Common International Packaging Symbols and Their Meanings

When you receive a shipment, the first thing you usually see isn’t the product – it’s the packaging. Alongside the shipping label, cardboard boxes often feature a series of symbols. These international packaging symbols communicate important handling, safety, and sustainability information without requiring words.

To make things easier, we’ve put together a downloadable vector file of the most common packaging symbols – perfect for engineers, sourcing teams, and designers who need quick reference artwork. (Download link below).

For packaging engineers, sourcing professionals, and buyers, understanding these marks is critical. They help reduce damage during transit, ensure compliance, and support sustainable practices.

Below, we break down the most common categories of packaging symbols, what they mean, and how to use them correctly.

1. Handling and Care Symbols

This Side Up
Two vertical arrows indicate the proper upright position for the carton. The package should never be stored or shipped sideways or upside down.

Fragile
A cracked wine glass or the word Fragile signals delicate contents such as glass, electronics, or ceramics. Handle with extra care.

Handle with Care
Two hands holding a box mean the item is complex or easily damaged. Avoid stacking or rough handling.

Keep Dry
The umbrella icon means the box must be protected from rain or damp storage conditions.

Temperature Sensitive
A thermometer symbol indicates that the product must be kept within a specific temperature range.

Keep Out of Direct Sunlight
A sun symbol with a line through it warns against UV or heat exposure, which may damage food, chemicals, or flammable items.

Flammable Materials
The flame symbol means the package contains flammable or combustible materials. Keep away from sparks, fire, and heat sources.

Do Not Open with a Knife
This icon warns against using sharp blades to open the box to avoid damaging the contents.

Do Not Place Near Magnets
Indicates sensitivity to magnetic fields, often for electronics or data storage devices.

Maximum Stacking Height
Horizontal bars with a number above indicate the maximum number of boxes that can be safely stacked.

Do Not Stack
Two bars with a cross symbol mean the package cannot support stacking.

Do Not Hook
A crossed-out hook symbol shows the box should not be lifted or carried by hooks.

Do Not Lift / 2 Person Lift / Trolley Lift
Icons showing two people or a trolley indicate a team lift or mechanical aid is required.

Center of Gravity (Scope)
A symbol showing weight distribution helps with safe handling and stability during transport.

📥 Free Resource

Get the full set of vector packaging symbols featured in this article. Perfect for design files, training materials, or compliance documents. Download Here

2. Sustainability and Recycling Symbols

Recycling Symbol
The three-arrow loop means the packaging is recyclable, made from recycled content, or both.

FSC Logo
The Forest Stewardship Council logo confirms the packaging comes from responsibly managed forests. Only certified suppliers in the FSC Chain of Custody may use this mark.

Tidyman / “Neat Man”
A person throwing waste in a bin encourages proper disposal of packaging and protective materials.

Plastic Recycling Codes

Numbers inside the recycling triangle indicate plastic type:

1 PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): water bottles, food packaging.

2 HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): detergent bottles, containers.

3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): piping, siding.

4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): shopping bags, films.

5 PP (Polypropylene): straws, hot beverage lids.

6 PS (Polystyrene): foam cups, trays.

7 Other: miscellaneous resins not covered above.

Why Packaging Symbols Matter

Packaging symbols are more than just graphics – they are universal communication tools. Using them correctly helps:

• Prevent product damage during transit.
• Protect handlers from hazards.
• Communicate compliance with global standards.
• Reinforce sustainability initiatives.

While many symbols are voluntary, industry best practice is to include all relevant marks. This ensures clarity for logistics teams, customs, and end customers.

Conclusion

Want a ready-to-use reference? Download our free vector file of international packaging symbols to use in your packaging projects.

At GreenDot Packaging, we go beyond symbols – we engineer packaging that passes testing, meets retailer standards, and supports sustainability goals.

Download the symbols now or contact us to learn how we can help optimize your packaging.