FEFCO codes: box styles explained
The FEFCO code is an international numbering system for corrugated box designs. 0201 is the classic regular slotted carton, whose flaps meet in the middle. 0427 is the popular mailer box with a lid that holds without tape.
Contents of this page
What the FEFCO code is
FEFCO is the European federation of corrugated board manufacturers. It publishes a catalogue in which every common box design has a four-digit number and a drawing of the blank. Order “0201 in B flute, internal size 300 × 200 × 150 mm” and you get the same box anywhere in the world, without any confusion over descriptions.
The groups
| Group | Type |
|---|---|
| 01 | reels and sheets, that is, corrugated board by the metre |
| 02 | slotted boxes with flaps at the top and bottom |
| 03 | telescope boxes, where a lid slides over the base |
| 04 | folder boxes, wraps and trays, usually from one blank |
| 05 | slide boxes with a sleeve and an inner tray |
| 06 | rigid boxes with separate end panels |
| 07 | ready-glued boxes that can be set up in one movement |
| 09 | interior fittings such as dividers, inserts and pads |
The most common box styles
- FEFCO 0201
- Regular slotted carton with flaps that meet in the middle. The standard for removal boxes and shipping. Closed with tape.
- FEFCO 0203
- Like 0201, but the outer flaps overlap fully. Stronger at the top and bottom.
- Group 03, such as FEFCO 0300
- Telescope boxes: base and lid are separate. Good for archive boxes and gift packaging.
- Wrap-around designs in group 04
- One blank folded around the contents. Ideal for flat products such as books or calendars.
- FEFCO 0427
- Mailer box with a hinged lid and tuck flaps. Holds without tape, looks smart, popular in e-commerce.
- Trays in group 04
- Open trays without a lid, for fruit or as a display, for example.
- Group 07 with crash-lock base
- Ready-glued boxes whose base locks by itself as the box is opened. Quick to pack.
The exact meaning of every number is in the FEFCO catalogue, which the federation offers as a free PDF. Many manufacturers also show the drawings on their websites.
Corrugated board: flute types
| Flute | Thickness about | Typical for |
|---|---|---|
| E flute | 1.5 mm | fine flute for folding cartons and printed packaging |
| B flute | 3 mm | standard for shipping boxes |
| C flute | 4 mm | sturdier shipping boxes |
| EB flute | 4.5 mm | double wall, prints well and is strong |
| BC flute | 7 mm | double wall, for heavy contents and house moves |
Stating dimensions correctly
Boxes are almost always specified by their internal dimensions in the order length × width × height, where length is the longer side of the opening. The external dimensions are larger by the wall thickness. For pallet planning, external dimensions count; for the contents, internal ones. A box for A4 lever arch files needs about 320 × 290 mm inside, because a file measures roughly 318 × 285 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What is FEFCO 0201?
A regular slotted carton whose flaps meet in the middle. It is the most common shipping box.
What is FEFCO 0427?
A mailer box with a lid and tuck flaps that closes without tape.
Are box sizes given inside or outside?
Usually as internal dimensions, in the order length × width × height.
How thick is B flute?
About 3 mm. It is the standard for shipping boxes.