How to Read Plastic Crate and Bin Codes: ICD Size Lookup Tables

Industrial plastic crates and bins in Vietnam use several different code systems: the tac system (2T2, 2T5, 3T1), the EU module system (EU 600-400), and each manufacturer’s own letter-number codes (A2, B8, HP4B, HS014). The same crate can carry four or five different names across four or five suppliers. This guide explains how to read each system and gives cross-reference tables by real size in mm, so you can match the equivalent ICD line, with load ratings and reference prices for June 2026.

The fastest way to read plastic crate codes

The core principle: the real size in mm is the only accurate lookup key. Every code system is just shorthand for a dimension or an internal sequence number. When cross-referencing between suppliers, convert every code back to length x width x height in mm, then compare.

There are four common code systems on the market:

1. The tac system (consumer trade, common in southern markets and distributors)

One “tac” = 10 cm = 100 mm. A code of the form nTm describes the crate height in tac. For example, 2T2 means 2.2 tac tall = 22 cm = 220 mm; 2T5 = 25 cm tall; 3T1 = 31 cm tall; 1T5 = 15 cm tall. The length x width is usually fixed by the crate line (common bases are 610 x 420 mm or 600 x 400 mm), so sellers only quote the height to tell models apart.

2. The EU system (European module standard)

Written as EU base-height or EU plus a number group. The standard module bases are 600 x 400 mm and 400 x 300 mm (both divide evenly into the 1200 x 800 mm pallet face). For example, EU 600-280 = 600 x 400 mm base, 280 mm tall; EU 4322 = 400 x 300 mm base, 230 mm tall; EU 400-147 = 400 x 300 mm base, 147 mm tall. This is the best standardized system for warehouses that use pallets.

3. Manufacturer letter-number codes (A, B, HP, KPT, No.)

Each factory assigns its own code range: A2-A8, B1-B9, HP3A-HP5E, KPT01, No.213-No.853. These codes have no shared size logic across brands, so a table lookup is mandatory. There is also a “V” system (10V, 19V, 31V, where the number is the height in cm) and a three-digit “No.” system (No.213, No.853 are catalogue sequence numbers, with no size implied). One brand’s A8 is not the same as another brand’s A8. This is where ordering mistakes happen most often.

4. The HS system (vented crates, open baskets)

Written as HS plus a number (HS014, HS018, HS0199, HS022). Usually used for the vented crate and ventilated basket lines. A larger number does not mean a larger size, so you still have to look up the real mm dimensions.

ICD plastic crate lookup table by size (mm)

Use this table when you have a size to buy or a code from another supplier: look up the size column (mm) to find the equivalent ICD line, with load and price. All load figures below are measured specifications of ICD crates.

The EU line is the most standardized: it fits flush on 1200 x 800 mm and 1100 x 1100 mm pallets. If another supplier quotes “600×400 height 28” or “2T8 large base”, that is EU 600-280.

Solid-wall crates: HP and B-series lookup

When a partner quotes “solid crate 55 x 40 height 26” or “large textile box”, that converts to 555 x 405 x 260 mm - the equivalent of ICD’s HP4B.

Vented crates and baskets: HS-series lookup

The vented crate with a 610 x 420 mm base is the most common size; a tac code of “2T5” (25 cm tall) on this base line is the equivalent of HS014.

Logistics trays and electronic component trays

The 478 x 378 mm base is the standard Samsung/LG supplier tray (often called the “KS tray”). Trays for electronics need anti-static ESD properties - contact ICD to select the right resistance class per ANSI/ESD S20.20.

Quick conversion formulas between code systems

Remember these three rules and you can read almost any code on the market:

Rule 1: tac to mm

Multiply the number of tac by 100. 2T2 = 2.2 x 100 = 220 mm height. 3T1 = 310 mm. Ask the seller for the base separately, because the tac system only encodes height.

Rule 2: EU code to size

The first number group is the base by standard module (600-400 or 400-300), the second group is the height in mm. EU 600-280 = 600 x 400 base, 280 mm tall.

Rule 3: letter-number codes (A, B, HP, HS) require a table

Do not infer size from the number. A2 is not twice the size of A1, and HP4B is not related to HP4A by any ratio. Always cross-reference each supplier’s lookup table. This is why ICD publishes the mm size for every code, so customers can compare immediately.

Why look up by size instead of by code

Three common risks when ordering by code alone:

Mixing up codes between two suppliers

Codes like A8, B5, HS01 repeat across many brands with different sizes. Ordering by code without the mm can land you the wrong size crate that will not fit the pallet or nest into your existing racking.

Overlooking content load and stacking load

Most competitor price lists only state the size, not the content load (kg) and stacking load (kg). These two figures decide whether a crate collapses when stacked high in storage. ICD states both (see the EU table above) so you can calculate a safe number of stacked tiers.

Forgetting to check nesting and pallet fit

A crate with a 600 x 400 mm base fits 4 crates per layer on a 1200 x 800 mm pallet with no waste. An odd base (for example 615 x 382 mm) overhangs the edge, reduces crates per pallet, and raises shipping costs. Always check the crate base against the pallet face you use.

Tac system lookup on the common crate base

The tac system is tied mostly to the 610 x 420 mm base crate line and only encodes height. The table below quickly converts tac codes to real height for cross-reference.

Note: some tac codes are tied to odd bases. For example, 2T2 at many brands is 510 x 430 x 220 mm (does not fit the standard pallet), not the 610 x 420 base. Always ask for all three dimensions when ordering by tac code.

How solid-wall and vented crates differ

These two lines are often confused when ordering by code. Use the table below to choose correctly.

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Frequently asked questions about crate and bin codes

1. What do codes 2T2 and 2T5 mean?

They belong to the tac system, which encodes crate height. 2T2 = 2.2 tac tall = 22 cm = 220 mm; 2T5 = 25 cm tall. The base is usually fixed by the crate line (commonly 610 x 420 mm), so ask the seller for all three dimensions.

2. Is one brand’s A8 the same as another brand’s A8?

No. Letter-number codes (A, B, HP) are internal to each manufacturer and follow no shared standard. Two A8 codes from different brands can differ by tens of centimetres. Always request the mm size alongside the code when ordering.

3. How do I find the equivalent ICD line for the crate I currently use?

Measure the real length x width x height (mm) of your current crate, then look up the size column in the tables above. A tolerance of 5-10 mm is acceptable due to mould tolerances. If unsure, send a photo and measurements to ICD for cross-referencing.

4. How do EU codes differ from ordinary codes?

EU codes follow the European module standard, with a base that is always a multiple of 600 x 400 mm or 400 x 300 mm to fit pallets flush. Ordinary codes (A, B, HP, HS) are the manufacturer’s free dimensions and may not match the pallet module. Warehouses using pallets should favour the EU line.

5. How does stacking load differ from content load?

Content load is the weight of goods held inside one crate. Stacking load is the maximum weight of crates above pressing down on the crate below when stacked. For example, EU 600-280 holds 55 kg but withstands a stacking load up to 280 kg. Safe tiers = stacking load divided by (content load + empty weight) of each crate above.

6. What base size fits a pallet correctly?

A 600 x 400 mm base fits 4 crates per layer on a 1200 x 800 mm pallet; a 400 x 300 mm base fits 8 crates per layer. Non-standard odd bases overhang the edge and reduce shipping efficiency.

7. What do codes 3T9 and 5T4 on crates mean?

They are still the tac system by height: 3T9 is 39 cm tall, 5T4 is 54 cm tall, usually on the 610 x 420 mm base crate line. The number before T is the whole tac, the number after is the fractional part in tac.

Contact for code lookup and crate quotes from ICD