FEFCO Codes for Corrugated Box Briefs

What the FEFCO code is for

The FEFCO code is an internationally applied system for classifying corrugated board packaging designs. FEFCO describes it as originally developed in the late 1960s, and the catalogue credits FEFCO and ESBO, formerly ASSCO, with creating a numerical code to replace long verbal descriptions and avoid confusion across languages. FEFCO states that the code is adopted by the International Corrugated Case Association. The 12th edition adds a new series for retail and e-commerce packaging. In a brief, the code gives the converter a starting reference for the construction family and style. It does not replace a dimensioned drawing, board specification or performance test. Treat it as the name of the design, not the whole specification.

The design families in the current catalogue

The 12th edition groups designs into numbered families. The FEFCO catalogue lists 0100 commercial rolls and sheets, 0200 slotted boxes, 0300 telescopic boxes, 0400 folder boxes and trays, 0500 slide boxes, 0600 rigid boxes, 0700 ready-glued cases, 0800 retail and e-commerce packaging, and 0900 interior fitments. The 0600 family sits inside a corrugated board catalogue, so do not use it as a label for a decorative paperboard gift box. The 0700 family covers ready-glued cases that are basically one piece, shipped flat and assembled simply. Use the family name to orient the brief, then confirm the exact style in the official catalogue.

Reading the full code and variant fields

The catalogue writes the full code as XXXX.XXXX style XXXX. The first part identifies the standard recognised shape or design from the code. The version field, shown as .XXXX, differentiates a variation from the standard design and corresponds to an individual drawing or CAD/CAM library. That means two briefs can share a family and style number but still differ in a variant detail. If you already have a full code from a previous project, include it and ask the converter to confirm that the variant still matches your product, board and assembly method. Do not assume that a variant transfers without review.

What to put in a corrugated box brief

A code alone is not a brief. The converter needs enough information to select a style, estimate board use and quote the job. The table below is Teal's editorial planning framework, not a FEFCO requirement.

Worked hypothetical example: a slotted box RFQ

In this hypothetical example, a team needs a corrugated box for a 2.5 kg product and starts with the 0200 slotted box family. They propose internal dimensions of 300 mm by 200 mm by 150 mm. For a rectangular interior, multiplying 300 by 200 gives 60,000 square millimetres, and multiplying by 150 gives 9,000,000 cubic millimetres. Dividing by 1,000,000 gives 9.0 litres. This nominal geometric volume does not establish product fit or protective performance. Fitments and cushioning occupy internal space, and product shape and assembly clearances must also be considered. Do not subtract board thickness again from dimensions already specified as internal. If the team has selected a specific design from the catalogue, it can propose that code for converter review. Otherwise, the brief can identify the 0200 family, internal dimensions, product details, proposed board specification, quantity and sample needs, and ask the converter to propose the exact style and variant. The product weight alone does not establish a suitable board grade.

The outside to inside dimension trap

State explicitly whether dimensions are internal or external, and confirm the convention with your converter. In a hypothetical example, an existing box measures 300 mm by 200 mm by 150 mm externally. If those measurements are specified as the new box's internal dimensions, the new box would have a larger nominal interior than the original. The product could move, and an existing insert might no longer fit snugly. Conversely, if required internal dimensions are interpreted as external dimensions, the resulting interior can be too small. Do not assume that a single board-caliper subtraction will account for every construction, fold and overlap. Ask for a dimensioned drawing that identifies the measurement references, and check a sample with the real product.

Procurement checklist for a code based brief

Use this checklist as Teal's editorial planning framework. It is not a FEFCO requirement, and the converter's own brief template may ask for more.

• Name the FEFCO family and style only if you have checked the current catalogue.
• Include the full code and variant if one exists, and ask the converter to confirm it.
• State internal dimensions and label them as internal.
• Add product size, weight and fragile points.
• Specify flute, board construction and any strength test you require.
• Attach artwork and state the colour method and barcode requirement.
• State order quantity, sample quantity and packing method.
• Ask for a dimensioned drawing before tooling or production.
• Request a sample and test it with the real product.
• Record which items are confirmed and which remain open.

Scope limits: what the code cannot decide

The FEFCO code identifies a design family and style. It does not set board grade, flute, edge crush test, burst strength, stacking performance, humidity resistance, food contact suitability or legal compliance. It does not prove that a box will survive a carrier's network, and it is not a certification. A style illustration is not a manufacturable drawing. The converter's approved dimensioned drawing, board specification and sample are separate deliverables. If your brief touches food contact, hazardous goods, cold chain or restricted products, build a review workflow with your compliance team and the converter rather than treating the code as a compliance answer. Confirm channel requirements in your own agreement where they apply.

How to review a quote against the brief

Review the quote against the brief line by line. Check that the converter has repeated your internal dimensions, board grade, style family and variant, print method and quantity. Ask what is excluded, such as tooling, samples, delivery or testing. If the quote names a style number you did not specify, ask for the catalogue reference and a dimensioned drawing. If the quote changes a dimension, ask whether the change is a conversion from inside to outside or a proposed fit change. Keep the approved drawing and sample as the reference for production. This review step is Teal's editorial recommendation, not a FEFCO procedure.

Questions about FEFCO code box briefs