Beginner’s Guide to Packaging Symbols

Bob

July 27, 2025

E-Commerce Insights

When you see small icons printed on a box—like a wine glass, arrows, or a triangle—it’s not just decoration. These are packaging symbols. They tell people how to handle, store, ship, or recycle a product.

If you’re in packaging, shipping, or selling goods, knowing these symbols is a must. They help keep your products safe, reduce waste, and avoid fines. If you’re exporting, these symbols also help your boxes meet international rules.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

What packaging symbols mean
The five main types of symbols
Which ones you need for your products
How to avoid common mistakes when using them

By the end, you’ll be able to look at any symbol on a box and know exactly what it’s telling you.

We’ve been making packaging boxes since 2015 and shipping to over 100 countries. We’ve seen every kind of symbol in use—and we know which ones matter most. This article will walk you through the basics, step by step.

Table of Contents

What are packaging symbols

Packaging symbols are small icons printed on boxes, bags, or labels. They give important instructions—without using any words. Think of them as a universal language for shipping, safety, and recycling.

For example, a wine glass symbol means the item is fragile. A recycling triangle shows that the material can be recycled. These symbols help warehouse workers, delivery drivers, and even customers know how to handle the product.

Many of these symbols are created and managed by global organizations like ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). These groups make sure the symbols are clear, standardized, and recognized around the world.

If you want to see how symbols are defined and regulated, here’s a helpful guide from BSI Group.

Using the right symbols isn’t just helpful—it’s often required. In many countries, missing or wrong labels can lead to shipping delays or rejected goods.

Now that you know what these symbols are and why they matter, let’s look at how they’re grouped.

Types of packaging symbols

There are many different packaging symbols. To keep things simple, we can group them into 5 main categories:

Environmental and recycling symbols
These show if a package can be reused, recycled, or safely thrown away.
Handling and storage symbols
These tell workers how to carry, stack, or store the product without causing damage.
Transit or shipping symbols
These are used for customs, freight, and transport safety—especially for exports.
Food packaging symbols
These explain if a package is food-safe, microwave-safe, or has allergen risks.
Certification and compliance symbols
These show the product or packaging meets safety or legal standards, like CE or UL.

When you’re designing a package, printing labels, or preparing for export, knowing the right type of symbol helps you stay compliant. It also keeps your customers informed and your products safe.

Using clear symbols also reduces mistakes. For example, without a “Do Not Stack” icon, your lightweight jewelry boxes might get crushed during shipping. Or if you forget a recycling symbol, your customer might just toss it into the trash.

Now that you know the five categories, let’s dive into the first one symbol category — and see how they guide people to recycle, reuse, or dispose of your packaging the right way.

Environmental and recycling symbols on packaging boxes

These symbols help people understand how to reuse, recycle, or dispose of your packaging. They’re especially important if you care about sustainability — or if your customers do.

Let’s look at the most common ones:

Mobius Loop

This triangle made of three arrows is the universal sign for recycling. It means the material is recyclable. Sometimes there’s a number inside or a percentage below it, which tells you what type of material it is and how much has been recycled.

Biodegradable, Compostable, and Recyclable Icons

These symbols can look different depending on your country. Some show a leaf, a sprouting plant, or just say “100% compostable.” They help customers know if the packaging can break down naturally or be reused.

👉 See more in our guide to packaging materials

Plastic Resin Codes

Ever see a triangle with a number from 1 to 7 inside it? That’s a plastic resin code. It tells recycling centers what kind of plastic your packaging uses—like PET (#1) or HDPE (#2). Not all plastics are recyclable in all areas, so this symbol helps sort things correctly.

The Green Dot

This looks like two arrows chasing each other in a circle. It doesn’t mean the item is recyclable. It means the manufacturer paid into a recycling or recovery program (mainly used in Europe). It’s often confused with the Mobius Loop.

Corrugated Cardboard Recycling Symbol

This symbol is usually a box with arrows or a line of curved waves. It tells users the box is made from corrugated cardboard and can be recycled. It’s commonly used for shipping cartons.

Adding these icons helps reduce waste and shows your customers you care about the planet. In some regions, like the EU, certain recycling symbols are required by law. Missing them could lead to fines or rejected shipments.

