I. Material and Environmental Compliance (Key Checkpoints for Overseas Customs)
Paper Certification Priority Confirmation: For exports to Europe and America, it is essential to specify in advance whether FSC forest certification is required, as this is often a mandatory requirement for supermarkets and offline brand clients. Gift boxes that come into contact with food (cakes, fruits, snacks) must use food-grade virgin kraft paper, and a food contact test report must be provided. Recycled pulp cannot be added, and some EU countries may conduct random checks for heavy metals and fluorescent agents.
Select Paper Type as Needed: For general gifts, choose 250–350g unbleached/white kraft paper; for packaging beverages, heavy items, and fresh produce, choose E-flute corrugated kraft paper; for cooked food and baked goods packaging, the inner layer must be PE-coated for oil and water resistance. The coating thickness should be communicated in advance; excessive thickness will affect the flatness of folds. Avoid using low-grade kraft paper with a strong odor, as it is prone to emitting odors in sealed shipping containers, greatly increasing the risk of customer rejection.
II. Structural and Handle Load-Bearing Design (Common Issues of Transportation Damage)
Two Handle Options for Different Overseas Markets:
For budget-friendly supermarkets and high-volume products, use one-piece die-cut handles with double-layer reinforcement at the die-cut area and widened handle holes to prevent tearing when fully loaded with heavy items.
For mid-to-high-end souvenirs and holiday gift boxes, choose paper/cotton rope handles with reinforced kraft paper pads at the perforations. Avoid using inferior synthetic fiber ropes, as they are prone to fraying and breakage during humid sea transport.
Bottom Structure is Crucial: Long-distance sea transport for international trade involves rough seas. Prioritize automatic locking bottom structures, which have twice the load-bearing capacity of ordinary insert bottoms. For multi-item packs, custom internal divider cards can be provided to prevent goods from bumping against each other and reduce customer complaints about damaged goods upon receipt.
Folding Storage Requirements Should Be Specifyed in Advance: Overseas warehouse rental fees are expensive. All products are shipped flat by default. Confirm the folding tightness before placing an order. The folding tightness should not be too stiff, making assembly difficult for customers, nor too soft, preventing the product from standing upright.
III. Printing, Ink, and Surface Finishing Compliance
Strict Ink Standards: The EU prohibits solvent-based inks, requiring the use of water-based, environmentally friendly inks free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). For large-area printing of dark colors, ink thickness must be controlled, as kraft paper absorbs a lot of ink and is prone to bleeding. Color swatches must be checked during proofing.
Lamination and Post-Processing Distinction:Matte lamination is more popular with overseas brands for its simple and sophisticated look. Laminated food boxes should not be additionally laminated. Hot stamping and UV embossing are only recommended for small areas; large areas of hot stamping are prone to peeling off in high-temperature containers.
Text and Graphic Design Avoidance: All printed graphics and text are provided by the client; we only handle layout. We avoid using prohibited graphics, religiously sensitive elements, and incorrect units of measurement. Dimensions are provided in both centimeters and inches to suit overseas usage habits.
IV. Size, Packaging, and Logistics Details
Prior Dimensions and Load Capacity: Inform the factory of the maximum load weight per box to adjust paper weight and reinforcement structure accordingly. Overseas shelves have standard shelf heights; the length, width, and height of gift boxes should ideally match supermarket display specifications to minimize shelf placement difficulties for clients. The drawings specify tolerance ranges; dimensional errors for export orders are controlled within ±1mm.
Outer Carton Shipping Requirements:
Neutral, logo-free outer cartons are supported; customized customer markings are available, indicating product name, quantity, gross and net weight, and port of destination. Each carton contains a fixed quantity of individual cartons, with internal moisture-proof PE bags to prevent moisture from returning during sea transport and causing the cartons to soften and mold.
Container Loading Optimization: The integrated folding and flat-laying design compresses volume. The factory can calculate the packing quantity when placing an order, saving customers on sea freight costs. Bulk orders can be shipped in batches to accommodate overseas warehousing replenishment needs.
V. Sampling, Delivery Time, and After-Sales Communication Details:
Sampling process agreed upon in advance: New customers must first have a physical sample made to verify materials, printing, load-bearing capacity, and handle sturdiness. Bulk orders will only proceed after confirmation. Sample shipping and sampling fee settlement methods will be communicated in advance to reduce later disputes.
Delivery Time and Capacity Matching: Differentiate between small-batch trial orders and large-volume ocean freight orders, allowing sufficient production time during peak seasons; provide synchronized production progress updates, including real-time photos of production and packing, for efficient communication across time zones.
After-Sales Damage Contingency Plan: Strengthen quality control during production, eliminating products with defects such as softening, tearing, and printing flaws; specify transportation damage compensation standards in contracts; and quickly provide replacement production solutions in case of batch quality issues upon arrival overseas.
