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When your cargo leaves the warehouse for its destination in another country or continent. It passes through dozens of hands. Face multiple climate zones and encounter a vast array of languages. So, how do you ensure that a forklift operator will understand the handling instructions written on the package? Because comprehending the English warnings is useless due to the language barrier. This could result in damaged goods, broken shipments, and a full-blown logistics crisis. Therefore, whenever you prepare a shipment, you don’t use words. You use packaging symbols. According to ISO 780 standard there are 17 graphical symbols. These international packing symbols are designed to convey handling and storage instructions. Also, the benefit of using these icons is twofold. One, it protects the bottom line by minimizing inventory loss and insurance premiums. Second, it alerts the workers if there is any hazardous material inside to avoid any accident.
So, if you are unaware of the international packaging symbols, then this blog is for you. This guide breaks down the universal language of packing symbols. Let’s start exploring!

Decoding international packing symbols

In a world of 7,000 languages, the most important conversation in the shipping industry happens through packaging logos, icons, and symbols. Since ISO has designed these icons to be used worldwide. The organization even classified the symbols of packaging into four categories.

• Handling and care symbols
• Stacking and storage instructions
• Lifting and logistics marks
• Sustainability and disposal symbols

Let’s discover the packaging symbols of every category.

Handling and care symbols

In the ‘handling and care symbol’ category, there are four symbols.

Fragile

You must-have seen a “Broken wine glass” icon on delicate shipments. That icon is actually a fragile symbol. This symbol is used on containers that hold delicate and breakable items. Such as glassware, ceramics, electronics, medical supplies and musical instruments. It’s purpose is to warn the handlers that the item inside is delicate. So, drop, shake, or apply excessive pressure. So next time when you see a cracked wine glass icon, move it gently through the delivery chain.

Keep Dry

Moisture is the no. 1 enemy of international freights. Therefore, whenever you receive an international consignment, you will find an umbrella or an umbrella with raindrops. This symbol is used to inform that these items should not be stored in a humid area.

This side up

This side up is an orientation symbol found on packaging boxes used to pack liquids and mechanical goods. It features two vertical arrows pointing upwards that means keep the package upright during storage and transit. Moreover, it also serves as a cue for which side of the box should be opened by the recipient.

Handle with care

Custom packaging boxes that hold sensitive content are often labelled as “fragile handle with care”. However, written instructions are pointless when it comes to shipping. Therefore, to warn handlers that the product inside is fragile, the “handle with care” symbol is used. It is an icon with two hands holding a box. People moving the package with this symbol should be extra careful, lift gently, and avoid sudden movements or impacts.

Stacking and storage instructions

The greatest danger to a shipment often comes from the weight of its own surroundings. Safe storage symbols provide the structural ‘rules of engagement’ that prevent a warehouse stack from becoming a crushing disaster.

Do not stack

You must have come across an icon featuring stacked boxes with a large X through them. This is a “Do not stack” international packing symbol. This symbol indicates that items inside are heavy goods like TV, laptop, crockery or electronics. Thus, the box cannot support the weight of another item on the top.

Max stacking height

Have you ever noticed a symbol that has two horizontal bars with a number above them, for example, 8. The number indicates that you can stack up to 8 boxes high. Going above the specific number means compromising the stability of the stack.

Temperature sensitivity

You don’t know how long your product has to stay in a warehouse. What kind of climatic conditions will be? So if your product is sensitive to high temperatures. Then, you use a temperature sensitive icon. It is a thermometer symbol to indicate that the package’s contents must be stored and transported within a specific temperature range. So, that the quality and freshness of the goods remain perfect.

Protect from direct sunlight

When it comes to shipping medicines, skincare, makeup, and flammable liquids. You need to be extra cautious. Because they are heat- and UV-sensitive. Direct sunlight can alter their chemical composition. Therefore, “protect from direct sunlight” symbol is used on the packaging. This is a symbol depicting a sun with a line or cross through it.

Do not open with a knife

If you see a crossed-out box cutter on mailer boxes. Then, do not open it with a knife. It’s a warning that a deep blade cut could slice the product inside.

Lifting and logistic marks

These icons represent the essential ‘handshake’ between the shipper and the machinery. They tell the forklift, the crane, and the hoist exactly where to grip, where to lift, and most importantly where to stay away.

Do not use hook

If there is any crossed-out meat hook on the shipping carton. Then, it’s a clear warning not to use a hook to lift the package. Lift it manually or use a trolley or hand truck. If you use the hook, the box could tear apart and damage the item inside.

Trolley Symbol

An icon of a trolley or hand truck suggests that the item inside is bulky or too heavy to lift manually. Therefore, it is highly advised to use weightlifters or trolleys for such packages. Its purpose is to prevent injury to handlers.

Two-person lift

When you see a symbol where two figures are lifting a box, call for help. Because the package weighs more than 20-25 kg. That’s why it is not safe for an individual to lift it single-handedly.

Center of gravity

A circle with a cross. This is a symbol used to display where most of the package’s weight is concentrated. This icon helps the handlers to avoid strain or dropping the package.

Sustainability and disposal symbols

Sustainability is a logistical challenge. It starts in the forest and ends in the recycling bin. To make waste management simple for the end-user, these symbols are quite helpful.

Mobius loop

Mobius loop is a symbol used on the packaging that is recyclable. It is a three chasing arrows icon that represents the cycle of collecting, processing, and reusing materials. The symbol sometimes has a percentage number inside. For instance 30%. This means that the packaging contains 30% of the recycled material.

Tidy man

If you see an icon where a person is putting trash in a bin. Take a lesson from it. It’s a reminder to dispose of the packaging responsibly.

FSC logo

A tree with the letter “FSC” is a logo that promotes sustainable practices. It indicates the cardboard used comes from responsibly managed forests.

Plastic resin codes

A plastic resin code icon is the chasing arrows with a number (1-7) inside. Each number identifies a different type of plastic. For example, 1 for PET, 2 for HDPE, 3 for PVC, 4 for LDPE, 5 for PP, 6 for PS and 7 for miscellaneous. These codes tell what kind of plastic is used in the package manufacturing. This also helps in sorting the plastic in recycling programs.

Conclusion

Decoding international packing symbols is the first step toward a more efficient supply chain. However, this knowledge only works when it is applied correctly. So, make sure your labels are high-contrast, water-proof, and placed where they are clearly visible.