Handling and storage symbols

These symbols tell people how to move, store, and open your box without damaging what’s inside. They’re simple, but they help prevent a lot of costly mistakes—especially during shipping.

Here are the most common ones you should know:

Fragile (wine glass icon)

This means the contents inside can break easily. It tells handlers to be gentle—don’t toss or drop the box.

Keep Dry (umbrella with raindrops)

This icon warns that water can damage the product. Use it for electronics, paper goods, or anything sensitive to moisture.

This Side Up (two arrows pointing up)

Tells workers how to position the box correctly. It prevents spills or damage caused by tilting or flipping.

Temperature-Sensitive and Light-Sensitive

Some packages include icons showing a thermometer or a sun. These mean the contents must be kept at a certain temperature or away from sunlight—common for food, batteries, or cosmetics.

Shelf Life and Expiration Date Symbols

These symbols are used on items with a limited use period. You may see a little hourglass or an open jar icon with a number like “12M” (which means good for 12 months after opening).

Handle with Care

This symbol often shows two hands holding a box. It’s a general reminder to move the box gently.

Do Not Open with a Knife

This shows a knife with a slash through it. It’s used when the item inside is right under the lid—like soft goods or vacuum-sealed products. It warns people to open carefully to avoid cutting the product.

Do Not Drop

This icon warns that even a short fall could cause damage. You’ll see this on electronics, glassware, and other delicate products.

Stacking Height Limit

This symbol shows boxes stacked with a number next to them—like “Max. 5.” It helps prevent collapsing stacks in warehouses.

Do Not Stack

Shows a box with a cross over a second stacked box. It means stacking could damage the contents—very important for delicate items like jewelry boxes.

👉 See our jewelry box packaging here

Maximum Load Weight

Usually displayed as a weight icon or a number next to a box. Here are 5 typical examples and matching cardboard types:

10 kg → single-wall kraft box
15 kg → double-wall box
20 kg → heavy-duty double wall
25 kg → triple-wall corrugated
30+ kg → custom-reinforced export cartons

Weight Indication Symbol

Some packages simply show the actual weight (like “12kg”). This helps handlers avoid injury or use the right equipment.

Knowing and using these symbols protects your products, avoids refunds, and keeps customers happy. It also helps warehouse teams do their jobs safely and correctly.

Transit packaging symbols

Transit packaging symbols are made for shipping and logistics. They tell customs agents, warehouse workers, and freight carriers how to move and classify your package—especially when you ship across borders.

Let’s look at some key ones:

UN Markings for Hazardous Goods

If your product is considered hazardous (like chemicals, batteries, or flammable liquids), it needs special labeling. The United Nations (UN) has a system for this.

You’ll usually see markings like:

UN 4G – Fiberboard box for dangerous goods
UN 1H2 – Plastic drum, open head
UN 3H1 – Plastic jerrican, closed head
UN 1A1 – Steel drum, tight head

These codes are part of international transport laws. If you’re shipping lithium batteries, for example, you’ll need UN-compliant packaging with correct markings.

International Maritime and Air Freight Symbols

These include icons like an airplane, a cargo ship, or “IATA” (International Air Transport Association). They’re used to show a package is certified for air or sea freight. If your product can’t fly (due to pressure or battery risk), that must be labeled clearly.

Country of Origin and Customs Symbols

These symbols help goods pass through customs faster. You might see:

“Made in China,” “Made in USA”
Barcode symbols for HS code and customs declaration
Export certification marks (used in some regions)

Wrong or missing transit labels can delay your shipment, cause customs problems, or even lead to fines. If you export often, getting these symbols right is just as important as choosing the right box.

Food packaging symbols

Food packaging needs special symbols to keep people safe. These icons help customers know if the packaging is food-safe, how to store the product, and whether it’s okay to heat or freeze.

Let’s look at the most common ones:

Food-Safe Contact Symbol (glass and fork)

This symbol looks like a wine glass next to a fork. It means the packaging is safe to touch food directly. You’ll often see it on plastic containers, paper wrappers, or aluminum trays.

Use-By Date vs. Best-Before Date

These two labels are not the same:

Use-by date means the food should not be eaten after that day. It’s about safety.
Best-before date means the food might lose taste or texture after that day, but it’s still safe to eat.

You might also see a clock or calendar icon next to the date.

