Gross and net weight
Gross weight is the weight of the goods including packaging; net weight is the goods alone, without it.
What do gross and net weight mean?
Gross weight is the weight of the cargo together with its packaging (containers, cartons, pallets); net weight is the weight of the goods themselves without packaging.
Both matter for freight and customs: the freight rate is often calculated on the gross weight or the volumetric weight, while the customs value is tied to the goods themselves (net weight). Your packing list and invoice should therefore state both figures for every line item.
How it works in practice
Carriers calculate the rate on gross weight (the goods plus packaging and pallet), whereas customs uses net weight for some goods: specific duties expressed “in euros per kilogram” and excise duties are tied to the weight without packaging.
We compare the weights in your packing list with the actual weight when the goods arrive at our warehouse. A discrepancy of more than 5% against the documents is a reason to correct the paperwork before the declaration is lodged — otherwise the customs officer will spot the mismatch at inspection.
Gross and net weight: frequently asked questions
Which weight goes on the customs declaration?
Both: gross and net for each line item. For goods with a specific or combined duty it is the net weight that determines the amount payable, so it is checked particularly carefully.
Is the pallet included in the gross weight?
Yes, if the goods travel on a pallet: the carrier carries it, and charges for it, as part of the package. On the declaration pallets and packaging are not usually shown as a separate item, but their weight is included in the gross weight.
What if the actual weight differs from the documents?
Tell your forwarder before dispatch: the warehouse will re-weigh the goods and you issue a corrected packing list. Correcting documents after the declaration has been lodged takes longer and costs more.
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