# Shipping Glass Bottles from China: A Buyer's Guide

> How to ship glass bottles from China safely: pallets, layer pads, 20' vs 40' HQ containers, EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP, pre-shipment inspection and documents.

Published 2026-10-02 · Updated 2026-10-18 · Shanghai Mars Glass Co., Ltd.

Glass bottles from China usually ship on bulk pallets with layer pads and stretch or shrink wrap, loaded into 40' HQ containers because glass fills space before it reaches the weight limit. Agree the Incoterm (FOB is a common starting point), the packing method, a pre-shipment inspection and a breakage allowance before production. Shanghai-based suppliers load at the Port of Shanghai.

## How are glass bottles packed for export?

There are two main methods:

| Method | How it works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk pallet | Bottles stand upright in layers separated by layer pads, with a top frame or board, strapped and stretch or shrink wrapped | Most bottles per container; fast to depalletize on filling lines | Less protection for decorated surfaces; needs forklift and handling care |
| Cartons | Bottles in corrugated cartons with dividers, cartons stacked on pallets | Better protection for printed, coated or premium bottles; easy manual handling | Fewer bottles per container; carton cost; more labor |

**Key components of a bulk pallet:**

- **Pallet:** wood, plastic or another approved material. Wooden pallets must be heat-treated or fumigated and marked under ISPM 15 for most destinations.
- **Layer pads:** cardboard, plastic or slip sheets between layers to spread load and keep layers stable.
- **Top frame or board:** distributes strapping pressure.
- **Strapping:** vertical straps to hold the load together.
- **Stretch or shrink wrap:** keeps layers tight and protects from dust and moisture.

Decorated bottles, especially with metallized or organic finishes, may need sleeves, nets or dividers to prevent scuffing during transit.

## How many bottles fit in a 20' vs 40' HQ container?

| Container | Approx. internal size (L × W × H) | Approx. volume | Pallets (1,200 × 1,000 mm) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20' GP | 5.9 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | About 33 m³ | About 10 | Trial orders, small mixed loads |
| 40' HQ | 12.0 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | About 76 m³ | About 20–21 | Most bottle orders |

The 40' HQ is popular because the extra height allows taller pallets. Exact pallet counts depend on pallet size, height and whether pallets can be double-stacked. As a rough guide, a single 40' HQ can hold tens of thousands of medium-sized bottles on bulk pallets, and many more small bottles. Ask your supplier for a loading plan that states bottles per layer, layers per pallet, pallets per container and gross weight.

## What do EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP mean?

Incoterms 2020 rules define who pays for and bears risk at each stage.

| Incoterm | Seller's responsibility | Risk passes to buyer | Buyer arranges |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | Make goods available at the factory | At the factory | Loading, export clearance, all freight and import |
| FOB (Free On Board) | Export clearance and loading on the vessel at the named port | When goods are on board | Ocean freight, insurance, import clearance, delivery |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) | FOB tasks plus ocean freight and minimum insurance to the destination port | When goods are on board at origin | Import clearance, duties, delivery |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | Everything to the named destination, including import duties | At the destination | Unloading |

Points buyers often miss:

- **EXW** leaves export clearance with the buyer, which is impractical for many overseas buyers.
- **CIF** includes freight and insurance, but risk still passes at the origin port, and the default insurance level is minimal. Consider adding your own cover.
- **DDP** is convenient but bundles costs, so you see less of the breakdown, and the seller must be able to act as importer in your country.

For a first order, FOB with your own forwarder gives good control. Mars Glass can quote on the term you need.

## Which port do Shanghai suppliers ship from?

**The Port of Shanghai** is the world's busiest container port, with frequent direct services to Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other regions. Most export containers load at the Yangshan deep-water terminals or at Waigaoqiao. Your forwarder should compare schedules, transit times and freight rates for your destination.

## Should you inspect before shipment?

Yes. A pre-shipment inspection checks quality before you pay the balance and before goods leave the factory. Inspections are usually done by your own staff or a third-party inspection company, using a sampling plan agreed in advance (often based on AQL tables).

Typical checks:

- Dimensions, capacity and weight against the drawing.
- Neck finish dimensions and closure fit.
- Visual defects: cracks, chips, stones, bubbles, seeds, uneven wall thickness.
- Decoration: position, color, adhesion and coverage against the approved sample.
- Packing: pallet build, labels and quantities.
- Container loading supervision, if required.

## How should breakage be handled?

Some breakage in glass shipments is normal. Agree with the supplier, before ordering:

- The breakage allowance (a small percentage agreed in the contract).
- How breakage is documented: photos of the container on opening, pallet photos, counts.
- The time limit for claims after arrival.
- Compensation method: replacement in the next shipment, credit or refund.
- Cargo insurance that covers breakage, and its deductible.

## What documents are needed?

1. Commercial invoice.
2. Packing list with pallet and carton details.
3. Bill of lading (or sea waybill).
4. Certificate of origin, where needed for duty preferences.
5. ISPM 15-marked pallets, or a fumigation or treatment certificate if required.
6. Food-contact test reports, if required by your market or customer.
7. Insurance certificate, under CIF or if you arrange insurance separately.

Requirements differ by country, so confirm with your customs broker before the goods ship.

## Key takeaways

- Bulk pallets maximize container use; cartons protect decorated and premium bottles.
- 40' HQ is the usual container for glass, which is volume-limited rather than weight-limited.
- FOB is a common starting term; CIF and DDP trade control for convenience.
- Shanghai suppliers ship from the Port of Shanghai, with direct services to all major trade lanes.
- Inspect before shipment, agree a breakage allowance, and confirm documents with your broker.

## FAQ

**Should I ship glass bottles in cartons or on bulk pallets?**

Bulk pallets with layer pads and shrink wrap are the most space-efficient and are standard for filling lines. Cartons with dividers protect decorated or premium bottles better and suit smaller orders and manual handling, but fit fewer bottles per container.

**Which Incoterm is best for a first order from China?**

Many buyers start with FOB, because the supplier handles export clearance and loading while the buyer controls the freight forwarder, insurance and cost visibility. CIF and DDP are simpler but give the buyer less control.

**What breakage rate is normal for glass bottles?**

It depends on packing, bottle design, transport and handling. Suppliers and buyers usually agree a small allowance in advance. Define the allowance, how breakage is documented, and how it is compensated in the contract.

**Which port do you ship from?**

We ship from the Port of Shanghai, the world's busiest container port, with direct services to all major trade lanes. Your forwarder can compare routes, transit times and rates from there.