When I received a quote from a Vietnamese factory a few years ago, I thought everything was included—until the shipment arrived loosely stretch-wrapped on a wooden pallet, without any cartons. That was a costly lesson.
In most cases, standard export packaging is included in the price, but anything custom or beyond basic protection is usually extra—and you need to ask for it clearly. 1
Let’s break down how packaging works in quotes, what’s usually included, and how to avoid surprises when your metal parts ship from Vietnam.
What packaging is normally included?
This is one of the first questions I ask a new supplier: “What’s your standard packaging?”
Typically, Vietnamese suppliers include basic export packaging in FOB or EXW quotes: stretch film, foam, palletizing, or sometimes basic wooden crates—but not detailed cartons or branded boxes. 2
Table 1: What’s Often Included in "Standard Packaging"
| Packaging Type | Included in Quote? | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Stretch film wrap | ✅ Yes | Prevents surface scratch during handling |
| Bubble wrap or foam | ✅ Yes (basic only) | Minimal shock protection |
| Wooden pallet | ✅ Yes | For stacking and forklift handling |
| Corrugated box/carton | ❌ Usually not | Requires request; considered "retail packaging" |
| Custom wooden crate | ❌ Optional | Quoted separately for fragile/heavy parts |
Some factories may provide cardboard cartons if you ask—but if you don’t, expect the “bare minimum” approach. It works fine for many industrial buyers, but not for all use cases.
Are secondary or export packaging extra?
I’ve seen a lot of confusion here. Many buyers assume that if the parts are going abroad, they’ll be boxed or crated securely—but Vietnamese suppliers may not do that unless told.
Secondary or export-ready packaging (like rust inhibitors, cartons, anti-moisture layers, or branded inserts) is usually extra, and must be requested. 3
What Counts as Secondary/Export Packaging?
- Corrosion protection: VCI bags, anti-rust spray, vacuum sealed pouches
- Moisture barrier films: Especially for marine transport
- Custom crates: Designed for non-standard part sizes
- Retail-ready packaging: Cartons with logos, trays, plastic clamshells
- Hygiene-sensitive wraps: Cleanroom packaging or sealed units 4
Table 2: Examples of Extra Packaging Items and Cost Ranges
| Packaging Item | Estimated Cost per Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VCI anti-corrosion bag | $0.20 – $0.50 | Per part, depending on size |
| Custom corrugated carton | $0.50 – $2.00 | Based on dimension, print, ply |
| Foam inserts (die cut) | $1.00 – $3.50 | Quoted separately, with tooling sometimes |
| Custom wooden crate | $10 – $50 | Large/heavy parts only |
| Moisture desiccant pack | $0.05 – $0.10 | Optional, often suggested for overseas shipment |
If you need your parts to be “export-ready,” you need to clarify exactly what that means and ask for it in writing during the RFQ process. Otherwise, your supplier may assume the cheapest possible protective method is enough.
How do suppliers charge for protective packing?
Vietnamese suppliers typically add a surcharge or separate line item to the quote when extra packaging is required. That surcharge can be based on packaging material cost, labor, and time required—usually 2% to 5% of total part cost for general protection, or quoted per item for custom crates and inserts. 5
Factors That Determine Packaging Cost:
- Material size and weight: Heavier items need thicker crates or reinforced cartons
- Quantity per box: Smaller parts may need trays or dividers to avoid damage
- Stacking/handling instructions: Fragile parts require better bracing and foam
- Brand requirements: Branded labels, printed cartons = higher tooling + print cost
- Rust prevention: Anti-corrosion methods add cost depending on metal type and duration of transit 6
Table 3: Supplier Charging Models
| Charging Method | Common? | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Flat rate per order | ✅ Yes | For simple crates or bulk foam |
| Per part/item fee | ✅ Yes | For small parts packed individually or in trays |
| Percentage of total part cost | ⚠️ Sometimes | For bulk orders where packaging is proportional |
| Included in unit price | ❌ Rare | Only if specified—don’t assume it’s built-in |
When sourcing, I often ask for a detailed breakdown showing:
- Material cost (e.g. carton, plastic, foam)
- Labor cost (e.g. hours × packing rate)
- Tooling or die fee (for any custom box design) 7
If you don’t ask for this transparency, packaging becomes a black box—and that can lead to cost disputes later.
Should you require “export-ready” packing in quote?
Yes, 100%.
If your parts are going into warehouses, distributors, or direct-to-customer packaging lines, they must arrive protected and sorted.
You should clearly specify “export-ready packaging” in your RFQ and contract to avoid surprises and miscommunication. 8
Why This Matters:
- Prevents damage claims during transit
- Helps warehouse staff identify and store faster
- Avoids manual re-packing at your end (wasting time and labor)
- Makes costs transparent and upfront 9
What to Specify in Your Quote Request:
- “All parts must be export-ready, packed in moisture-protected cartons.”
- “Each box must contain max 25 pcs with foam divider and VCI protection.”
- “Include itemised packaging charges: materials, labor, and any tooling.”
- “Outer crates must comply with ISPM-15 (heat-treated wood).” 10
Even if your supplier says, “Don’t worry, we’ll pack properly,” put it in writing. Assume nothing.
Conclusion
Most Vietnamese quotes include basic packaging—but if you want export-ready cartons, anti-rust, or custom crates, you must request it upfront and confirm the costs in writing.
Footnotes
1. Discussion of “basic” vs custom export packaging and cost implications. ↩︎
2. Overview of Vietnam’s packaging manufacturing and sourcing industry. ↩︎
3. Article on export packaging requirements and standards for overseas shipments. ↩︎
4. Explanation of what counts as secondary/advanced protection in export packaging. ↩︎
5. Guidance on landed cost and hidden cost components for metal parts sourcing. ↩︎
6. Packaging cost factors: size, weight, handling, brand requirements. ↩︎
7. Case for requesting breakdown of packaging charges and tooling fees. ↩︎
8. Why “export-ready” packaging should be specified in the RFQ and contract. ↩︎
9. Benefits of proper export packaging in terms of damage reduction and logistics efficiency. ↩︎
10. International/legal standards (e.g., ISPM 15) that affect export packaging materials. ↩︎