Allergen Warning Symbols

Some packages show icons for nuts, gluten, or soy, usually with a slash if they’re not included. These are important for people with allergies. In some countries, it’s required by law to show them clearly.

Microwave-Safe and Freezer-Safe Icons

These symbols tell people if the packaging can go in the microwave or freezer:

A microwave icon usually shows wavy lines
A snowflake icon means the packaging can be frozen without damage

You may also see a “do not microwave” symbol if the material isn’t heat-safe.

These food symbols are more than just helpful — they’re about health and safety. If your packaging touches food or holds liquids, make sure you use the right symbols.

Certification and compliance symbols

These symbols show that your product or packaging meets official safety, health, or environmental standards. They’re often required for electronics, food, and export packaging.

Let’s break down the most common ones:

CE Marking (European Conformity)

This symbol is used in the European Union. It means the product meets EU safety, health, and environmental rules. If you’re selling packaging or products in Europe, this mark is often required—especially for electronics and toys.

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)

This symbol means the product follows EU rules that limit harmful substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium. It’s mostly used for electronic items but can also apply to packaging with coatings, wires, or adhesives.

UL (Underwriters Laboratories)

This symbol is mainly used in the United States and Canada. It means the product has been tested for fire, shock, and safety risks. UL is common on electronics, battery packs, and other items that might overheat or catch fire.

FDA and USDA Symbols

If your packaging touches food in the United States, it may need to be approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) or USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture). These marks show the material is safe for direct contact with food, like paper trays or plastic liners.

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)

The FSC logo shows that the paper or cardboard comes from responsibly managed forests. It’s popular on eco-friendly packaging and is a great way to show your sustainability efforts.

👉 See official FSC info

These symbols help build trust with your customers. They also help you avoid legal problems in different countries. If you’re unsure which ones apply, it’s best to check before printing.

Accessibility and inclusive use symbols

These symbols are designed to help people of all ages and abilities use a product safely and easily. They’re not required for every package—but using them shows your brand cares about inclusion.

Here are a few important ones:

Easy-Open Packaging Icon

This symbol usually shows a hand opening a box or peeling a corner. It means the package is easy to open—no scissors or sharp tools needed. It’s useful for seniors, kids, or people with limited hand strength.

Braille or Tactile Symbols

Some packages include braille dots or raised markings. These help people who are blind or visually impaired identify what’s inside. You’ll often find this on medicine boxes or personal care items.

Child-Safety or Age Warning Symbols

You might see a “0–3” icon with a slash through it. That means the item isn’t safe for children under 3 years old (due to choking risks or small parts). There are also lock or latch symbols that show child-proof features.

Even if these aren’t always required, they’re worth adding if your packaging is used by families, kids, or customers with special needs. They make your product safer—and easier for everyone to use.

How to choose and use packaging symbols for your products

Not every symbol belongs on every box. So how do you choose the right ones?

Start by asking these questions:

What type of product are you packaging? (Food, electronics, fragile goods?)
Where will it be sold or shipped? (Local or international?)
Are there any laws or industry rules you need to follow?

Once you know those answers, you can select the symbols that fit your needs. For example, a food container may need a food-safe symbol, a “use-by” date, and a recycling icon. An export carton might need UN codes, a stack limit, and a “this side up” mark.

You’ll also want to make sure your symbols are placed clearly, sized properly, and not overcrowded.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

❌ Using unofficial or made-up icons
❌ Putting too many symbols in a small space
❌ Skipping important safety or compliance marks
❌ Making symbols too small to read
❌ Printing symbols in the wrong location (like under tape or flaps)
❌ Ignoring regional label laws (EU vs. US vs. Asia)

Choosing the right symbols builds clarity and trust. It also keeps your packaging legally safe—especially for exports.

Conclusion

If you were confused about packaging symbols before, you’re not alone. But now, you have a clear understanding of what they mean, how they’re grouped, and why they matter. You’ve also seen how using the right symbols can protect your products, keep your business compliant, and make things easier for your customers.

Still unsure which ones to print on your packaging? That’s where we come in.

Contact XiangGe Package and we’ll help you review your packaging design and make sure every symbol is correct and compliant—before you go to print. We’ve supported clients in over 100 countries and know what works across industries and borders.

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