The news on Tuesday, July 1

1. What is a Packing List in Foreign Trade?

When we talk about exports and imports, everyone thinks of containers, ships, airplanes, and customs.

But within these large-scale trades, there's a small document that, if missing, can cause your shipment to get stuck or even be returned!
This document is called the Packing List or Packaging List.

📄 What is a Packing List?

A packing list is essentially a detailed and complete list of the contents of each package or container.
This document helps customs, the buyer, the shipping company, and even insurance providers know exactly what's inside each package.

💡 What Information is Included in a Packing List?

Typically, a packing list includes the following information:

✅ Packing list number and date
✅ Name and address of the exporter and receiver
✅ Total number of packages or cartons
✅ Net weight and gross weight of each package
✅ Dimensions or volume of each package
✅ Detailed description of the goods (e.g., "dried onions," "glassware," "car spare parts," etc.)
✅ Commercial Invoice number related to the packing list.

🤔 Why is the Packing List Important?

🔹 For Customs: When your shipment arrives at customs, officers inspect the packages based on the packing list. Inaccurate information can lead to delays or fines.

🔹 For the Buyer: The buyer needs to know exactly what they're receiving. Missing or incorrect packing lists can erode trust or even lead to contract termination.

🔹 For Shipping: The shipping company (ship, plane, or truck) needs accurate weight and volume details to properly manage container or cargo space.

⚖️ Difference Between a Packing List and a Commercial Invoice

A common question is: "Is a packing list the same as a commercial invoice?"
Answer: No!

• Commercial Invoice: Shows the price and total value of the shipment.

• Packing List: Provides a detailed list of the physical contents (quantity, weight, dimensions).

🌍 How Does a Packing List Help Traders?

✅ Speeds up customs clearance.
✅ Prevents losses and delays.
✅ Builds trust with foreign customers.
✅ Helps with insurance claims if goods are damaged or stolen.

🟢 Conclusion

A packing list may seem like just a document, but it acts as the shipment's ID.
If filled out correctly, your trade will proceed smoothly and securely.
If incomplete or incorrect, you risk losing money, time, and credibility.

✍️ Final Note

New traders often overlook the importance of packing lists.

But believe it—this simple document can determine the fate of millions in investments.
So, fill it out accurately, package goods properly, and never send shipments to customs without a packing list.

Sample image of a packing list

Another sample image of a packing list

2. Finding Real Customers

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3. Why Do People Spend on Everything Except Business and Commerce?

Every year, billions of people spend huge amounts on expenses that often have no return—materially or spiritually.

One of the biggest expenses is attending university.

People are willing to pay tens of thousands for education without realistic expectations of career outcomes or income.

But when it comes to business...

The same people become strangely stingy about investing in trade or personal branding.

This is a bizarre and sad paradox.

Why?

Because these same people are willing to pay for an institution that gives them a paper certificate but hesitate to learn real skills like trade.

Root Causes of This Behavior

1. Old Cultural Beliefs

In many cultures, attending university is considered an "honor."

Many families pressure children to get degrees—even if uninterested—to gain social status.

In trade, there are no certificates—only skills and results matter.

2. Fear of Failure

University is seen as a safe, risk-free path—even if it leads nowhere, no one blames you.

But trade means entering the real world and accepting risks.

People fear risk because they're taught to "be cautious," "stay quiet," and "avoid danger"—while trade requires bold decisions.

3. Anti-Money Beliefs

Many cultures have sayings against money, like:

"Money is the root of all evil," "Rich people are dishonest," or "Money doesn’t bring happiness."

These toxic beliefs make trade—deeply tied to profit—seem suspicious or unethical.

4. Lack of Successful Role Models

In developed countries, most families have at least one entrepreneur.

But in many countries, role models are doctors, engineers, or employees.

We lack successful trader role models in our circles.

5. We Blame External Factors

In university, failure is blamed on teachers or the system.

But in trade, failure is personal—many can’t handle that responsibility.

Why Should This Change?

✅ Trade is the only path to escape monthly paychecks and dependency.
✅ The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) called trade his "Sunnah" and said, "Traders are the wise of this world and the hereafter."
✅ Trade can revive economies.
✅ Trade relies on skills and connections—not degrees or nepotism.

Conclusion

If we invested in trade and personal branding like we do in degrees, weddings, or gadgets, we’d see massive transformations in our lives.

This path requires effort, growth, independence, and dignity.

Instead of hiding behind degrees, let’s invest in ourselves and bravely enter the world of trade.

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