Optimal Packaging for International Shipping: Tips for South African SMEs
Want your package to arrive in one piece and on time? Then don’t skimp on the packaging. Whether you're shipping ceramics to Cape Town or skincare to Scotland, how you package your products plays a big role in keeping them safe, compliant, and cost-effective.
Below, you'll find best practices for international shipping, plus smart tips for packaging tricky items like liquids, ceramics, and clothing. We’ve even included reminders to protect yourself with photos and accurate dimensions.
Let’s dive in!
Prevent breakages and leaks
Avoid extra shipping fees or delays
Stay compliant with customs
Protect your business from disputes
At TUNL, we’re all for making global trade simple. But that simplicity starts with solid packing on your end.
Waterproof flyer bags (FedEx, UPS, or unbranded options) [Item 1]
Foam-lined boxes or sturdy cardboard boxes
Bubble wrap or foam peanuts
Heavy-duty tape and scissors [Item 2, 7, 8]
Fragile stickers or tape [Item 3 and 6]
Shipping sleeves or waterproof A5 tower stickers [Item 11 and 12]
Electronic scale and ruler or tape measure [Item 4, 9, 10]
Clear sellotape for sealing and waterproofing [Item 8]
📸 Pro tip: Take photos of your packaged items—especially if they’re high-value or fragile. This helps with insurance claims if something goes wrong in transit.
Choose the Right Container
Use a box or flyer bag that’s just the right size—too big and the item will rattle around; too small and it might burst at the seams.
💡 Always opt for waterproof options. If you’re using boxes, add a plastic inner layer to guard against leaks or weather.
Cushion Everything - Even if the item feels sturdy, treat it like it’s fragile:
Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap
Fill empty spaces with air pillows or foam peanuts
Keep items from touching the sides of the box
Seal it Securely
Use heavy-duty packaging tape on all seams
Reinforce corners and flaps
Secure flyer bags and sleeves with clear tape (avoid covering the label)
Use leak-proof bottles and containers
Seal caps with tape or shrink wrap
Place each item in a sealable plastic bag
Double box fragile liquid containers with foam lining
Wrap each item separately with bubble wrap
Use a foam-lined or double-walled box
Add extra padding on all sides (top, bottom, and around)
Clearly mark all sides with “Fragile” stickers
Use waterproof flyer bags in appropriate sizes (Small, Medium, or Large)
Fold items neatly to reduce space and wrinkles
Don’t overstuff—rather size up to protect seams
Use a tape measure for dimensions (in cm)
Weigh the full package, including all packaging materials
💡 Use this info accurately on your quote and booking - incorrect details = penalties
(When booking through the TUNL app, the information you enter will appear on your downloadable waybill once your shipment is confirmed):
The recipient’s full and correct address
Your return address
The accurate weight and dimensions of the packaged item
💡 Pro tip: Physically write your parcel’s waybill or tracking number directly on the box. That way, if the label falls off during transit, your shipment can still be identified and delivered without delay.
💡 Pro tip: Always double-check your parcel’s weight and dimensions. Accurate measurements help you avoid unexpected charges or delays.
Need more info?
Check out our rebilling article for a quick guide on how to stay in the clear.
📦 Note: TUNL won’t ship any package without a label. If you’re using regular paper, protect it with clear tape or use a shipping sleeve to keep it legible and weather-resistant.
🛑 Avoid:
Using damaged or reused packaging
Shipping without measuring final dimensions
Booking your shipment before packaging is complete
✅ Always:
Use “Fragile” stickers for delicate items
Take clear photos before sealing
Secure flyer bags without covering the shipping label
Quick Reference: Flyer Bag Sizes
Checkout our TUNL Packaging Supplies article on how to order!
Happy packing, smart shipper!
The world is ready for your products—let’s make sure they arrive in style. 🌍
Below, you'll find best practices for international shipping, plus smart tips for packaging tricky items like liquids, ceramics, and clothing. We’ve even included reminders to protect yourself with photos and accurate dimensions.
Let’s dive in!
