How FEFCO codes work
Each style has a four-digit code. The first two digits give the series, the family of construction. The last two identify the specific design within that family. The code describes structure only: board grade, flute, size and print are specified separately.
The main FEFCO series
| Series | Family | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 02xx | Slotted-type boxes | One piece with a glued joint and top and bottom flaps. Includes the RSC. |
| 03xx | Telescope-type boxes | Two or more pieces, such as a lid that slides down over a base. |
| 04xx | Folder-type boxes and trays | Usually one piece, folded up from a flat base. Includes most mailers. |
| 05xx | Slide-type boxes | Sleeves and inner trays that slide into each other. |
| 06xx | Rigid-type boxes | Separate end panels joined to a body; often called Bliss boxes. |
| 07xx | Ready-glued cases | Shipped flat but already glued, so they erect quickly, e.g. crash-lock bottoms. |
| 09xx | Interior fitments | Inserts, dividers, pads and partitions used inside boxes. |
The codes you will see most often
0201: Regular Slotted Container (RSC)
The everyday shipping box. All four flaps on each end are the same height, half the box width, so the outer flaps meet at the centre line. It uses board very efficiently because the blank is a simple rectangle. Generate one with the FEFCO 0201 dieline generator.
0202: Overlap Slotted Container
Like the 0201, but the outer flaps are longer and overlap, giving a stronger top and bottom and more surface for staples or tape.
0203: Full Overlap Slotted Container (FOL)
The outer flaps run the full width of the box, so they cover the whole top and bottom. Used for heavy products and for boxes that may be dropped on their ends.
0204: Centre Special Slotted Container
Both the inner and outer flaps meet in the centre, giving two full layers of board across the top and bottom.
0427: Roll End Tuck Top mailer
The classic e-commerce and subscription mailer: a one-piece folder-type box with a hinged lid, tuck-in front, and side walls rolled over for double thickness. No glue or tape is needed to assemble it. See the roll end tuck top generator.
FEFCO vs ECMA
FEFCO covers corrugated and solid board. Paperboard folding cartons, such as reverse tuck end, straight tuck end and snap-lock bottom cartons, are catalogued separately by the European Carton Makers Association (ECMA). In practice many people still call these styles by name rather than code.
Using codes when ordering
- Give the code, the inside dimensions (L × W × D) and the board grade and flute together.
- State whether dimensions are inside or outside. See how to measure box dimensions.
- Check flute thickness with the flute size chart, since it changes the dieline allowances.