Packaging for International Markets

Packaging is not just protection — for international buyers, it is part of the product. A beautifully crafted Moroccan rug that arrives in a damaged or unmarked roll signals that you are not ready for professional trade.

International buyers evaluate three things:

1. Condition on arrival Was the product protected during transit? Handmade textiles are vulnerable to humidity, compression, and friction. Poor packaging causes fading, deformation, and smell — all of which trigger returns.

2. Compliance Does the packaging and labelling meet the import country's requirements? EU regulations are particularly strict. Missing labels can cause customs to hold or return the entire shipment at your expense.

3. Presentation Does the packaging reflect the value of the product? Premium buyers — galleries, interior designers, boutique retailers — sell the story of your craft alongside the product. A well-presented package reinforces that story.

If you are selling to any EU country, your textile products must comply with EU Regulation No 1007/2011 on textile fibre names and labelling.

What must appear on the label:

1. Fibre composition — Declare the exact percentage of each fibre: "65% pure new wool, 35% cotton".

2. Country of origin — "Made in Morocco". Mandatory for textiles sold in the EU.

3. Care instructions — Standard ISO symbols (wash, bleach, iron, dry-clean icons).

4. Importer or EU representative — Name and address of the EU-based entity responsible for the product.

Labels must be: - Permanently attached - Written in the official language of the destination country - Legible and durable — they must survive washing

Common violation: Writing "100% wool" when the product contains 10% synthetic binding threads. Customs labs can test fibre content. Always have your materials tested before your first export.

Handmade rugs, blankets, and woven textiles require specific packaging to survive ocean freight or air cargo without damage.

Recommended method for rugs:

1. Roll, do not fold — Folding creates permanent creases in wool rugs. Always roll around a cardboard or PVC tube with the pile facing inward.

2. Wrap in acid-free kraft paper — Protects against humidity and prevents colour transfer.

3. Overwrap in polypropylene film — A final moisture barrier for ocean shipments.

4. Label each roll — Attach a hang tag with: your name, product reference, fibre content, country of origin.

5. Box or pallet — Use double-wall corrugated cardboard boxes. For large orders (10+ rugs), palletise and wrap with stretch film.

Humidity warning: If your workshop is near the Atlantic coast, condition packaged goods in a dry room for 48 hours before shipping.

If your buyer sells in a retail store or on e-commerce, they may require "retail ready" packaging that can go directly on a shelf.

EAN Barcodes Retail buyers require a GS1 EAN-13 barcode on each product unit. To get barcodes: 1. Register with GS1 Morocco (gs1.org.ma) — approx. 2,000–5,000 MAD/year 2. Each unique product (different size, colour, reference) gets its own barcode 3. Print barcodes on your hang tags or adhesive labels

Traceability tags nevali provides a digital certificate for verified artisans that buyers can link to your products — a significant competitive advantage over mass-produced alternatives.

QR codes Add a QR code linking to your nevali artisan profile. This lets end consumers discover your story and craft process. Buyers love this — it adds perceived value without adding cost.