Why Optimal Packaging Matters
Every box, bag, or sleeve you use is part of your brand’s international handshake. And when done right, good packaging helps you:
Prevent breakages and leaks
Avoid extra shipping fees or delays
Stay compliant with customs
Protect your business from disputes
At TUNL, we’re all for making global trade simple. But that simplicity starts with solid packing on your end.
Your Packaging Checklist 🧰
Before you get that quote or stick on a shipping label, gather these essentials:
Waterproof flyer bags (FedEx, UPS, or unbranded options) [Item 1]
Foam-lined boxes or sturdy cardboard boxes
Bubble wrap or foam peanuts
Heavy-duty tape and scissors [Item 2, 7, 8]
Fragile stickers or tape [Item 3 and 6]
Shipping sleeves or waterproof A5 tower stickers [Item 11 and 12]
Electronic scale and ruler or tape measure [Item 4, 9, 10]
Clear sellotape for sealing and waterproofing [Item 8]
📸 Pro tip: Take photos of your packaged items—especially if they’re high-value or fragile. This helps with insurance claims if something goes wrong in transit.
General Guidelines for Safe International Packaging
Choose the Right Container
Use a box or flyer bag that’s just the right size—too big and the item will rattle around; too small and it might burst at the seams.
💡 Always opt for waterproof options. If you’re using boxes, add a plastic inner layer to guard against leaks or weather.
Cushion Everything - Even if the item feels sturdy, treat it like it’s fragile:
Wrap each item individually with bubble wrap
Fill empty spaces with air pillows or foam peanuts
Keep items from touching the sides of the box
Seal it Securely
Use heavy-duty packaging tape on all seams
Reinforce corners and flaps
Secure flyer bags and sleeves with clear tape (avoid covering the label)
Packaging Tips for Specific Items
🧴 Liquids (Cosmetics, Skincare, etc.)
Use leak-proof bottles and containers
Seal caps with tape or shrink wrap
Place each item in a sealable plastic bag
Double box fragile liquid containers with foam lining
🪵 Ceramics, Glass & Breakables
Wrap each item separately with bubble wrap
Use a foam-lined or double-walled box
Add extra padding on all sides (top, bottom, and around)
Clearly mark all sides with “Fragile” stickers
👚 Clothing & Soft Goods
Use waterproof flyer bags in appropriate sizes (Small, Medium, or Large)
Fold items neatly to reduce space and wrinkles
Don’t overstuff—rather size up to protect seams
📏 ⚖️ How to Measure and Label Correctly
Always measure and weigh after packaging:
Use a tape measure for dimensions (in cm)
Weigh the full package, including all packaging materials
💡 Use this info accurately on your quote and booking - incorrect details = penalties
📦🏷️ Your Shipping Label Must Include:
(When booking through the TUNL app, the information you enter will appear on your downloadable waybill once your shipment is confirmed):
The recipient’s full and correct address
Your return address
The accurate weight and dimensions of the packaged item
💡 Pro tip: Physically write your parcel’s waybill or tracking number directly on the box. That way, if the label falls off during transit, your shipment can still be identified and delivered without delay.
💡 Pro tip: Always double-check your parcel’s weight and dimensions. Accurate measurements help you avoid unexpected charges or delays.
Need more info?
Check out our rebilling article for a quick guide on how to stay in the clear.
📦 Note: TUNL won’t ship any package without a label. If you’re using regular paper, protect it with clear tape or use a shipping sleeve to keep it legible and weather-resistant.
Final Reminders
🛑 Avoid:
Using damaged or reused packaging
Shipping without measuring final dimensions
Booking your shipment before packaging is complete
✅ Always:
Use “Fragile” stickers for delicate items
Take clear photos before sealing
Secure flyer bags without covering the shipping label
Quick Reference: Flyer Bag Sizes
| Size Dimensions (cm |
|---|
| Small 25 x 35 x 5 |
| Medium 37 x 44 x 5 |
| Large 46 x 60 x 5 |
Checkout our TUNL Packaging Supplies article on how to order!
Happy packing, smart shipper!
The world is ready for your products—let’s make sure they arrive in style. 🌍
Updated on: 10/06/2025
Thank you!