Vial Seal MOQ and Lead Times
At Autofits, the minimum order quantity and lead time for a vial seal or pilfer-proof cap are set per size, colour, design and delivery form, and both are stated with the quotation. The minimum is counted per size and colour, not per order. A custom colour, print or emboss adds an artwork approval step, and Ready-to-Use supply adds sterilisation and release. What the specification does fix is the pack: FlipTop and all-aluminium seals ship in a 420 × 270 × 320 mm box of 15,000 at 13 mm, 6,000 at 20 mm, 3,000 at 28 mm and 1,400 at 32 mm.
Key takeaways
- The minimum order is counted per size and colour, and confirmed with the quotation.
- Custom colour, print or emboss adds artwork approval to the lead time.
- Ready-to-Use supply adds sterilisation and release to the lead time.
- Lead time is counted from order confirmation.
- Standard samples are available for a capping trial before the first order.
- Pack per box: 15,000 at 13 mm, 6,000 at 20 mm, 3,000 at 28 mm, 1,400 at 32 mm.
How the minimum order is counted
The minimum order applies per size and colour, not per order, and is confirmed with the quotation for each combination.
Two orders of 50,000 in two different colours are two separate MOQs, even when the size and design are the same. The same rule applies across sizes: a 13 mm and a 20 mm seal in one colour are counted separately. Colour options and how a shade is matched are set out on the seal colour chart.
Pack quantities per box
| Size | Seals per box | Bags |
|---|---|---|
| 13 mm | 15,000 | 3 bags of 5,000 |
| 20 mm | 6,000 | |
| 28 mm | 3,000 | 2 bags of 1,500 |
| 32 mm | 1,400 | 2 bags of 700 |
| 34 mm | Confirmed with the quotation |
Box 420 × 270 × 320 mm, Tyvek bagging available.
ROPP caps are packed in cartons of typically about 12,000 at 22 mm down to about 4,000 at 38 mm, so a 50,000-piece order of 28 mm caps is typically around seven cartons of 7,500. Box sizes and bag configuration are on the packaging and shipping specs page.
What sets the lead time
Lead time is counted from order confirmation, and the two things that lengthen it are custom artwork and sterilisation. Transit to your site is additional and depends on destination and shipping mode.
| Order type | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Standard design, Regular supply | The base lead time, stated with the quotation |
| Standard design, Ready-to-Use | Sterilisation and release |
| Custom colour, print or emboss | Artwork or colour approval |
| Samples | Dispatch date confirmed on request |
Ready-to-Use seals are assembled in an ISO Class 8 cleanroom and sterilised by gamma irradiation or ETO; the validation behind those cycles is described under sterilisation validation.
What moves a lead time
On a first order, several of the steps that move a lead time are decisions on the buyer’s side.
- Artwork approval. Custom print or colour starts only once the artwork or colour reference is signed off, so the custom lead time includes the time an approval takes on your side.
- Drawing sign-off. A first order against a new vial or stopper needs the seal drawing agreed before production is scheduled.
- Delivery form. Changing from Regular to Ready-to-Use after confirmation adds the sterilisation step.
- Documentation for qualification. Certificate copies and material declarations requested alongside a first order should be listed at enquiry so they travel with the quotation.
- Forecast. Repeat orders against a shared annual forecast are easier to schedule than unplanned call-offs.
Standard versus custom at a glance
| Standard design | Custom colour, print or emboss | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical MOQ | From 50,000 per size and colour | From 100,000 pieces |
| Lead time, Regular | 2 to 3 weeks | Confirmed with the quotation |
| Artwork approval | Not needed | Needed before production |
| Samples before order | Standard samples | Standard samples; custom samples confirmed on enquiry |
| Where to start | FlipTop Optima or pilfer-proof caps | Custom seals |
What to send for an MOQ and lead time quote
Name the part and the quantities, and state when you need the seals at your site.
- Product line, design, size and colour
- Quantity per size and colour for the first order, and annual volume
- Delivery form: Regular, Ready-to-Sterilize, or Ready-to-Use by gamma or ETO
- Artwork or colour reference, if custom
- Required date at site and destination country
- Documents needed with the first order
Contact Autofits with the list above. If you have not evaluated the seal yet, start with a sample request; for a custom part, the custom seal quote request lists the full specification. More ordering questions are answered in the ordering FAQs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order quantity for vial seals?
The minimum order quantity is set per size and colour and stated with the quotation for the specific part. A custom colour, print or emboss can change it.
Is the MOQ per order or per size and colour?
It is per size and colour. An order for two colours of the same 20 mm seal counts as two quantities, each with its own minimum, and the same applies to two sizes in one colour.
How long does it take to receive vial seals?
The lead time is stated with the quotation and counted from order confirmation. Custom colour or print adds artwork approval, and Ready-to-Use supply adds sterilisation and release. Transit time to your site is additional.
Can I get samples before placing an order at MOQ?
Yes. Samples of standard designs are supplied for dimensional checks and a capping trial before committing to a production quantity; quantity and dispatch are confirmed on request.
Do ROPP caps have the same MOQ as vial seals?
The minimum for pilfer-proof caps is also counted per size and colour and confirmed with the quotation. ROPP caps are packed in cartons of typically 4,000 to 12,000 depending on size, and the quantity for your liner and finish is confirmed with the quotation.
Related reading
- Packaging and shipping specifications
- Sample request: what to specify
- Custom seal quote request
- Custom seals
- Ordering FAQs
Sources
- Autofits company brochure: production capacity and in-house design (https://autofits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Autofits-Brochure.pdf)
- Autofits FlipTop Seals dossier: standard packing per box and delivery forms
- ISO: ISO 11137-1, Sterilization of health care products, Radiation (https://www.iso.org/standard/81721.html)
*Last updated: 2026-09-15. Minimum order quantities, lead times and sample quantities are stated with the quotation. Pack quantities per box are from the Autofits FlipTop Seals dossier.*
