Private label brake pad packaging involves more than colors and a logo. Importers also need to know what a box contains, how many boxes go into a carton, which artwork revision is approved, and how received goods connect to shipment records. This checklist helps buyers and suppliers agree on project requirements; it is not a universal regulatory checklist.
1. Define the sales unit before designing the box
The word set can refer to different quantities or accessory combinations. Before approving packaging, specify the number of brake pads, included accessories, sets per box, boxes per carton, and whether the purchase unit is a pad, set or carton. Do not rely on a product photograph to define the contents.
Establish a documented relationship between the buyer’s SKU, the supplier’s part number and the agreed product specification. Vehicle references and cross-reference numbers are identification inputs, not substitutes for fitment verification. Packaging text should match the product information confirmed by both parties.
2. Separate fixed information from batch information
Divide label fields into two groups. Fixed information includes the brand, customer SKU, pack quantity and approved layout. Variable information includes the batch identifier and any other shipment information agreed for the project. Updating a batch field should not require guessing which artwork file is current.
- Identify whether the buyer or supplier provides each field, and name the person responsible for final approval.
- Assign an artwork revision and approval date. Retain both the printable file and its approval record.
- If a barcode is required, first establish what the receiving system must read, then agree on encoding and printing requirements. A barcode does not replace the underlying records.
- Check destination-market language, origin-marking and other labeling requirements separately. Do not simply copy packaging intended for another market.
3. Connect boxes, cartons and shipment records
Traceability depends on linking identifiers to records, not merely printing a number. The general GS1 traceability framework connects identification with relevant events and data. This does not mean every purchasing project must use the same coding scheme.
For a particular order, agree on a packing record that explains the SKU, quantity and associated batch or batches in each carton. If a carton contains multiple batches, distinguish them in the records rather than allowing one label to imply a single batch. Agree on the level of detail and how records will be provided before shipment.
4. Rehearse receiving before bulk packing
Do not approve only an on-screen layout. Request or review a packaging sample and walk through the actual receiving process: locate the SKU, count the contents, read the label, connect it to the packing record, and check the inner packaging and accessories. Where scanning is required, use the intended equipment and system to verify the result—not just whether a string of numbers appears on a screen.
- Is the text legible, with essential fields clear of tape and folds?
- Do carton information, box contents and packing records agree?
- Is the inner packaging suitable for the agreed handling and transport conditions? Confirm the specific protection requirements with the supplier.
- Has revised artwork been approved again, and is the previous revision clearly retired?
5. Keep one approval record for later changes
For each SKU, maintain a packaging approval record covering the sales unit, accessories, box and carton quantities, label revision, batch fields, approver and sample-review outcome. If quantities, accessories or artwork change, identify the affected work in progress and future orders before deciding what needs renewed approval. Scattered chat messages should not become the final specification.
If a receiving discrepancy occurs, collect the order number, SKU, photographs of box and carton labels, batch details and actual quantities. These allow a focused comparison with supplier records and are more useful than an unlabelled product photograph alone.
Send a packaging brief to the factory
Once your brand files, sales unit, label fields and receiving requirements are ready, explore our OEM and private label services and submit the details through the inquiry form. Specific packaging, marking and record arrangements remain subject to project verification and agreement.
Editorial note: This is an original BAOTAI purchasing guide with a conceptual illustration. General traceability concepts were checked against official GS1 traceability information on September 14, 2026. The guide does not replace destination-market checks or product fitment verification.
