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Transit Marks · Handling Pictograms

ISO 780 Packaging Symbols Guide

How ISO 780 graphical symbols work on export crates and industrial packages: what pictograms communicate without language, how to combine them with weight and centre-of-gravity marks, placement practice, common mistakes, and how marking fits a complete seaworthy packaging system.

Buyer-facing handling marks guide for export packaging · Verified 30 July 2026

What ISO 780 is →
ISO 780·This Way Up·Keep Dry·Fragile·Lift Points
Direct answer

ISO 780 standardises handling pictograms so packages can be handled correctly without relying on one language.

What ISO 780 is

ISO 780 is the international standard for graphical symbols used for the handling of packages during storage and transport. The symbols tell warehouse, terminal and ship crews how to orient, protect and handle a package without needing a shared written language. In export practice they complement numeric marks: gross weight, dimensions, centre of gravity, sling and forklift points, and case numbers that match the packing list.

Standards stack: export packing standards checklist · packing list: export packing list guide.

ISO 780Handling MarksTransit SymbolsThis Way UpExport Crates
On this page

Contents

Definition Why marks matter Common symbol meanings Symbols + numbers Placement practice RFQ marking language Machinery crates Failures FAQs
Language-freePictograms work across ports
CareOrientation and weather notes
LiftMust match engineered points
DurableSurvives weather and abrasion
Purpose

Why handling symbols matter on ocean export packs

Most package damage happens in handling chains: forklifts, cranes, stackers and terminal transfers. A perfect VCI wrap fails if a case is inverted, rolled, or lifted from the wrong points. ISO 780 symbols reduce language risk. They do not replace engineered lift design or trained operators.

Orientation control protects oil systems, electronics and stacked internals.

Weather care marks support keep-dry discipline on open terminals.

Fragile and no-roll marks reduce rough handling on LCL and mixed cargo.

Lift and CG marks protect people and the crate structure.

Symbol set (commercial practice)

Common ISO 780-style meanings exporters use

Exact symbol drawings and mandatory application rules are defined in the current ISO 780 edition. The table below is buyer-facing meaning language, not a substitute for the official standard drawings.

Practical meaningWhat handlers should doWhen industrial packs use it
This way up / correct upright positionKeep the indicated face up through storage and transportMachines with oil, electronics, gravity-sensitive assemblies
Fragile / handle with careAvoid impact and rough stacking practicesPrecision equipment, optics, calibrated instruments
Keep away from rain / keep dryProtect from precipitation and wet storageAny pack where weather exposure can defeat interior barriers if the outer case is compromised
Do not roll / do not tipDo not roll the package on edges or invertTall cases, unbalanced centres of gravity, fluid systems
Do not stack / stacking limitsRespect stack height or no-stack instructionSoft tops, non-stackable machine cases
Use no hand hooksDo not pierce packaging with hooksBarrier bags, lined cases, soft goods
Sling here / clamp here style lift cuesLift only at indicated points that match engineeringHeavy machinery crates and skids
Centre of gravity indicationKnow where mass is concentrated for crane and forklift balanceAsymmetric machines, multi-tonne packs

Always apply the official symbol artwork and orientation rules from the current ISO 780 text when compliance to that standard is required by the RFQ.

Complete marking system

Pictograms are not enough: pair symbols with numbers

Mark typeWhy it is required in practice
Gross weightCrane and forklift selection; safety
DimensionsStow planning, door clearances, flat-rack fit
Case / package numberMatches packing list and invoice logic
Centre of gravity markBalanced lifts for asymmetric cargo
Approved sling / forklift pointsProtects base design and people
Shipper / consignee marksDestination routing and receipt
ISO 780 pictogramsLanguage-free handling care
Application

Placement and durability practice

Visible faces

Put critical symbols where handlers see them without rotating the case, often on multiple upright faces for orientation marks.

Durable media

Weather, abrasion and wrap can erase ink. Use durable stencil, plate or industrial label methods.

Do not cover with wrap

If stretch wrap is used over exterior marks, re-mark or window the wrap so symbols remain readable.

Match engineering

Never stencil “sling here” on a face that is not a designed lift point.

RFQ language

How to write marking requirements into a packing instruction

Vague “mark as required” lines create blank cases. Professional packing instructions name the data set and the symbols.

Stencil gross weight in kilograms (and pounds only if buyer requires dual units).

Mark centre of gravity on at least two faces for asymmetric machines.

Mark approved sling and forklift points that match the engineered base.

Apply ISO 780 family pictograms for this way up, keep dry, fragile, do not stack as applicable.

