FEFCO codes form the international catalogue of box styles published by FEFCO and ESBO. Two codes appear in almost every reseller enquiry: 0201 and 0203. Both are slotted boxes made from a single sheet, with four flaps on top and four on the bottom. The only difference is the length of the flaps, but it changes board consumption, protection and the size of the flat sheet.

The difference at a glance

When 0201 is the right choice

0201 is the standard shipping box, also called the regular slotted container. It is a sensible default for e-commerce parcels, general goods and resale, because it uses the least board for a given size and is easy to close with tape. If the goods are ordinary and the board grade suits the weight, there is usually no reason to look further.

When to consider 0203

In 0203 the outer flaps cover the whole top and bottom, so the closed box has two layers of board there and no seam in the middle. Consider it when the top and bottom must be stiffer or better sealed against dust, or when the contents press on the flaps. The price of this is a wider sheet: each flap is as long as the box is wide instead of half as long. FEFCO 0202 sits between the two: its outer flaps overlap, but do not cover the whole top.

What it means in numbers

Take a box of 400 × 300 × 200 mm internal. The sheet is as wide as the box height plus two flaps. With 0201 each flap is 150 mm, so the width is 200 + 300 = 500 mm. With 0203 each flap is 300 mm, so the width is 200 + 600 = 800 mm. The sheet is 300 mm wider, which is roughly 60% more board in this example, ignoring the glue flap and trim. This is arithmetic only and not a price.

Before you change the style

Often the first thing to check is the board grade, because a heavier product may only need a stronger board. We offer 3-, 5- and 7-layer board (see how to choose corrugated boxes in bulk). Also check how the choice affects the load on a pallet in how many boxes fit on a pallet, and give us the right sizes using internal or external dimensions.

How to order

Tell us the FEFCO code or describe the box, together with the internal size, the weight of the goods and the quantity. The minimum order is one pallet and several sizes can share it. Short runs without tooling are possible for straight-cut formats: see short runs without tooling costs. Read the guide to buying cardboard boxes from Poland and our wholesale terms, and send your enquiry through our home page.

See also: FEFCO Codes Explained: A Catalogue of Corrugated Box Styles and Their Uses

Frequently asked questions

What is a FEFCO code?

FEFCO codes belong to an international catalogue of box styles published by FEFCO and ESBO. Codes starting with 02 describe slotted boxes made from a single sheet with flaps on top and bottom.

Is FEFCO 0201 the standard shipping box?

Yes. 0201 is the regular slotted container, the most common style for shipping and e-commerce boxes.

Does 0203 use more board than 0201?

Yes. The flaps are as long as the box is wide instead of half as long, so the sheet is wider. The exact difference depends on the box size.

Do you produce both styles?

We produce boxes to the customer’s dimensions. Send the FEFCO code or a description together with the sizes and we confirm the solution for your specification.