1. Basic Product Information (Required)
Core identity parameters for every listed packaging product.
| Parameter | Type | Description & Standard | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Text | Must match trademark registration certificate | ★★★★★ |
| Model Number | Text | Unique identifier — must match quotation and sample exactly | ★★★★★ |
| Product Full Name | Text | e.g. "12x8x4 inch Rigid Magnetic Gift Box with EVA Insert" | ★★★★★ |
| HS Customs Code | Text | 8-10 digits, e.g. "48192000" (paper gift boxes) | ★★★★★ |
| Product Type | Select | Rigid Box / Folding Carton / Paper Bag / Corrugated Box / Specialty Packaging | ★★★★★ |
| Target Industries | Multi | Cosmetics / Jewelry / Food & Beverage / Wine & Spirits / Electronics / Apparel / Gifts / Toys | ★★★★☆ |
| External Dimensions | mm | Length × Width × Height, exact to 1mm | ★★★★★ |
| Internal Dimensions | mm | Usable interior space for product placement | ★★★★★ |
| Net Weight | g | Single unit weight | ★★★☆☆ |
| Load Capacity | kg | Maximum weight the packaging can support | ★★★☆☆ |
2. General Sourcing Parameters (Universal)
Required for all product categories — supplier capability and transaction parameters.
| Parameter | Type | Description & Standard | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplier Type | Select | Original Manufacturer / Trading Company / Brand Owner | ★★★★★ |
| Year Established | Number | Preference: ≥3 years in operation | ★★★★☆ |
| Factory Location | Text | Exact to city level | ★★★★☆ |
| Employee Count | Number | ★★★☆☆ | |
| Monthly Capacity | Units | Monthly production volume for this model | ★★★★★ |
| Standard MOQ | Units | Minimum order quantity for stock products | ★★★★★ |
| Sample MOQ | Units | Minimum quantity for sample orders | ★★★★☆ |
| Sample Lead Time | Days | ★★★★★ | |
| Production Lead Time | Days | After deposit received | ★★★★★ |
| Sample Fee | USD | Whether refundable above a certain order quantity | ★★★★☆ |
| Packaging Method | Text | e.g. "50pcs/ctn, 5-ply corrugated carton" | ★★★★☆ |
| Carton Dimensions | cm | Length × Width × Height | ★★★★☆ |
| Gross Weight per Carton | kg | ★★★★☆ | |
| 20GP Container Load | Units | ★★★☆☆ | |
| 40HQ Container Load | Units | ★★★☆☆ | |
| Port of Delivery | Text | e.g. "FOB Shenzhen" | ★★★★☆ |
| Payment Terms | Multi | T/T (30% deposit + 70% balance) / L/C / PayPal | ★★★★☆ |
| Trade Terms | Multi | EXW / FOB / CIF / CFR / DDP | ★★★★☆ |
| Last Data Update | Date | ★★★★★ | |
| Verification Status | Select | Unverified / Partially Verified / Fully Verified | ★★★★★ |
3. Rigid Box (Set-Up Box) — Premium Packaging
The most widely used premium packaging format in cross-border B2B trade.
| Parameter | Type | Description & Standard | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure Type | Select | Two-Piece Lid & Base / Book-style / Drawer / Magnetic / Hinged / Custom Shape | ★★★★★ |
| Greyboard Grade | Select | Grade A (High Density) / Grade B (Medium Density) / Grade C (Low Density) | ★★★★★ |
| Greyboard Thickness | mm | Standard: 1.5mm (1200g) / 2.0mm (1600g) / 2.5mm (2000g) / 3.0mm (2400g) | ★★★★★ |
| Wrapping Material | Select | Art Paper / Coated Paper / Specialty Paper / Soft-Touch / Mother-of-Pearl / Kraft / Leatherette | ★★★★★ |
| Wrapping GSM | g | Standard: 128g / 157g / 200g / 250g / 300g | ★★★★★ |
| Lamination Method | Select | Hand Lamination / Machine Lamination | ★★★☆☆ |
| Insert / Tray Material | Select | EVA Foam / Sponge / EPE Foam / Paper Tray / Blister / Flocked Velvet / Satin | ★★★★★ |
| Insert Hardness | Shore | EVA standard: 38° / 45° / 60° | ★★★☆☆ |
| Printing Method | Select | Offset / Digital / Screen / Flexo | ★★★★☆ |
| Printing Colors | Text | e.g. "CMYK 4C + Pantone + Foil" | ★★★★☆ |
| Surface Finish | Multi | Matte Lamination / Glossy Lamination / Soft-Touch / UV Coating / Spot UV / Hot Foil Stamping (Gold/Silver) / Embossing / Debossing / Texture | ★★★★☆ |
| Closure Type | Select | Open / Magnetic / Ribbon Tie / Buckle / Snap Button | ★★★☆☆ |
| Die-Cut Tolerance | mm | ±0.5mm or better — premium grade | ★★★☆☆ |
4. Folding Carton — Mid-Range Cost-Effective Packaging
Best value-to-cost ratio for retail and e-commerce packaging.
