Canadian Hardware Importers: Packing-List and Carton-Mark Details to Send Before a Corrugated Carton Run
What should a Canadian hardware importer send the factory before corrugated color cartons are printed?
A: Send four things in writing before the run starts: the packing-list fields for each carton, the mark layout for each carton side, the language of the marks, and a note on which marks are printed on the carton and which are applied as labels later. The factory prints what is on the approved artwork, so anything missing at that point has to be added by label or not at all. Lead time for corrugated color cartons is confirmed by specification. Zhongshan Boya Color Printing Co., Ltd. (BOYA Printing), based in Xiaolan, Zhongshan, Guangdong, makes color boxes, corrugated color cartons and handmade rigid gift boxes.
Key points
Start with the packing list: quantity per carton, carton dimensions and weights decide what goes on the marks, so settle them before artwork.
One layout per carton side: say which panel carries the main mark and which carries the side mark.
Language: tell the factory which language each line is in. The buyer decides this, not the factory.
Printed vs labelled: anything that changes per order, such as PO numbers or carton counts, is often better on a label.
Ownership: the buyer supplies and checks the mark content. The factory prints it as approved.
MOQ: MOQ from 1,000 pcs, depending on product and process.
We wrote a longer piece on US-bound cartons, shipping marks and carton labels on US hardware cartons. This article covers the handover a Canadian importer should make before a corrugated run.
Packing-list fields the factory should not guess
If a field is missing, someone at the factory will fill the gap with an assumption, and you will see it on the printed sample. Send a packing-list template, or at least these fields per item:
Field | What to give | Why it matters for the carton |
Item code and description | Your SKU and short product name | Decides the text on the side mark |
Quantity per carton | Units, inner packs or sets per carton | Sets the inside size and the mark text |
Carton dimensions | Outside size you plan to ship | The factory builds the dieline from this |
Net and gross weight | Per carton, with the unit you use | Printed on the mark if you want it there |
Carton numbering | Whether you want "1 of N" style numbers | Usually a label, because N changes per order |
PO or order reference | Fixed or changing per order | If it changes per order, a label is usually easier |
Destination | Warehouse or store, city and province | Tells the factory which panel needs space for a label |
Your customs broker or freight forwarder may need more fields on the commercial packing list. Those can be added to the document without changing the carton artwork, as long as the carton has room for the marks you want printed.
Carton-mark layout, language and label vs print
A corrugated color carton has a printed design and still has to work in a warehouse. Agree these points before the proof:
Main mark panel: which side shows your company name, item code and destination when the cartons are stacked.
Side mark panel: which side shows quantity, weights and dimensions.
Language: state the language of every line. If a carton will also go onto a store floor or reach a consumer, ask your own compliance contact whether English and French text is needed on that carton.
Label space: mark a blank area on the dieline where your warehouse or forwarder labels will go, away from folds and the printed design.
Barcodes: if you need one on the carton, send the final barcode file. We print the barcode you supply. Checking the code itself stays with your team.
For the box types we make for this category, see hardware and tools packaging.
What the buyer owns vs what the factory prints
Buyer supplies and checks | Factory does |
Mark wording, numbers and language | Lays the marks onto the dieline as instructed |
Packing-list fields and quantities | Builds the carton size from your dimensions |
Barcode files, if any | Prints the approved artwork |
Final approval of the proof | Provides a proof for approval before the run |
The accuracy of the mark content is the buyer's responsibility. We print to the artwork you approve. Before you approve, compare the proof line by line with your packing list, for example the quantity per carton and the weights.
When this should be settled relative to production
Packing list and carton size: before the structural sample.
Mark layout and language: before the artwork proof.
Label vs print decision: at the proof stage, while the dieline can still change.
Final proof approval: before the corrugated run starts. After that, changes mean labels or a reprint.
We run in-house burst and compression testing on cartons. This is in-house testing, not a third-party certification.
BOYA at a glance
Core products: color boxes, corrugated color cartons and handmade rigid gift boxes; packaging graphic design, logo design, business card design and structural packaging design are also available.
Certified to ISO 9001, FSC (FSC-C157096, SAI-COC-004938) and ONE (formerly GMI); in-house burst and compression testing (in-house, not third-party certification).
128 people, about 20,000 m² and 4 printing presses at the Xiaolan, Zhongshan factory.
MOQ from 1,000 pcs, depending on product and process.
Typical lead times, depending on specifications: color boxes 7–15 days; folding cartons 10–25 days; rigid/gift boxes 15–45 days; tea, wine/liquor and mooncake boxes 15–30 days; displays typically 10–20 days. For corrugated color cartons, we confirm the lead time by specification.
Our corrugated color boxes page shows the carton styles we produce. To start, send your packing-list template, carton sizes, mark layout and quantity per design. Call +86 189 2812 5102, email denny@byprintings.com, or use our contact page. We reply to inquiries within 24 hours. Factory visits are welcome by appointment. More on the factory: About BOYA.
FAQ
Do you write the Canadian import marks for us?
No. The buyer supplies the mark content and layout, and the factory prints to the approved artwork. The buyer is responsible for the accuracy of the marks.
Is this the same as your US hardware shipping-marks article?
No. The US article covers US-bound marks. This one covers the packing list and marks a Canadian hardware importer should send before a corrugated carton run.
How long do color boxes usually take?
Color boxes typically take 7–15 days in production, depending on specifications. For corrugated color cartons, we confirm the lead time by specification. Ocean transit is planned separately.
Reviewed by Denny Mo. Last updated: 2026-11.
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