Board Thickness is a key technical specification in the packaging, printing, and paper products industries. It refers to the vertical measurement of single or multi-layer board under specific pressure, typically expressed in millimeters (mm) or points (pt, 1pt=0.0254mm). In foreign trade, this term is commonly used in specifications for cartons, boxes, display stands, etc., directly affecting packaging strength, cushioning performance, and cost. Usage scenarios include: quality clauses in procurement contracts, product specification sheets, document requirements in letters of credit (e.g., specifying thickness tolerance), and inspection standards. Notes: Different countries or industry standards (e.g., FEFCO, ASTM) have variations in measurement methods and tolerance ranges; contracts should specify the measuring instrument, pressure conditions, and allowable deviation (e.g., ±0.2mm); thickness is different from GSM (grams per square meter), the former being a physical dimension and the latter a mass per unit area, and they must not be confused; additionally, board thickness is affected by humidity, and transport/storage conditions may cause changes. Compared with terms like 'board GSM' and 'bursting strength,' thickness focuses more on physical dimensions rather than mechanical properties, and is often used in conjunction with 'number of layers' (e.g., 3-layer, 5-layer corrugated board). Foreign trade practitioners should ensure both buyer and seller have a consistent definition of thickness to avoid disputes caused by different measurement methods.
📝 Examples
1. All corrugated cartons under this contract shall have a board thickness of no less than 5.0mm, with an allowable tolerance of ±0.3mm, measured using a micrometer with 0.01mm precision under standard temperature and humidity conditions during inspection. (Note: Specify thickness requirements and measurement conditions in the procurement contract to avoid delivery disputes.)
2. The customer reported that the board thickness of our last batch of boxes was only 1.2mm, while their automated packaging line requires at least 1.5mm, causing jamming. Please arrange immediate re-production and bear the air freight costs. (Note: Thickness non-compliance caused production line failure, involving quality claims and emergency replenishment.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
Foreign trade terms are the foundation of international business communication
Trade practices may vary slightly by country; pay attention when using them
When using terms in contracts, specify the applicable version (e.g., Incoterms 2020)
For unfamiliar terms, use GlobalSync's multilingual email helper to confirm with your partner