Box Style Codes: FEFCO and ECMA Explained

What is a box style code?

A box style code is a short number that names the structure of a box: how it is folded, where the flaps are and how it closes. Packaging suppliers use them so that two people can mean exactly the same box without a drawing. You may meet one on a supplier quote, on a dieline or in a product listing, for example "FEFCO 0201".

A code names the structure only. It says nothing about the size, the board, the printing or the finish. Two boxes with the same code can be tiny or huge, plain or fully printed.

There are two systems you will see most. FEFCO is used for corrugated boxes. ECMA is used for folding cartons, the printed paperboard boxes sold in shops.

FEFCO codes for corrugated boxes

A FEFCO code has four digits. The first two digits give the family of the box and the last two give the variant. These are the families you will meet most:

• 02: slotted-type boxes. Basically one piece of board with a glued, stitched or taped joint and flaps at the top and bottom. They ship flat and close with their own flaps.
• 03: telescope-type boxes. More than one piece, where a lid or a bottom slides over the body.
• 04: folder-type boxes and trays. Usually one piece of board folded up, often with a hinged lid.
• 07: ready-glued cases. One piece that ships flat and sets up with a few simple folds.

Other families cover rolled board, slide-type boxes, rigid-type boxes and interior fittings such as dividers and pads.

The common FEFCO codes

These four are described the same way by the catalogues we checked, and each has a free template you can start from:

• 0200: half slotted container (HSC). Flaps on one end only, so the other end stays open. Used for open-top storage or with a separate lid. Template: half slotted shipping box.
• 0201: regular slotted container (RSC). The standard shipping box. The outer flaps are half the width of the box, so they meet in the middle when closed. Template: regular slotted shipping box.
• 0203: full overlap slotted container (FOL). Like the 0201, but the outer flaps are the full width of the box, so they overlap completely when closed. This adds strength and board. Template: full overlap shipping box.
• 0427: a one-piece folder-type mailer with a hinged lid that locks at the front. Common for e-commerce and subscription boxes. Catalogues describe the lock in different ways (tabs into slots, a tuck flap, side locking ears), so check the drawing for the exact closure. Our mailer box dielines are the closest starting point.

We do not list other codes here, such as 0204, 0215 or the 07 series (0711, 0713). Suppliers describe these in different ways, and we would rather not guess. If a quote or drawing uses one of them, send us the code or the drawing and we confirm the structure with you before production.

ECMA codes for folding cartons

An ECMA code starts with a letter and then uses groups of numbers, for example A20.20.03.01. The letter gives the group of the carton: A is rectangular with a glued seam, B is rectangular and folded without glue, C and D are the same for shapes that are not rectangular, and X covers closures and extras. The numbers describe how the bottom and the top close and which panels carry the closures. A suffix such as M or A says whether the carton is assembled by hand or by machine.

Two codes are easy to confirm. A01.01.00.00 is a packaging sleeve (see our packaging sleeve template), and F70.01.00.00 is a pillow box (see the pillow box template). For tuck end cartons, suppliers write the codes in slightly different ways, so we match them by description rather than by number: see tuck boxes and the tuck end dielines.

You do not need a code to order

Tell us the style name, send the code or attach a drawing, and add the size and quantity. We confirm the structure with you and send a dieline before anything is printed. If you only have a size, start with the free dieline templates, or see how to measure a box correctly. To get started, request a quote.

This page is general information about the FEFCO and ECMA systems. For exact diagrams and dimensions, check the official catalogues.