Case ID matching the export packing list line for that package.

ISPM-15 wood marks on solid wood packaging material (separate phytosanitary system).

Durable media that survives weather and abrasion to destination.

Packing list alignment: export packing list guide. Machine procedure: how to pack a machine for export.

Heavy cargo

Machinery and industrial export crates

For multi-tonne machines, handling marks are a safety system. Orientation and fragile symbols still matter for accessories and control cabinets, but lift geometry dominates risk.

Mark real lift points that match the skid design.

Show centre of gravity on long or asymmetric machines.

Keep dry marks still useful when cases wait on open terminals.

Do not stack when roof strength is not designed for stacking.

Link marks to packing list case IDs so goods-in can reconcile.

Related: export crating guide · how to pack a machine for export · ODC packing.

Complete mark set

Minimum mark data set for industrial export packages

ISO 780 pictograms are one layer. Industrial export cases need a full data set so handlers, goods-in and surveyors do not invent methods.

Mark elementWhy it is required in practice
Shipper / consignee identityCommercial and terminal identification
Case or package numberMust match packing list line
Gross weight (kg)Lift equipment selection and safety
Dimensions (L x W x H)Stow planning and door clearances
Centre of gravityTip prevention on asymmetric machines
Lift / fork / sling pointsMust match engineered base, not marketing stickers
Orientation (this way up)Protects fluids, bearings and cabinets
Keep dry / fragile / do not stackISO 780-family care where true
IPPC / ISPM-15 wood marksPhytosanitary compliance on solid wood
Contract / PO / project codesWhen buyer logistics systems require them

Never apply “do not stack,” “fragile” or “sling here” as decoration. False marks create worse outcomes than missing optional symbols. Marks must follow engineering truth.

Failures

Marking failures that create damage

FailureResultFix
Symbols only, no weightWrong equipment used for liftAlways stencil gross weight
Wrong lift point marksBroken base, tip, injury riskMarks follow engineering drawing
Illegible weather-worn marksHandlers invent methodsDurable stencil/plate
One language text onlyIgnored at foreign portsISO 780 pictograms + numbers
Case ID missingPacking list cannot reconcileCase numbers on all faces needed
Related guides

Seaworthy marks and docs cluster

Export packing list guide

Export packing standards checklist

What is seaworthy packaging

Export crating guide

Insufficient packing and marine cargo claims

Educational marking practice. For formal compliance to ISO 780, use the current official standard text and correct symbol artwork. This page does not reproduce copyrighted ISO symbol drawings.

Frequently asked

ISO 780 and export marking FAQs

What is ISO 780 in packaging?

ISO 780 is the international standard for graphical symbols used for handling packages in storage and transport so care instructions can be understood without a shared language.

Do all export crates need ISO 780 symbols?

Not every commercial crate is contractually required to cite ISO 780 by number, but professional export packs almost always need language-free handling marks plus weight and lift information. When an RFQ requires ISO 780, use the official symbols correctly.

Is “this way up” enough without weight marks?

No. Orientation marks prevent inversion. Weight and lift-point marks prevent structural and safety failures. Use both systems.

Where should centre of gravity be marked?

On faces handlers can see, consistent with the engineered mass distribution of the finished package, especially on long or asymmetric machine cases.

Can I write handling instructions only in English?

Text helps, but pictograms travel better across ports. Best practice is ISO 780-style symbols plus numeric weight and case IDs.

Do handling marks replace CTU packing rules?

No. Marks guide package handling. Container packing and restraint still follow CTU Code practice and load plans.

How do marks relate to the packing list?

Case numbers and special handling notes on the list should match exterior marks so goods-in and surveyors can reconcile packages.

Are ISO 780 symbols the same as dangerous goods labels?

No. Dangerous goods use separate hazard communication systems. ISO 780 is for general package handling care, not DG classification labels.

What is the minimum mark data set for a multi-tonne export case?

Shipper/consignee identity, case number matching the packing list, gross weight in kg, dimensions, centre of gravity, engineered lift points, orientation, applicable ISO 780-family care marks, and ISPM-15 wood marks on solid wood. Add project codes when the buyer logistics system requires them.

Should every case say “fragile” and “do not stack”?

Only when true. False marks train handlers to ignore symbols and can create unsafe stow decisions. Apply care marks that match engineering reality.

Need export crates marked for real terminal handling?

Share cargo mass, centre of gravity, lift method and destination handling risks. Marks should follow engineering, not decoration, and should match the packing list case IDs.

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