Export packaging for tea has three layers, and each one protects against something different. The inner pack (a vacuum or foil bag) keeps out moisture, air and odours. The carton protects against crushing and makes the lot countable. The pallet and the container stow protect the whole shipment on the road to Hai Phong and at sea. Tea absorbs moisture and smells easily, so most quality problems on arrival come from packing and stowage rather than from the tea itself. This guide explains what to agree with a Vietnamese supplier at each layer. At TRAVINA – Tam Tra Viet Cooperative we confirm the exact pack format, carton count and loading plan with each quote.
| Layer | What it protects against | What to agree |
|---|---|---|
| Inner pack | Moisture, air, odours, light | Vacuum or foil bag, net weight per pack, sealing, lot code and date |
| Carton | Crushing, handling, counting errors | Packs per carton, carton strength, shipping marks |
| Pallet | Handling damage, ground moisture | Pallet or loose loading; ISPM 15 mark if wooden |
| Container | Condensation, odours from other cargo | Clean, dry, odour-free container; moisture control; no mixed smelly cargo |
Layer 1: the inner pack
The inner pack does most of the work. Dry tea picks up moisture from the air and absorbs smells from anything near it, so it needs a barrier. For our retail formats we use vacuum packs, for example 100 g and 200 g vacuum packs and 500 g bags for Special Green Tea; bulk orders are packed to the format agreed in the quote. Points to agree:
- Barrier: a vacuum or multi-layer foil bag rather than a plain plastic bag.
- Net weight per pack: state it in grams or kilograms of tea, not gross weight.
- Seal and code: every pack should be sealed and carry a lot code and production date, so any question can be traced back to the lot.
Layer 2: the carton
The carton protects the packs from crushing and makes counting simple at both ends. Agree the number of packs per carton and ask for cartons strong enough to be stacked for the whole voyage. Shipping marks on each carton (product, lot, net and gross weight, carton number and destination) should match the packing list exactly; mismatches are a common cause of delays at customs. See export documents for Vietnamese tea for how the packing list fits with the other documents.
Layer 3: pallets and the container
Cartons can be loaded onto pallets or loose (“floor-loaded”) in the container. Pallets make handling faster and keep cartons off the container floor; floor loading fits more cartons. If wooden pallets are used, they must be heat-treated and carry the ISPM 15 mark, or the destination may reject or fumigate them. Plastic pallets avoid that question.
At sea, the main risk is condensation, sometimes called “container rain”: moisture in the container condenses as temperatures change and drips onto the cargo. To reduce it:
- Use a clean, dry, odour-free container and inspect it before loading.
- Add moisture control such as desiccant bags and a liner or kraft paper over the top layer if the voyage is long.
- Do not mix tea with strong-smelling cargo such as spices, chemicals or fish products in the same container.
- Load dry: do not load in the rain, and keep cartons off wet ground at the port.
Full container or shared container?
For larger orders a full container keeps your tea away from other people’s cargo. For smaller lots a shared container (LCL) is common; in that case ask your forwarder how the cargo will be consolidated and what it will be stowed next to. For small lots and samples, air freight or courier may be simpler. Who books and pays for the container depends on the Incoterm; see FOB, CIF or EXW for Vietnamese tea.
Private label packaging
If the inner pack carries your own brand, the printed bag has to be made before the tea can be packed, which adds lead time and needs your signed artwork. Our guide to private label tea in 7 steps explains how the artwork, deposit and production fit together.
Ask for a packing plan with your quote. Importers can request samples of Traditional Northern Green Tea, Special Green Tea or Broken Needle Tea Bags through our Contact page, or message our export team on Zalo/WhatsApp at +84 855 318 678. Tell us the pack size, quantity and destination, and we will confirm the pack format, carton count and loading with the quote.
Frequently asked questions
How is tea packed for export?
In sealed inner packs (vacuum or foil bags), placed in cartons with shipping marks, then palletised or floor-loaded in a clean, dry container. The exact format is agreed with each order.
Do I need a fumigation certificate?
Only if wooden pallets or crates are used. Heat-treated wood with the ISPM 15 mark, or plastic pallets, avoid most problems.
How do I stop moisture damage at sea?
Use a clean, dry container, add desiccants and a top cover, load in dry conditions and do not ship tea next to strong-smelling cargo.
How many cartons fit in a container?
It depends on the pack size, the carton size and whether the cartons are palletised. We confirm the loading plan with the quote once the format is fixed.
Can the inner bags carry my brand?
Yes, as a private label order. Printed packaging adds lead time and needs your signed artwork.
