How to Choose PE Stretch Film for Export in 2025: Key Criteria Businesses Must Not Overlook

The export market in 2025 is entering a highly competitive phase, as countries around the world continuously update their technical, environmental, and product safety standards. PE stretch film—once considered a simple packaging material—has now become a key factor in ensuring both the safety and professional image of businesses in the eyes of international partners.

Choosing the right type of export-grade PE film not only helps maintain the stability of goods throughout long-haul journeys, but also acts as a “passport” that facilitates smooth and speedy customs clearance.

So, how do you select the right PE stretch film for export?
What distinguishes export-grade PE film from standard domestic types?
And what are the key selection criteria for 2025?

Let’s explore these questions with Hoa Phong Packin the article below.

1. What is Export-Grade PE Stretch Film?

Export-grade PE stretch film is a thin, flexible plastic film with high elasticity, made from 100% virgin LLDPE resin. This type of film is commonly used to wrap and secure goods on pallets, in cartons, or in bundled shipments throughout the entire transportation process.

Unlike regular PE film, export-grade PE stretch film must meet strict international standards, such as:

• ROHS and REACH certifications (EU)
• Food safety certifications(if used in food-related industries)
• ISO 9001or equivalent quality management systems
• MSDS reportson material safety levels

2. How Is Export-Grade PE Stretch Film Different from Domestic PE Film?

The table below provides a quick comparison between export-grade PE film and standard domestic PE film:

3. Why Is It Important to Choose the Right Export-Grade PE Stretch Film?

In today’s global supply chain, PE stretch film—although considered an auxiliary packaging material—plays an extremely important role. Selecting the right type of high-quality, export-standard PE film is not just a technical requirement but also part of a risk management strategy and brand-building effort when businesses step into international markets.

Below are three key reasons why companies should seriously invest in choosing the right export-grade PE film:

Ensures Maximum Safety for Goods During International Shipping

Export shipments often endure long-distance transportation—ranging from several days to even weeks. Ensuring the stability and protection of goods throughout this journey is crucial, especially during ocean freight, where items are exposed to humidity, vibration, temperature fluctuations, and stacking pressure.

High-quality export PE stretch film provides:

• Superior tensile strength
• High stretch rate (over 250%)
• Strong adhesion without leaving sticky residue

These features help keep goods firmly in place, minimizing the risks of shifting, tearing, packaging damage, or product scratches—especially important for fragile items, electronic parts, machinery components, or hygienically sensitive goods.

Moreover, PE film acts as a protective layer against environmental threats such as dust, moisture, salt air, mold, and UV rays, all of which can degrade product quality before it reaches end users.

Facilitates Customs Clearance and Meets International Legal Requirements

One common issue in export logistics is delay at customs due to non-compliant packaging or missing documentation related to raw materials. That’s why using PE stretch film with complete international certifications such as ROHS, REACH, MSDS, or food safety certifications (if applicable) is vital.

Certified PE film often includes lot numbers and traceable production details, supporting businesses in declaring origin, providing technical documentation, and responding to surprise inspections from customs or foreign buyers.

Especially under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), exporters not only need a Certificate of Origin (CO) to enjoy tax incentives, but also must show transparency in sourcing. A PE stretch film with clearly defined specifications, traceable inputs, and a reputable supplier helps businesses minimize legal risks, shorten customs procedures, and avoid unnecessary costs.

Enhances the Image and Reputation of Vietnamese Brands on the Global Stage

Packaging is not just the final step before shipping—it’s also the first impression international customers get when receiving your products. A shipment that is neatly wrapped, uniform, clean, and tightly secured reflects professionalism and builds trust.

In contrast, using poor-quality PE film—easily torn, uneven in thickness, adhesive residue, or lacking barcode tracking—reduces product value and jeopardizes long-term cooperation. In today’s global trade, where brand responsibility and supply chain standards matter more than ever, even a small detail like stretch film can elevate—or damage—your brand reputation.

Furthermore, many importers now include detailed supplier evaluation criteria, including "packaging – traceability – compliance." Choosing certified PE stretch film helps Vietnamese businesses strengthen their competitive position and gain advantages in bidding processes or expanding long-term contracts with global distributors.

4. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Export-Grade PE Stretch Film

To meet the increasingly stringent requirements of international markets, businesses should not select PE stretch film based solely on price. Instead, they must evaluate a wide range of technical criteria, quality standards, and the specific demands of each shipment. Below are the critical factors to keep in mind in 2025:

Raw Material – Prioritize 100% Virgin Resin

The quality of PE stretch film is directly determined by its raw material. For export purposes, companies should opt for film made from 100% virgin LLDPE resin, without mixing recycled or filler content. Virgin plastic offers superior flexibility, high clarity, excellent tensile strength, and—most importantly—contains no harmful contaminants, ensuring compliance with safety standards in strict markets such as the EU, USA, Japan, and South Korea.

Moreover, virgin resin films provide greater load resistance during long-distance transportation and are less likely to tear, shrink, or become brittle under harsh environmental conditions.

Consistent and Stable Technical Specifications

An export-standard PE stretch film must maintain stable specifications throughout the entire roll—without sudden fluctuations. Key technical indicators include:

• Film thickness: Typically ranges from 12–50 microns depending on the type of goods; the thickness must be uniform to prevent weak spots and tearing.
• Stretchability: Between 250%–350%, allowing for tight wrapping without excessive force.
• Adhesion strength: The film should cling securely to goods without leaving sticky residue, and still allow for easy removal when needed.

Consistency in these technical specs ensures efficient packaging, prevents issues during shipping, and enhances the overall professionalism and reliability of the shipment.

Quality Certifications – Your “Passport” to International Markets

When exporting—especially to markets like the U.S., South Korea, or Japan—companies are often required to provide relevant certifications that prove the product meets both legal and technical requirements. Common certifications include:

• ROHS: Ensures the product does not contain hazardous substances beyond permitted levels (EU).
• REACH: European Union regulation on chemical safety and usage.
• MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): A mandatory requirement for international shipping, indicating material safety details.
• ISO 9001: Demonstrates a reliable and consistent quality management system.

Providing complete documentation not only speeds up the customs clearance process but also builds trust with international buyers.

Customizability to Meet Specific Needs

Not all businesses require the same PE film specifications. Depending on industry type, packaging methods, and the equipment used (manual or automatic wrapping), customers may need different configurations, such as:

• Roll length: e.g., 50 cm
• Roll weight: 1 kg, 2 kg, 3 kg, or jumbo rolls over 35 kg
• Film thickness: customized per market requirement
• Core types: 50mm, 77mm, plastic core, or compressed paper core

That’s why selecting a supplier capable of flexibly customizing specifications per order is a major advantage—it helps reduce costs and optimize usage efficiency.

Professional Packaging and Labeling

For export goods, the way PE stretch film is packaged and labeled must be systematic, consistent, and compliant with the regulations of the destination country. A roll of PE film should include:

• Outer carton packagingto protect against dust and moisture and ensure a professional appearance.
• Clear labelingwith product name, lot number, production date, weight, technical specs, and manufacturer information.
• Custom branding or logo printing, if requested by the client.

Professional packaging not only makes inventory tracking and traceability easier, but also creates a positive impression and adds perceived value to the product in the eyes of international partners.

5. Export Process for PE Stretch Film in 2025

To legally and efficiently export PE stretch film to international markets, businesses must clearly understand the process—from document preparation to final delivery at ports. Strict compliance helps reduce delays, minimize risks during customs clearance, and optimize shipping time and costs.

Here is an overview of the standard export process for Vietnamese businesses in 2025:

Step 1: Prepare Export Documentation

Essential documents include:

• Sales Contract: Specifies product details, quantity, and delivery terms.
• Commercial Invoice: Lists product value, HS code, and payment method.
• Packing List: Details packaging format, number of packages, and weight per unit.
• Certificate of Origin (C/O): Required for tax exemptions under trade agreements (Form A, EUR.1, CPTPP, etc.).
• MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): Mandatory for international shipping of PE film.
• Quality Certifications (if available): Such as ISO, REACH, ROHS, tensile/elongation test results.
• Bill of Lading or Booking Confirmation: Issued by the international freight forwarder.

Preparing a full set of documents in advance helps avoid customs requests for additional proof, which could delay clearance.

Step 2: Electronic Customs Declaration

Vietnamese exporters must submit customs declarations via the VNACCS/VCIS electronic system.

Basic steps include:

• Fill out the e-customs form.
• Input the correct HS code for PE stretch film (commonly 39201012 or equivalent based on the film structure).
• Attach all required documents digitally.
• Choose the relevant Customs Sub-Department (based on registered business address or warehouse location).

