China’s First Mandatory Standard Targets Express Packaging

China is taking a major step toward curbing the mountains of packaging waste generated by its express delivery industry. Starting July 1, the country’s first mandatory national standard targeting excessive packaging — GB 45186-2024 “Requirements for Restricting Excessive Packaging in Express Delivery” — officially takes effect, setting concrete limits on packaging layers, box sizing, and tape usage for the nation’s billions of annual parcels.

The Scale of the Problem

China’s express delivery industry has entered the “hundreds of billions of parcels” era, processing over 300 million parcels daily. This staggering volume has made packaging waste a significant environmental concern, with consumers frequently complaining about parcels wrapped in layer upon layer of materials — what many describe as having to “peel an onion” to reach their purchases.

According to CCTV News, the new standard was jointly issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation and the Standardization Administration of China on December 31, 2024, and provides a clear regulatory framework after years of voluntary guidelines.

What the Standard Requires

GB 45186-2024 establishes specific, measurable limits that make enforcement practical for the first time:

• Packaging layers: Non-fragile items must use no more than 2 layers of packaging; fragile and breakable items are limited to 4 layers
• Tape usage: For boxes with combined dimensions (length + width + height) of 700mm or less, tape length must not exceed three times the box’s total dimensions
• Box fit: Packaging must be appropriately sized for contents, eliminating the common practice of placing small items in oversized boxes filled with cushioning material

Legal Teeth Behind the Rules

The standard does not stand alone. As reported by the State Council, the revised Interim Regulation on Express Delivery — which took effect in June 2025 under State Council Order No. 806 — added a dedicated “Express Packaging” chapter with nine articles covering compliance requirements, recycling systems, and penalties. Non-compliance can result in fines under the Standardization Law and the Solid Waste Pollution Prevention and Control Law, with specific penalties of 5,000 to 20,000 yuan for failing to implement proper packaging procedures.

Industry Already Adapting

While the standard takes effect July 1, the industry has been preparing for months. State Post Bureau spokesperson Lin Hu reported that the industry-wide packaging standardization rate has already reached 86%, with the promotion of narrow tape under 45mm, three-layer corrugated boxes, and intelligent packing algorithms saving up to 30% in packaging materials.

Across the country, express stations and logistics parks have been implementing changes. In Nanchang, Jiangxi, station manager Zhang Yanfei noted that stronger adhesive tape has eliminated the need for multiple wraps, while in Huai’an, Jiangsu, manager He Jijun reported that following the new standard saves half the materials previously used for fragile items.

In Shangqiu, Henan, sorter Li Jingjing observed that standardized training has reduced per-parcel packaging material consumption by nearly 30% while improving packing speed. In Wuhu, Anhui, an AI-powered box-matching system now automatically recommends the optimal box size based on product dimensions, saving an average of 15% on cardboard, according to courier Zhang Zhang.

Broader Environmental Context

This regulation is part of China’s broader push toward ecological civilization and green development. According to China Youth Daily, during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the industry achieved an 86% packaging standardization rate, reduced tape width by 25%, and recycled over 800 million boxes annually. The “bamboo instead of plastic” initiative is also being promoted as an alternative packaging material.

Challenges Ahead

Despite significant progress, challenges remain. The cost of green packaging technology — particularly biodegradable materials — is still higher than conventional alternatives. Recycling infrastructure is not yet fully comprehensive, and smaller courier companies may face compliance cost pressures. Additionally, some consumers may worry about product damage with reduced packaging, requiring ongoing public education.

What to Watch

As the standard takes effect, attention will focus on enforcement across China’s vast and fragmented express delivery network. The State Post Bureau has indicated it will continue promoting green packaging innovation and cost reduction, while encouraging manufacturers to develop new alternatives to traditional packaging materials. For China’s hundreds of millions of online shoppers, the change means one thing: no more peeling through layers of packaging to reach what they ordered.