PACKAGING CONTROL / ARTWORK FLIGHT BOARD
Packaging Artwork Handoff Checklist for China Sourcing
Artwork is more useful when the file, product, pack-out, label content, and review direction are visible together. Before a production-facing handoff, make the current artwork reference clear enough that the next reviewer knows what belongs with the product and which points still need confirmation.
Direct answer: identify the exact artwork file and version, the product or pack it relates to, the visible content and placement points, the owner of each open question, and the next record that should carry the agreed direction.
ARTWORK FLIGHT / CURRENT HANDOFF
FILE
PRODUCT
PACK-OUT
Version / owner / route
01 — Identify
Current file, format, date, and revision.
02 — Review
Visible product, copy, barcode, label, and pack points.
03 — Hand off
Open conditions and the record that moves next.
FROM FILE TO PACK-OUT / MAKE THE HANDOFF REVIEWABLE
A packaging artwork handoff is a connection between a file, a physical product, and a buyer decision—not only a design file transfer.
A useful handoff lets a reviewer identify which product and package configuration the file belongs to, which version is current, what content or placement is expected, and what remains open. It helps stop an older label, an unexplained barcode field, a revised insert, or an unconfirmed carton mark from being mistaken for the latest direction. Start with the product packaging checklist to clarify the pack-out context, then use the sample approval checklist where the artwork is tied to a physical sample or product reference.
ARTWORK → REVIEW → PACK-OUT / THE HANDOFF RUNWAY
01 / FILE REFERENCE
What exact file is being reviewed?
Use a file name, version, date, format, page or panel reference, and a location that lets the next reviewer identify the correct source.
02 / PRODUCT LINK
Which product and selling unit does it belong to?
Connect the artwork to the current product reference, variation, size, quantity, accessory set, language version, and package format.
03 / REVIEW FIELD
What visible points need review before handoff?
Keep product identifiers, labels, copy, logo, barcode area, marks, inserts, warnings, colour, finish, position, and carton context visible as applicable.
04 / NEXT RECORD
Which record should carry the agreed result?
Move the direction into a sample note, purchase-order reference, pack-out record, inspection reference, or shipping document conversation as appropriate.
REVIEW CARD / 01
Product and variation
State the product reference, variation, colour, size, quantity, accessory set, or selling unit so the artwork is not separated from the physical item it represents.
REVIEW CARD / 02
File and visual direction
Identify the file revision and the visual items that need confirmation, such as layout, logo, colour, image, text, position, finish, panel, or print area.
REVIEW CARD / 03
Content and open conditions
Separate what is confirmed from what still needs review. Record who owns the next question and avoid presenting an open point as production-ready.
REVIEW CARD / 04
Pack-out and order route
Connect the handoff to the relevant package, insert, label, master carton, quantity, or order record so the result can be found again at the next checkpoint.
VERSION / OWNER / HANDOFF MATRIX
Before handoff, ensure the next person can see the current version and the remaining question.
File reference
What is the current file, revision, date, source, and panel or page reference?
Product context
Which product, variation, package component, quantity, or configuration does it describe?
Review owner
Who needs to confirm the point, and what evidence or clarification is still needed?
Next record
Where should the confirmed direction be visible next: sample, order, production reference, inspection, or handover conversation?
KEEP THE ARTWORK CONNECTED TO THE NEXT OPERATIONAL RECORD
1 / Clarify the packaging context.
Use the product packaging checklist to identify the product, pack components, and context that the artwork should represent.
2 / Connect the file to a sample reference.
Use the sample approval checklist when the artwork needs to be reviewed alongside a current sample or physical product state.
3 / Prepare the handover questions.
Use the shipping documents checklist to separate artwork questions from the documents that may matter at the later handover stage.
BOUNDARY / AN ARTWORK CHECKLIST DOES NOT CONFIRM COMPLIANCE OR AUTHORISE PRODUCTION
A visible artwork record reduces ambiguity. It does not remove the need for appropriate review.
What this checklist can organise
The current artwork file, product and packaging context, visible review fields, version status, owner, open points, and the operational record that should receive the next agreed direction.
What this checklist does not determine
It does not confirm copy accuracy, barcode validity, label requirements, product safety, legal rights, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, production readiness, costs, timing, or suitability for a particular market or use.
When specialist input is needed
Where packaging involves regulated claims, warnings, safety, testing, compliance, language, intellectual property, legal, tax, customs, insurance, financial, or other specialist questions, obtain appropriate qualified or official input before a decision.
MAKE THE HANDOFF EASY TO FIND AND REVIEW
Have an artwork file, a product reference, and a handoff question that needs a clearer route?
Bring the current version, identify what is still open, and start with the buyer decision that needs a more visible next record.