China · Embassy legalisation
Packing List Attestation for China from India
Exporters and companies across India send us their packing list for use in China. Here is exactly how it is legalised, what to send and how to avoid rejection.
- 1 Indian Chamber of Commerce
- 2 MEA attestation
- 3 China Embassy, New Delhi
Why China asks for a legalised packing list
The packing list describes how a shipment is packed: number of packages, marks and numbers, dimensions and weights. Customs officers use it to inspect cargo, and chambers use it to support the certificate of origin. The exporter prepares the packing list on letterhead, showing packages, marks, net and gross weights for each item.
Importers across Asia increasingly verify origin and value documents before clearance, and some still ask for paper documents with embassy stamps.
In China, a legalised packing list is typically requested for physical inspection at customs; it is also used for supporting the certificate of origin and insurance and cargo claims.
A packing list issued in India is attested by an Indian Chamber of Commerce, then by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and finally legalised by the Embassy of China in New Delhi.
Although China joined the Apostille Convention in 2023, in our processing experience Indian commercial documents for China are still legalised through the Chinese Embassy, so that is the route we follow.
Key facts
- Document
- Packing List issued in India
- Used in
- China
- Route
- Indian Chamber of Commerce → MEA attestation → China Embassy, New Delhi
- Final stamp
- China Embassy legalisation
- Translation
- Chinese – often requested
- Who we help
- Indian exporters, manufacturers and companies
- Our office
- New Ashok Nagar, New Delhi · courier from any city
The China process for an Indian packing list
Confirm the requirement
Share the packing list and the instructions you received from China. We check signatures, names and dates before you courier anything.
Indian Chamber of Commerce
An Indian Chamber of Commerce verifies your company and signatory and stamps the packing list.
MEA attestation
The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi verifies the chamber's stamp and adds its attestation.
China Embassy legalisation
The Embassy of China in New Delhi adds its legalisation stamp. This is the final stamp needed in India.
Back to you
The finished packing list is returned by tracked courier, or collected from our New Ashok Nagar office, ready for use in China.
What to send us
- Bill of lading or airway bill copy
- Certified Chinese translation, if the authority in China asks (we arrange it)
- Matching commercial invoice and certificate of origin
- Request letter on company letterhead
- Original packing list, signed and stamped
Avoid rejection
- Legalise it in the same batch as the invoice and COO.
- Package counts and weights must match the bill of lading.
- Check that the company name is spelt the same way on every document; the China Embassy compares names across the set.
- Use the same invoice number and date as the commercial invoice.
Packing List attestation for China: FAQs
Does China accept the apostille on an Indian packing list?
No. China does not accept the apostille for Indian commercial documents in practice, so the packing list needs MEA attestation and legalisation by the China Embassy in New Delhi.
How long does packing list attestation for China take?
It depends on the schedules of the chamber, the MEA and the China Embassy at the time. We confirm a timeline in writing before you courier the packing list, and can plan around shipment or registration deadlines.
Do I need a Chinese translation for China?
Many authorities in China expect documents in Chinese. We arrange certified translation and can legalise it together with the English packing list.
Which papers should accompany the packing list for China?
Usually: Original packing list, signed and stamped; Matching commercial invoice and certificate of origin; Bill of lading or airway bill copy.
Can the packing list be apostilled?
Yes, for Hague Convention countries it can receive an MEA apostille after notarisation and chamber attestation.
What is the process for packing list attestation for China?
Indian Chamber of Commerce → MEA attestation → China Embassy, New Delhi. We handle every stage from our New Delhi office and courier the packing list back to you.
Is there anything special about China?
Although China joined the Apostille Convention in 2023, in our processing experience Indian commercial documents for China are still legalised through the Chinese Embassy, so that is the route we follow.
Other documents for China
- Shipping Bill Attestation for ChinaExport & shipping
- Bill of Lading Attestation for ChinaExport & shipping
- Certificate of Origin Attestation for ChinaExport & shipping
- Commercial Invoice Attestation for ChinaExport & shipping
- COPP Attestation for ChinaPharma
All commercial documents for China → · Packing List for every country →
Packing List for nearby countries
Packing List Attestation for MyanmarEmbassy legalisation
Packing List Attestation for Sri LankaEmbassy legalisation
Packing List Attestation for MaldivesEmbassy legalisation
Packing List Attestation for NepalEmbassy legalisation
Packing List Attestation for BhutanEmbassy legalisation
Packing List Attestation for MalaysiaEmbassy legalisation
Send your packing list for China
Send the document list and destination country on WhatsApp. We reply with the route, timeline and an all-inclusive quote.
Office: C-5 A/2, New Ashok Nagar, Delhi 110096, India. Drop off in Delhi NCR or courier from any city in India; documents return by Blue Dart or another tracked courier.