diff --git a/PACKAGING.md b/PACKAGING.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..8fd075240faf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/PACKAGING.md
@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+<!--
+
+    Licensed to the Apache Software Foundation (ASF) under one
+    or more contributor license agreements.  See the NOTICE file
+    distributed with this work for additional information
+    regarding copyright ownership.  The ASF licenses this file
+    to you under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the
+    "License"); you may not use this file except in compliance
+    with the License.  You may obtain a copy of the License at
+
+      http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+
+    Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing,
+    software distributed under the License is distributed on an
+    "AS IS" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY
+    KIND, either express or implied.  See the License for the
+    specific language governing permissions and limitations
+    under the License.
+
+-->
+
+# Apache NetBeans packaging guidelines
+
+Apache NetBeans is distributed by a number of downstream entities. We
+recognize the importance of these distributors, and are grateful for their
+support. This document outlines some key requirements that must be
+followed to distribute packages of Apache NetBeans under that name. It
+complements the ASF's [Downstream Distribution Branding Policy][asf-downstream].
+
+Packages of Apache NetBeans MUST be built from the officially released
+source code zip, or from the associated binary zip release. These are
+listed on the download pages of the [Apache NetBeans website][nb-download].
+Packages MUST NOT be built from staged artefacts or before the release
+vote has completed successfully.
+
+Packages MUST NOT be built from a git checkout or the automatic zip on
+release tags. The repository contains non-released sources and is
+missing certain required metadata for an accurate release.
+
+Testing packages of Apache NetBeans release candidates MAY be produced
+using files from the [nightlies server][nb-nightlies]. If made available to
+download they MUST be clearly marked as not built from an official
+release.
+
+Packages MAY patch the release to remove OS-specific binaries and
+other files not required by the target OS. Any other patching must be
+in line with the [sources requirements][asf-downstream-sources] of the ASF
+distribution policy. We prefer Apache NetBeans is packaged as released.
+
+Packages MAY include an open-source JDK alongside Apache NetBeans
+within a single self-contained bundle. The JDK MUST be either the
+latest release (recommended), or the latest LTS, compatible with the
+Apache NetBeans version. The JDK MUST NOT include JavaFX. Distributors
+SHOULD ensure that the licensing information for Apache NetBeans and
+for the bundled JDK are clear and distinct.
+
+We provide the [NBPackage tool][nbpackage] for building packages from the
+binary zip. It supports bundling a JDK. Distributors MAY choose to use
+this tool to build packages.
+
+The Apache NetBeans build is not reproducible. NBPackage is designed
+to keep as many files as possible binary comparable with the release
+artefact. Distributors using another tool to produce packages from the
+binary zip SHOULD ensure that the contents of the package can be
+similarly verified. Distributors packaging from a source release
+SHOULD ensure that the build process is transparent and the source
+link verifiable.
+
+Distributors MUST provide contact details for reporting bugs and
+security vulnerabilities related to their packages. They SHOULD
+consider suitable practices for security and user experience - build
+verification, file hashes, code signing, notarization, immutable
+releases, etc.
+
+Any queries about how to apply these requirements and guidelines
+should be raised on the [Dev mailing list][nb-dev-list].
+
+[asf-downstream]: https://www.apache.org/foundation/marks/downstream
+[nb-download]: https://netbeans.apache.org/download/
+[nb-nightlies]: https://nightlies.apache.org/netbeans/candidate/netbeans/
+[asf-downstream-sources]: https://www.apache.org/foundation/marks/downstream#source
+[nbpackage]: https://github.com/apache/netbeans-nbpackage/
+[nb-dev-list]: https://netbeans.apache.org/community/mailing-lists/
diff --git a/nbbuild/build.xml b/nbbuild/build.xml
index 68fa98f5693a..eaa8fc14d585 100644
--- a/nbbuild/build.xml
+++ b/nbbuild/build.xml
@@ -1736,6 +1736,7 @@ It is possible to use -Ddebug.port=3234 -Ddebug.pause=y to start the system in d
       <zipfileset file="${nb.build.dir}/LICENSE" />
       <zipfileset dir="${nb.build.dir}/licenses" includes="**" prefix="licenses" /> 
       <zipfileset file="${source.zip.readme}" fullpath="README.md" erroronmissingarchive="false" />
+      <zipfileset file="${nb_all}/PACKAGING.md" erroronmissingarchive="false" />
       <zipfileset file="${nb_all}/nbbuild/build/gitinfo.properties" fullpath="nbbuild/gitinfo.properties" erroronmissingarchive="false" />
       <zipfileset file="${nb_all}/nbbuild/build/netbeansrelease.json" fullpath="nbbuild/netbeansrelease.json" erroronmissingarchive="false" />
     </zip>