freight?
It depends on steel condition, finish, exposure time and condensation risk. Specify the outcome required and ask how moisture will be managed, not just which film is used.
Does plywood always need an ISPM 15 mark?
Wholly processed wood packaging is generally outside ISPM 15's scope, but mixed solid-wood parts may change the answer. Check the destination's current rules and material details.
Is packing the same as container securing?
No. Bundling and wrapping protect or unitize cargo; blocking, load distribution and lashing restrain it inside the transport unit. Both need a defined plan.
Reference sources
Use these international references to frame questions. Confirm the destination, carrier, contract and cargo-specific requirements for the shipment.