How to Read Corrugated Plastic Crate Codes: ICD Size Reference Table

The Vietnamese industrial plastic crate and corrugated plastic crate market uses several different code systems: the tac system (2T2, 2T5, 3T1), the EU module system based on European standards (EU 600-400), and alphanumeric codes from individual manufacturers (A2, B8, HP4B, HS014). The same crate can carry four or five different names across four or five suppliers. This guide decodes how to read each system and provides a cross-reference table by actual dimensions in mm so you can find the correct equivalent ICD crate, with load ratings and reference prices as of June 2026.

How to read plastic crate codes - the fastest method

The core principle: actual dimensions in mm are the only reliable lookup key. Every code system is just an abbreviation of dimensions or an internal serial number. When comparing across suppliers, convert every code to length x width x height (mm) first, then compare.

There are four common code systems on the market:

1. Tac system (traditional, common at hardware markets and southern distributors)

One “tac” = 10 cm = 100 mm. The code format nTm describes the crate height in tac units. 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 of the base is usually fixed per product line (common base sizes are 610 x 420 mm or 600 x 400 mm), so sellers only state the height to differentiate models.

2. EU system (European module standard)

Format: EU length-height or EU plus a number cluster. The standard module base is 600 x 400 mm and 400 x 300 mm (which divide evenly into a 1200 x 800 mm pallet footprint). Examples: EU 600-280 = base 600 x 400 mm, height 280 mm; EU 4322 = base 400 x 300 mm, height 230 mm; EU 400-147 = base 400 x 300 mm, height 147 mm. This is the best-standardised system for pallet-based warehouses.

3. Manufacturer alphanumeric codes (A, B, HP, KPT, No. series)

Each factory uses its own code range: A2-A8, B1-B9, HP3A-HP5E, KPT01, No.213-No.853. These codes share no common dimensional logic across manufacturers - a table lookup is mandatory. There is also the “V” system (10V, 19V, 31V… the number is height in cm) and the “No.” three-digit system (No.213, No.853 are catalog serial numbers with no deducible dimensions). A8 from one manufacturer differs from A8 from another. This is the most common source of ordering errors.

4. HS system (open-side corrugated crates and baskets)

Format: HS plus a number (HS014, HS018, HS0199, HS022). Typically used for open-sided crates and ventilated baskets. A higher number does not mean a larger crate - always verify actual mm dimensions.

ICD crate lookup table by actual dimensions (mm)

Use this table when you have the dimensions you need, or a code from another supplier: find the matching dimension in the mm column to identify the equivalent ICD model, with load ratings and pricing. All load figures below are measured specifications for ICD crates.

The EU range is the most standardised: crates fit flush on both 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 HP and B-series crate lookup

When a supplier quotes “solid crate 55 x 40 height 26” or “large garment box”, converting to mm gives 555 x 405 x 260 mm - equivalent to HP4B from ICD.

Open-wall HS-series corrugated crate lookup

Open-wall crates with a 610 x 420 mm base are the most common size. The tac code “2T5” (25 cm height) on this base corresponds to HS014.

Logistics trays and electronics component trays

The 478 x 378 mm base is the standard Samsung/LG supplier tray size (often called “KS tray”). Electronics trays may require ESD anti-static properties - contact ICD to select the resistance class compliant with ANSI/ESD S20.20.

Quick conversion formulas between code systems

Remember these three rules and you can decode most codes on the market:

Rule 1: tac to mm.

Multiply the tac number by 100. 2T2 = 2.2 x 100 = 220 mm height. 3T1 = 310 mm. The base dimensions are not encoded - ask the seller for the full three dimensions when ordering by tac code.

Rule 2: EU code to dimensions.

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

Rule 3: alphanumeric codes (A, B, HP, HS) require a table lookup.

Do not attempt to deduce dimensions from the number alone. A2 is not half the size of A4; HP4B dimensions bear no proportional relationship to HP4A. Always cross-reference the supplier’s own dimension table. This is why ICD publishes mm dimensions for every code - so customers can compare immediately.

Why you should look up by dimension, not by code

Three common risks when ordering by code alone:

Confusing the same code from two different suppliers.

Codes like A8, B5, and HS01 are repeated across multiple manufacturers with different dimensions. Ordering by code without specifying mm can result in receiving the wrong size, one that does not fit on the pallet or cannot be slotted into existing racking.

Missing load capacity and stack load ratings.

Most competitor price lists state dimensions only, without load capacity (kg) or stack load (kg). These two figures determine whether the crate will fail when stacked multiple levels high in the warehouse. ICD lists both clearly (see the EU table above) so you can calculate the safe number of stacking levels.

Forgetting to check nesting compatibility and pallet fit.

A crate with a 600 x 400 mm base fits exactly 4 crates per layer on a 1200 x 800 mm pallet with no overhang. A crate with a non-standard base (for example 615 x 382 mm) will overhang the edges, reducing the number of crates per pallet and increasing transport costs. Always match the crate base against the pallet footprint in use.

Tac code lookup table for the most common corrugated base size

The tac system is used mainly with open-wall crates on a 610 x 420 mm base and encodes only the height. The table below converts common tac codes to actual height for quick comparison.

Note: some tac codes are linked to non-standard bases. For example, 2T2 from many suppliers means 510 x 430 x 220 mm (which does not fit a standard pallet), not the 610 x 420 base. Always ask for all three dimensions when ordering by tac code.

Solid-wall versus open-wall corrugated crates: key differences

These two types are frequently confused when ordering by code. Use the table below to select the correct type for your application.

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