Once submitted, the customs system will assign a clearance channel:

• Green lane: No inspection, immediate clearance.
• Yellow lane: Document verification required.
• Red lane: Physical inspection of goods required.

Step 3: Physical Inspection (If Required) and Customs Clearance

• For shipments assigned to the yellow or red lane, customs officers will verify documents and may inspect the goods on-site.
• Exporters should work closely with logistics teams to present goods, open containers (if requested), and address any issues promptly.

Upon successful inspection, the shipment will be cleared and legally allowed to leave Vietnam.

Step 4: Transport Goods According to Incoterms

Depending on the Incoterms specified in the contract, exporters will coordinate the delivery accordingly:

• FOB (Free on Board): Delivery at the Vietnamese port, buyer pays for shipping.
• CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): Seller pays for shipping and insurance to the destination port.
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): Seller handles all costs and taxes for final delivery.

After clearance, goods are transported via ocean freight, air cargo, or by road (especially for nearby countries like Cambodia and Laos).

6. Promising Export Markets for Vietnamese PE Stretch Film

With increasing global demand for flexible packaging materials, PE stretch film from Vietnam is gaining recognition in multiple markets. However, each region has different requirements in terms of product specifications, certifications, and trade barriers.

Potential export markets include:

• Japan & South Korea: High standard markets that demand certifications (ROHS, REACH, ISO), strict product quality, and traceability.
• EU countries: Require compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards; offer tariff preferences under the EVFTA.
• United States: Large demand across logistics, food, retail; emphasizes material safety and origin tracking.
• Middle East & Africa: Growing industrial and logistics infrastructure opens opportunities for affordable, high-quality films.
• Southeast Asia: Neighboring countries like Cambodia, Laos, Thailand increasingly source PE films from Vietnam due to competitive pricing and proximity.

To penetrate and thrive in these markets, Vietnamese businesses must ensure product compliance, proper documentation, and a reliable supply chain—especially in terms of packaging quality, traceability, and customer service.

7. Choosing a Trusted Manufacturer and Export Partner – The First Step Toward a Successful Deal

No matter how well-structured your export procedures are, choosing the right supplier of standard-compliant PE stretch film remains a decisive factor in ensuring the quality of your shipments and the satisfaction of your international partners.

In a market filled with hundreds of PE film manufacturers offering a wide range of prices, specifications, and quality levels, selecting a reputable, experienced export partner is critical. This is not merely about buying rolls of film—it’s about working with a supplier who understands the unique requirements of each market, is well-versed in international standards, and capable of handling complex export documentation.

A reliable PE film supplier should meet the following criteria:

• High production capacity, capable of fulfilling orders on time—even urgent or seasonal shipments.
• A strict quality control system, ensuring every roll meets standards for thickness, stretchability, adhesion, and clarity.
• Ability to provide complete certifications (REACH, MSDS, ISO, Certificate of Origin…), fully supporting your export documentation needs.
• Proven experience working with international clients, with deep knowledge of labeling, packaging, and shipping regulations.
• A team of technical consultants to help you choose the most suitable type of film for your industry—whether mechanical, electronic, food, or others.

Hoa Phong Pack– A Strategic Partner for Export-Oriented Businesses

With over 18 years of experience in the industrial packaging sector, Hoa Phong Packis proud to be one of Vietnam’s pioneering manufacturers and exporters of international-standard PE stretch film.

We currently supply products to a wide range of clients across Asia and Europe, with a production capacity of over 1,200 tons per month, ready to fulfill everything from small custom orders to large-scale OEM contracts.

What We Commit to at Hoà Phong Pack:

• Consistent Quality – Strict Quality Control
  Every roll of PE film is thoroughly tested for thickness, stretch rate, tensile strength, and adhesion before being packed and released.
• Customized Specifications on Request
  We offer tailored film specifications (thickness, width, core size, etc.) according to the needs of each market or client request.
• Professional Packaging – Full Traceability
  Every roll comes with a barcode, batch number, product information, and traceable documentation, making customs and partner coordination smooth and transparent.
• Comprehensive Export Support
  We assist clients through the entire export process—from documentation and compliance to logistics and shipping conditions.

If your business is looking for a safe, cost-effective, and export-ready packaging solution, let Hoa Phong Packbe your trusted partner on the global stage.