Packing List Apostille and Attestation
Chamber of Commerce, MEA apostille and embassy attestation for export packing lists, when your buyer, bank or the importing country’s customs asks for a legalised copy along with the invoice.
Packing list apostille: quick answer
In short, Packing list apostille is the MEA’s apostille on your packing list, recognised in every Hague Convention country. As the MEA requires for commercial papers, the packing list is first attested by a Chamber of Commerce, and then the MEA apostilles it (₹50 government fee per document).
For the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and other non-Hague countries the apostille is not accepted. There you need Packing list attestation: Chamber of Commerce attestation, MEA attestation and then the embassy stamp.
We arrange Packing list attestation in India from start to finish for businesses in every State. Share a photo of the packing list on WhatsApp with the country name, and we confirm the route and price in writing.
Why a packing list needs apostille or attestation
The packing list shows how a shipment is packed: number of cartons or pallets, marks and numbers, net and gross weight and the contents of each package. Customs officers use it to check the cargo, and buyers use it to receive goods against the invoice.
Most shipments never need a legalised packing list. It becomes necessary when an importer, a bank handling a letter of credit or the customs of a country such as Iraq, Egypt or the UAE asks for the complete export set to be attested by its embassy, or when a Hague country authority wants an apostilled copy.
Full export set
Legalised with invoice and certificate of origin.
Customs inspection
Cargo checked against packages and weights.
Bank documents
Letters of credit that list the packing list.
Project cargo
Machinery and equipment shipped in many packages.
Packing list apostille: step-by-step process
Choose the route by the country where the packing list will be used.
Apostille for Hague Convention countries
- 1Notary (where needed)Where required, a notary attests the packing list first.
- 2Chamber of CommerceChamber of Commerce attestation, as the MEA requires for commercial papers.
- 3MEA apostilleThe MEA fixes the apostille sticker (₹50 government fee per document).
Hague Convention countries
Full member list: HCCH Apostille Convention status table
Attestation for the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and other non-Hague countries
- 1NotaryThe packing list is notarised if needed.
- 2Chamber of CommerceThe chamber authenticates it.
- 3MEA attestationThe MEA attests the document.
- 4Embassy legalisationThe destination country’s embassy legalises it.
Non-Hague countries
Documents required for Packing list attestation
- Original packing list on company letterhead, signed and stamped, matching the invoice number and date
- Commercial invoice for the same shipment (usually legalised in the same file)
- Our authorisation letter format, signed on your letterhead
- Copy of the signatory’s ID
- Country of use and purpose, so we pick the right route
Packing list apostille charges and time
| Apostille fee charged by the MEA | ₹50 per document |
|---|---|
| Normal MEA attestation | No government fee |
| Chamber and service charges | Quoted together, in writing, before you send |
| Embassy legalisation | Varies with the embassy |
| Courier and time | Courier extra; expected date given with the quote |
Plan exactly how many legalised copies your buyer or the foreign authority needs, because each copy is charged separately. More on our commercial document apostille page.
Tips before sending your packing list
- Package counts and weights must match the invoice and the bill of lading exactly.
- Mention the invoice number and date on the packing list; chambers and embassies look for the link between documents.
- If the buyer only asks for the invoice and certificate of origin, you may not need the packing list legalised at all; ask first.
Official links for packing list apostille and attestation
These are the official sources behind the process described on this page:
FAQs: Packing list apostille and attestation
How do I get a packing list apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs?
The packing list is notarised where required and then authenticated by a recognised Chamber of Commerce. After that the MEA checks the chamber’s attestation and fixes the apostille. Courier the original to us and we handle each stage.
What are the charges for Packing list apostille?
The cost has three parts: the MEA’s ₹50 government fee per document, the Chamber of Commerce fee and our service charge. Courier both ways is separate. You get one written quote covering all of it.
Does a packing list always need attestation?
No. It is needed only when the buyer, bank or importing country asks for it, usually together with the commercial invoice and certificate of origin.
What documents are required for Packing list attestation?
We need the original packing list with the company seal and signature, an authorisation letter from the company and an ID copy of the authorised person. Please also tell us where and why the document will be used.
What is the process for Packing list attestation for the UAE, Qatar or Kuwait?
The UAE, Qatar and Kuwait do not accept the apostille, so the packing list is attested in stages: the Chamber of Commerce, the MEA and finally the embassy of the country concerned. In the UAE, the foreign ministry adds one more stamp locally.
Can a packing list and invoice be on one document?
Some exporters issue a combined invoice-cum-packing list. If the buyer accepts it, that single document is legalised once.
How long does Packing list apostille take?
An apostille is quicker than embassy attestation because there is no embassy queue. The exact time depends on the chamber and MEA workload; your quote gives an expected date.
Apostille or attestation: which one does my packing list need?
Look at the destination. A Hague Convention member (for example Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Italy or Japan) accepts the apostille. The UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and China need attestation and the embassy stamp.
Which countries commonly ask for an attested packing list?
Requirements change, but buyers in parts of the Middle East and Africa ask for it more often. Your buyer’s import instructions are the best guide.
Is INFINITYGRO genuine, and does someone from the company need to visit Delhi for the packing list?
INFINITYGRO is a document facilitation agency in New Ashok Nagar, Delhi, working with exporters and companies across India. We give a written quote, explain each stamp and return originals by tracked courier, with WhatsApp updates at every stage. Nobody needs to visit; we do not offer pickup, so the packing list is couriered to our office or dropped off. Call or WhatsApp +91-8595558517.
Send your packing list for apostille or attestation
Start with a WhatsApp photo of the packing list and the destination. You will know the route, the paperwork and the cost before posting the original.
Office: C – 5 A/2 New Ashok Nagar, Delhi – 110096 · Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Apostille for other commercial documents
Disclaimer: INFINITYGRO is a private document facilitation service, not a government authority. Apostilles are issued only by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and embassy legalisation is done by the respective embassies. Procedures and fees change from time to time; please confirm current rules with the receiving authority.