China’s new express packaging standard caps non-fragile goods at two layers, seeks 45mm tape width limit

CHINA – China’s first mandatory national standard for restricting excessive express packaging has taken effect, capping non-fragile items at two packaging layers and limiting tape width to 45mm while requiring right-sized boxes to curtail disproportionate parcel sizes.

The Requirements for Restricting Excessive Packaging in Express Delivery establishes a “3×3” quantitative control system that addresses three core issues: oversized boxes, excessive layers, and tape overuse. 

The standard differentiates between non-fragile and fragile goods, setting a maximum of two layers for ordinary items and up to four layers for fragile goods. 

For tape usage, the regulation mandates a maximum width of 45 millimeters and imposes length limits based on box dimensions. 

This marks the first time China has legislated binding limits on how couriers package items for delivery.

How the “3×3” Rule Targets Box Sizes, Layers and Tape Consumption

The standard introduces a tiered approach where packaging must be right-sized to contents.

For small items with an outer dimension between 80mm and 150mm, the box’s diagonal measurement cannot exceed 2.5 times the item’s dimensions, with progressively tighter ratios as items grow larger. 

This prevents the common practice of shipping small goods in oversized cartons. 

The packaging layer limit means that for non-fragile items, no more than two layers of packaging are permitted, effectively prohibiting the “onion-like” unwrapping experience where multiple layers of boxes, bubble wrap and tape encase a small product. 

Industry data shows that with algorithm optimisation and upgraded packaging, the sector has achieved a 30 percent reduction in material consumption industry-wide over the past year.

Why Pickup Stations Face Added Workload from On-Site Unpacking

The standard also aims to improve logistics efficiency by ensuring QR codes and barcodes are not obstructed by excessive tape. 

In Shenzhen, community parcel hub operator Mu Yan told Packaging Insights that previously, oversized packaging for large products could significantly increase the overall volume of a single parcel, consuming fixed shelf space and disrupting category layouts.

Kafan Chen, a pickup station manager in Fujian, noted that thick tape covering QR codes makes scanning impossible, forcing staff to manually peel it off. 

Both operators confirmed that many customers open parcels on-site and leave cardboard boxes and bubble wrap behind, adding to waste management burdens that stations must handle directly.

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