April 2 2026
Shipping products overseas opens up new markets and new opportunities for businesses. However, it also brings additional challenges when it comes to packaging. International shipments typically travel much further than domestic deliveries and pass through multiple stages including distribution centres, customs inspections, and long-distance transport.
Because of this, packaging for international shipping needs to be stronger, more protective, and carefully planned. The right packaging helps prevent damage, reduce returns, and ensure your products arrive with customers in perfect condition.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to package goods for international shipping, the types of boxes that work best, and how businesses can protect products during long-distance transit.
International parcels are handled many times before they reach their destination. Packages may be loaded onto trucks, transferred between warehouses, stacked in cargo containers, and inspected during customs checks.
This level of handling increases the risk of impact damage, compression, and environmental exposure. Without suitable packaging, products can easily be damaged during transit.
Using strong packaging materials ensures your products remain protected throughout the journey. High-quality boxes, protective void fill, and secure sealing all play a role in reducing shipping risks.
Businesses shipping internationally should prioritise durable packaging supplies that are designed specifically for shipping and transportation. Boxtopia offers a wide range of cardboard boxes for shipping suitable for ecommerce businesses, retailers, and manufacturers sending goods overseas.
The outer box is the first layer of protection in any shipment. For international deliveries, standard lightweight packaging may not always provide enough strength.
Corrugated cardboard boxes are widely used for shipping because they provide strong structural support while remaining lightweight. The corrugated layer inside the board helps absorb impacts and resist crushing.
For heavier items or long-distance shipments, double wall cardboard boxes are often recommended. These boxes use two layers of corrugated board, providing additional durability during transit.
Double wall packaging is particularly useful when shipping:
Stronger boxes help prevent crushing when parcels are stacked in cargo containers or transport vehicles.
Boxtopia provides a variety of shipping box options including custom shipping boxes designed specifically for packaging and delivery requirements.
While strong boxes are essential, internal protection is equally important. Items that move around inside the box are much more likely to suffer damage.
Using the right protective packaging materials helps keep products secure and prevents them from shifting during transit.
Void Fill Materials
Void fill materials fill empty space inside the box and help stabilise the contents. Common options include paper padding, air cushions, foam fillers, or bubble wrap.
Cushioning Protection
Fragile items benefit from cushioning materials that absorb impacts during transport. Bubble wrap is one of the most commonly used protective materials because it is lightweight and highly effective at protecting delicate products.
Businesses can source protective materials such as bubble wrap and polystyrene fillers from Boxtopia’s protective packaging collection.
Packing Paper
Packing paper is another effective solution for wrapping products and filling empty space inside packages. It provides an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic fillers while still protecting products from movement.
Boxtopia also supplies packing paper rolls and sheets which are commonly used by ecommerce businesses preparing products for shipping.
Combining multiple protective materials can create a strong internal packaging system that significantly reduces the risk of damage.
Using the right box size is important when shipping internationally. Oversized packaging increases shipping costs because international couriers often calculate prices using dimensional weight.
Choosing packaging that closely matches the size of your product helps reduce unnecessary shipping costs while still providing enough space for protective materials.
Businesses that ship products regularly often use a range of box sizes to match different product types.
Boxtopia manufactures bespoke cardboard boxes which can be made to specific dimensions, helping businesses package products efficiently while minimising wasted space.
Even the strongest box will not perform properly if it is not sealed correctly. Secure sealing prevents packages from opening during transit and strengthens the structure of the box.
High-quality packaging tape should always be used when preparing shipments for international delivery.
A commonly recommended method is the H-taping technique, where tape is applied across the centre seam and along both edges of the box flaps. This reinforces the box and ensures it remains sealed during handling.
Businesses shipping heavy products may also use reinforced packaging tape or multiple layers for additional security.
Boxtopia offers a wide range of packaging accessories including tape, mailing supplies, and protective packaging materials designed for shipping applications.
International shipping requires accurate documentation and clear labelling. Packages must include the correct shipping labels and customs information to pass smoothly through international logistics networks.
Typical shipping documentation includes:
Adding clear handling labels such as “Fragile” or “This Way Up” can also encourage careful handling during transit.
Incorrect or unclear labelling can lead to delays or lost shipments, so it is important to ensure all documentation is attached securely and clearly visible.
International shipments may travel by air, road, or sea. Each transport method introduces different environmental conditions that packaging must withstand.
For example:
Durable corrugated cardboard boxes perform well in these environments and remain the most widely used packaging solution for shipping.
Businesses sending longer products or awkward shapes may also require specialised packaging solutions such as long cardboard boxes designed for larger or elongated items.
Sustainability is becoming an important factor in packaging decisions. Many businesses want to reduce their environmental impact while still ensuring products remain protected during shipping.
Corrugated cardboard is widely regarded as one of the most sustainable packaging materials available. It is recyclable, biodegradable, and produced from renewable resources.
Switching to recyclable void fill materials, paper padding, and responsibly sourced cardboard packaging can help businesses reduce waste while maintaining safe shipping practices.
Boxtopia specialises in cardboard packaging solutions designed for ecommerce businesses and manufacturers that require reliable and sustainable packaging materials.
International shipping presents new opportunities for businesses to reach customers around the world. However, ensuring products arrive safely requires careful packaging planning.
Choosing strong boxes, using effective protective materials, selecting the correct box size, and sealing packages properly can significantly reduce the risk of damage during transit.
By investing in high-quality packaging supplies and reliable shipping materials, businesses can protect their products, reduce returns, and build stronger relationships with international customers.
