Export packaging
What plywood should you use for export packing cases?
Short answer: for most export packing cases use packing-grade commercial plywood (MR for dry transit, BWR where humidity is a risk). Specify an Okoume face when weight and a clean printable surface matter, and step up to BWP / marine (IS 710) only for cargo exposed to water or long sea transit. Match thickness to the load, and remember the solid-wood framing — not the plywood — is what needs ISPM-15 treatment.
Start with the grade
"Packing-grade plywood" is commercial plywood made for crating and case-making rather than furniture. The choice comes down to how much moisture the case will see in transit:
- MR (Moisture-Resistant, IS 303): the workhorse for general export cases moving by road, rail and dry container. Cost-effective and strong enough for most palletised and boxed cargo.
- BWR (Boiling-Water-Resistant, IS 303): a tougher bond for cases that may sit in humid ports, monsoon transit or longer storage.
- BWP / marine (IS 710): only where the case is genuinely exposed to water or very long sea voyages. It is over-spec (and over-cost) for ordinary dry crating.
Then choose the face
The face veneer affects weight, printing and price:
- Okoume face — light and smooth, so it cuts dead weight (lower volumetric/air-freight cost) and takes stencils and branding cleanly. Favoured for export cases where weight and appearance matter. See commercial plywood with Okoume face and the Okoume vs gurjan guide.
- Hardwood commercial face — the standard, economical face for most cases where weight is not critical.
Match thickness to the load
| Case duty | Typical panel | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Light goods, small boxes | Thinner commercial ply | Keeps weight and cost down |
| General machinery, mid-weight | Mid-thickness MR/BWR ply | Balance of strength and weight |
| Heavy / structural cargo | Thicker BWR ply + solid-wood frame | Frame carries load; ply skins and protects |
We confirm the exact thickness and panel layout against your bill of materials at quotation — no need to over-specify.
Don't forget ISPM-15
Plywood and other manufactured panels are generally exempt from ISPM-15 because the manufacturing process already eliminates pests. The solid-wood components — runners, skids and framing — are what must be heat-treated and stamped. We supply finished cases and crates already ISPM-15 compliant. Full detail in do plywood boxes need ISPM-15.
How we quote it
Send your case dimensions, cargo weight and destination port. We recommend the grade, face and thickness, build to your BoM, and quote FOB Cochin — with pre-shipment photos before dispatch. See plywood boxes & crates and plywood pallets.
FAQ
What grade of plywood is used for export packing cases?
Packing-grade commercial plywood — MR (IS 303) for dry transit, BWR for humid or longer voyages. Marine (IS 710) is only needed where the case meets water.
Do export cases need marine plywood?
Usually not. Marine (BWP/IS 710) is over-specified for ordinary dry crating; MR or BWR commercial ply is the right balance of strength and cost. Use marine only for water-exposed or very long sea transit.
What plywood thickness for a packing case?
It depends on cargo weight and case size — thinner ply for light boxes, thicker BWR plus a solid-wood frame for heavy machinery. We confirm the panel layout against your bill of materials at quotation.
Does packing plywood need ISPM-15 treatment?
The plywood itself is generally exempt; the solid-wood framing/runners need ISPM-15 heat treatment and stamping. We supply finished cases already compliant.
Why choose an Okoume face for packing cases?
Okoume is light and smooth, so it lowers case weight (and freight) and takes branding cleanly — useful for export cases where weight and appearance matter.
Building export cases?
Send the dimensions, cargo and destination — we'll recommend the grade and quote it within one business day.