Many importers only focus on total lead-time number. When shipment delays happen, they cannot tell which step caused the hold-up. For rigid boxes and matching paper bags, total turnaround covers far more than just machine production time.
Full timeline breakdown for custom packaging:
1. Artwork confirmation & technical review: 2-5 working days Checking dimension, finishing, compliance marks, correcting design errors. Incomplete or frequently-changed artwork is the top reason for delayed start.
2. Material procurement: 3-10 working days Standard stock materials take short lead-time. FSC-certified paper, PFAS-free special film, imported coated kraft liner require purchasing time. Special material shortage will pause whole project.
3. Pre-production sample making: 5-12 working days 1:1 physical sample production, shipping sample for client approval. International sample delivery adds extra days.
4. Mass production: 7-15 working days Printing, lamination, hot stamping, die-cutting, box assembling, bag making. Complex rigid boxes consume more manual working hours.
5. In-process QC, final inspection & export carton packing: 2-4 working days
Important practical tips:
-Frequent artwork revision will reset your timeline. Lock design as early as possible.
- Special compliant materials for EU market often have longer procurement cycles. Do not leave material preparation to last minute.
- Sample international shipping cannot be ignored; book sample sending ahead.
- Urgent orders can compress partial steps, but material lead-time is very hard to shorten.
We provide transparent timeline planning for rigid boxes and paper bags. Tell us your target ship-out date, we will map out detailed working schedule.