Quick answer
ASEAN can makers in Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam supply food cans, aerosol cans and aluminium beverage cans plus tinplate tins. Typical MOQ is 50,000-200,000 units per size, FOB USD 0.06-0.42 per can, and lead time is 45-70 days. Freight dominates the landed cost because empty cans ship air, so nesting and pallet plans matter.
Country fit
| Country | Best for | MOQ | FOB (2-piece aerosol can) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Food cans, aerosol, decorated tinplate tins | 50,000 pcs | USD 0.19-0.42 |
| Malaysia | Aluminium beverage cans and ends | 200,000 pcs | USD 0.06-0.11 |
| Vietnam | Value food cans, general line tins | 100,000 pcs | USD 0.09-0.26 |
Specs to lock before quoting
- Material: tinplate temper and coating weight (E2.8/2.8), or aluminium alloy and wall gauge.
- Format: 2-piece vs 3-piece, diameter and height, neck-in, easy-open end or plain end.
- Lining: BPA-NI epoxy or acrylic, matched to the product pH and fill temperature.
- Decoration: offset print colours, varnish, embossing; delta-E tolerance per colour.
- Pressure rating: for aerosols, burst and deformation limits with test data.
Compliance
- EU: Regulation 1935/2004 food-contact declaration, plus lining migration test data.
- US: FDA food-contact compliance letter for the lining and side-seam.
- Aerosols: 2016/2037 style ADR/IMDG transport classification and TPED/DOT pressure requirements.
- Origin documents for ATIGA, EVFTA, UKVFTA or CPTPP duty preference.
Quality control plan
- Approve samples with measured wall thickness, seam dimensions and print colour reading.
- Seam teardown analysis on 10 cans per production shift with recorded overlap percentage.
- Aerosol pressure test batch: hot-water bath or hydraulic burst per lot.
- Pre-shipment AQL 1.5/2.5 on dents, coating scratches, pallet stability and bag liner integrity.
Landed cost example
| Line | USD / 300,000 aerosol cans |
|---|---|
| FOB at USD 0.19 | 57,000 |
| Ocean freight (5x40HQ) + insurance | 13,500 |
| Duty and destination charges | 2,800-7,000 |
| Landed cost per can | USD 0.244-0.258 |
FAQ
Why is freight such a big share?
Empty cans are mostly air. Optimise pallet height and nesting, and consider shipping ends separately.
Can I get BPA-free lining?
Yes, BPA-NI linings are standard now, but confirm compatibility with acidic or high-salt products.
Do decorated tins need tooling?
Print plates yes, and shaped tins need dies. Budget 3-5 weeks and a one-off tooling cost.
Work with TUSKO
We handle can-maker selection, lining compatibility checks, seam and pressure verification, inspection and shipping under one purchase order and one price, with our fee already built into the landed cost. Send your can drawing or product data to contact@tuskoconsulting.com or WhatsApp Business @tuskoconsulting and we reply within 12-24 hours.