Packaging may be a function of consumer taste or a regulatory requirement of foreign government. For consumer products, certain colors should be avoided because of negative connotations. Japanese consumers are in general highly conscious of product packaging and your packaging may need to be altered in order to sell there. The best thing to do is to consult your buyer or distributor. 

The mode of shipment will also determine the type of packaging to use. To avoid pilferage in foreign ports it is advisable to use plain packaging devoid of logos and brand names advertising what is inside the package. This will avoid tempering.

It is also important to keep in mind that when products are being packaged their irregular characteristics must be kept in mind. Different treatment is needed for different products.

Product factors to consider when deciding upon the best type of packaging include:

• Fragility
• Durability
• Resistance to abrasion
• Value
• Deterioration or shelf life
• Susceptibility to moisture
• Chemical reactions such as oxidation and corrosion
• Chemical stability

Here are some additional packaging considerations:

• Does your packaging require the use of the metric or some other system of weights and measures?
• Does information on product content and country of origin need to be provided?
• Must each item in a shipment be labeled individually? What is the language of labeling? There may be special labeling requirements for food, pharmaceuticals, and other products.
• Are the colors or illustrations used on labels and packages attractive or offensive to the foreign buyer?
• What kind of warranty and warranty information are required?