| Parameter | Type | Description & Standard | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure Type | Select | Standard Folding / Auto-Lock Bottom / E-Commerce Mailer / Tuck-Top / Handled | ★★★★★ |
| Board Type | Select | Coated Paper / Grey-Back White Board / Kraft / Metallic / Holographic | ★★★★★ |
| Board GSM | g | Standard: 250g / 300g / 350g / 400g | ★★★★★ |
| Board Stiffness | mN | Cross-direction stiffness ≥200mN — premium grade | ★★★☆☆ |
| Fold Endurance | Cycles | ≥5 reciprocating folds without cracking | ★★★☆☆ |
| Printing Method | Select | Offset / Digital / Screen | ★★★★☆ |
| Surface Finish | Multi | Matte Lamination / Glossy Lamination / UV / Spot UV / Foil Stamping / Embossing | ★★★★☆ |
| Fold Method | Select | Flat Fold / Pre-Fold | ★★★☆☆ |
| Assembly Method | Select | Manual Assembly / Auto-Erecting | ★★★☆☆ |
| Handle Included | Yes/No | ★★★☆☆ |
5. Paper Bag
Essential retail and promotional packaging format.
| Parameter | Type | Description & Standard | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bag Type | Select | Gift Bag / Shopping Bag / Grocery Bag / Kraft Bag / Coated Paper Bag | ★★★★★ |
| Paper Type | Select | Coated Paper / Kraft Paper / Art Paper / Specialty Paper | ★★★★★ |
| Paper GSM | g | Standard: 120g / 157g / 200g / 250g / 300g | ★★★★★ |
| Handle Material | Select | Paper Twine / Cotton Rope / Nylon Rope / Ribbon / Plastic Handle | ★★★★★ |
| Handle Load Capacity | kg | Per handle strength rating | ★★★★☆ |
| Handle Attachment | Select | Punched & Knotted / Rivet / Glue | ★★★☆☆ |
| Printing Method | Select | Offset / Digital / Screen / Flexo | ★★★★☆ |
| Surface Finish | Multi | Matte Lamination / Glossy Lamination / UV / Foil Stamping | ★★★★☆ |
| Bottom Style | Select | Flat Bottom / Square Bottom / Gusset Bottom | ★★★☆☆ |
| Side Gusset | Yes/No | ★★★☆☆ |
6. Corrugated Box — Transport & E-Commerce Packaging
Critical for shipping protection and Amazon FBA compliance.
| Parameter | Type | Description & Standard | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flute Type | Select | A-Flute / B-Flute / C-Flute / E-Flute / F-Flute / BC-Double Wall / BE-Double Wall | ★★★★★ |
| Wall Layers | Select | Single Wall (3-Ply) / Double Wall (5-Ply) / Triple Wall (7-Ply) | ★★★★★ |
| Liner GSM | g | Standard: 120g / 140g / 170g / 200g | ★★★★★ |
| Medium GSM | g | Standard: 100g / 120g / 140g | ★★★★★ |
| Edge Crush Test (ECT) | N/m | Single Wall ≥5000 N/m, Double Wall ≥8000 N/m | ★★★★★ |
| Burst Strength | kPa | Single Wall ≥1200 kPa, Double Wall ≥2000 kPa | ★★★★★ |
| Puncture Resistance | J | Single Wall ≥8J, Double Wall ≥15J | ★★★☆☆ |
| Printing Method | Select | Flexo / Offset / Digital | ★★★☆☆ |
| Surface Treatment | Select | None / Water-Resistant Coating / Lamination | ★★★☆☆ |
| Box Style | Select | 0201 (Regular Slotted) / 03 (Telescope / Full Overlap) / 04 (Folder) | ★★★★☆ |
| Amazon FBA Compliant | Yes/No | Dimensions, weight, and labeling per FBA requirements | ★★★★☆ |
7. Specialty Packaging
Premium and niche packaging formats with unique material or functional requirements.
| Parameter | Type | Description & Standard | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Select | Wood / Leather / Metal / Acrylic / Plastic / Composite | ★★★★★ |
| Special Features | Multi | Anti-Counterfeiting / Thermochromic / Photochromic / RFID Traceability / Self-Heating / Self-Cooling | ★★★★☆ |
| Anti-Counterfeiting Tech | Text | e.g. "Microtext + Holographic Foil + QR Code Traceability" | ★★★☆☆ |
| Smart Functions | Text | e.g. "NFC Chip + Temperature Sensor" | ★★★☆☆ |
| Eco Properties | Multi | Biodegradable / Compostable / 100% Recycled Material / Plastic-Free | ★★★★☆ |
| Food Contact Safe | Yes/No | Must meet target market food contact standards | ★★★★★ |
8. Global Compliance & Certifications
Required certifications for cross-border trade — non-negotiable for most target markets.
