China Implements New National Standard to Reduce Excessive Packaging in Express Deliveries
China has introduced its first mandatory national standard aimed at curbing excessive packaging in the express delivery sector, marking a significant step toward reducing waste and improving logistics efficiency. The new regulation, titled Requirements for Restricting Excessive Packaging in Express Delivery, officially came into effect on July 1.
The standard establishes clear requirements for express delivery packaging, including limits on box size, packaging layers, and sealing tape usage. Applicable to both traditional courier services and e-commerce parcels, the regulation is designed to promote more efficient and sustainable packaging practices across the logistics industry.
Under the new rules, non-fragile products are restricted to a maximum of two packaging layers, while fragile items may use no more than four layers. The standard also requires packaging to be appropriately sized for the products being shipped, helping reduce unnecessary material consumption and optimize transportation efficiency.
Industry operators say excessive packaging has long created challenges throughout the delivery chain. Mu Yan, who manages a community parcel pickup hub in Shenzhen, noted that oversized packaging often occupies excessive shelf space, limiting storage capacity and disrupting parcel organization within pickup stations.
In addition to restricting packaging layers, the regulation introduces measures to reduce the use of sealing tape and encourages the adoption of more environmentally friendly alternatives. An upper limit has also been established for tape width used in express delivery operations.
Logistics professionals believe the changes could improve operational efficiency. According to parcel station manager Kafan Chen in Fujian Province, excessive tape can interfere with barcode scanning, slowing down parcel processing and handling. Thick layers of tape may cover shipping labels or QR codes, requiring additional manual work before packages can be processed.
The standard further discourages the use of oversized boxes for small products by requiring packaging materials to remain proportionate to the weight and volume of the packaged goods. The goal is to minimize packaging waste while maintaining adequate product protection during transit.
The regulation also addresses growing concerns about packaging waste generated at parcel pickup stations. Operators report that large volumes of cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and plastic packaging are frequently discarded immediately after customers collect and open their deliveries. While some materials can be reused, managing excess packaging continues to create additional workload and disposal challenges for pickup stations.
The implementation of the new standard builds on broader sustainability efforts within China’s logistics sector. According to the State Post Bureau, the country’s express delivery industry has made steady progress in reducing packaging waste and lowering carbon emissions since updated express delivery regulations were introduced a year ago.
By promoting right-sized packaging, reducing unnecessary materials, and encouraging environmentally responsible practices, China’s latest packaging standard aims to support a more efficient and sustainable express delivery ecosystem.