| Certification | Region | Requirement | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSC / PEFC | Global | Forest Stewardship Council — mandatory for EU, US, Japan markets | ★★★★★ |
| EU PPWR 2026 | EU | Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation — enforced Aug 2026. | ★★★★★ |
| FDA Food Contact | US | Mandatory for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical packaging. | ★★★★★ |
| LFGB | Germany/EU | Stricter food contact standards than FDA. | ★★★★★ |
| REACH | EU | Restricts SVHC in materials, inks, and coatings. | ★★★★★ |
| RoHS 2.0 | EU | Restricts 10 hazardous substances including lead, cadmium, mercury. | ★★★★★ |
| California Prop 65 | US (CA) | Warning required for products containing listed chemicals. | ★★★★☆ |
| ISPM 15 | Global | Wood packaging must be fumigated or heat-treated for shipping. | ★★★★★ |
| How2Recycle | US | Standardized recycling label — required by Walmart, Target. | ★★★★☆ |
| OPRL | UK | On-Pack Recycling Label — mandatory for UK market. | ★★★★☆ |
| Compostability | EU/US | DIN CERTCO OK Compost / ASTM D6400. | ★★★☆☆ |
| Carbon Footprint | EU | ISO 14067 — expected mandatory for EU importers by 2028. | ★★★★☆ |
All certifications must include clear scans with certificate number, validity period, issuing body, and covered product models.
9. Customization Capabilities
Core differentiator for B2B buyers — determines supplier flexibility and partnership potential.
| Parameter | Type | Description | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEM / ODM Support | Yes/No | ★★★★★ | |
| Custom Size Support | Yes/No | ★★★★★ | |
| Custom Printing | Yes/No | Accepts customer-supplied artwork files | ★★★★★ |
| Custom Surface Finish | Yes/No | ★★★★☆ | |
| Custom Structure (New Mold) | Yes/No | ★★★☆☆ | |
| Custom Insert/Tray | Yes/No | ★★★★☆ | |
| Custom MOQ | Units | ★★★★★ | |
| Custom Lead Time | Days | ★★★★★ | |
| Sampling Service | Yes/No | Pre-production samples before mass production | ★★★★★ |
| Design Service | Yes/No | Free or paid design assistance | ★★★☆☆ |
| Neutral Packaging | Yes/No | White-box with no brand markings | ★★★★☆ |
| Amazon FBA Ready | Yes/No | Cartons and labels compliant with FBA requirements | ★★★★☆ |
| NDA Support | Yes/No | Willing to sign non-disclosure agreements | ★★★☆☆ |
10. After-Sales Service & Warranty
Post-transaction support parameters critical for buyer confidence.
| Parameter | Type | Description | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality Guarantee | Text | e.g. "Defect rate ≤1% in mass production" | ★★★★★ |
| Defect Handling | Text | e.g. "Free replacement, freight by supplier" | ★★★★★ |
| Response Time | Text | e.g. "Reply within 24h, solution within 72h" | ★★★★☆ |
| Third-Party Inspection | Yes/No | Supports SGS / ITS / BV or equivalent | ★★★★☆ |
| Factory Audit | Yes/No | Supports customer or third-party visits | ★★★☆☆ |
| Product Liability Insurance | USD | e.g. "$1,000,000 per occurrence" | ★★★☆☆ |
| Sample Retention | Yes/No | Retains production samples for ≥6 months | ★★★☆☆ |
11. Sourcing Decision Guide
Buyer best practices, red flags, and evaluation criteria.
Veto Items (One Strike)
- Missing mandatory certifications (FSC, FDA, PPWR)
- No verifiable material test reports
- Production lead time exceeds 45 days
- Refuses third-party inspection
- History of environmental compliance or IP infringement
Evaluation Scoring (Weighted)
- Certification authenticity and completeness
- Material specification accuracy (GSM, thickness, grade)
- Production capacity and lead time reliability
- Customization capability and sampling quality
- Price and MOQ
- After-sales support and service level
Common Sourcing Pitfalls
Exaggerated Board GSM
Request third-party material test reports.
Printing Color Deviation
Signed proof + sealed sample. Tolerance: E ≤ 2.0.
Surface Finish Substitution
Specify exact finish in contract.
Lead Time Overruns
Include penalty clause in contract.
Fake Certificates
Verify through issuing body's website.
Sample vs Production
Require pre-production samples.
Platform Data Entry Standards
- Use precise values only — no "approximately", "around", or "about"
- Upload clear certification scans with verifiable certificate numbers
- No superlatives: "best", "top", "first" — use quantifiable specs only
- Every update timestamped with last update date
- Random audits — fabricators immediately delisted