Quick Answer
FEA15 and FEA18 refer to the inner diameter of a perfume bottle neck, measured in millimeters. FEA15 (15 mm) is the standard for most small and medium fragrance bottles - typically 10 ml to 50 ml. FEA18 (18 mm) is used for larger bottles, usually 75 ml and above. The number determines which spray pumps, overcaps, and crimping tools will fit your bottle. Using the wrong size pump on a bottle will result in leaks, a poor seal, or no spray function at all. When ordering bottles and pumps separately, you must confirm that both share the same FEA neck size before placing any order.
What Does FEA Actually Mean?
FEA stands for "Flacon Embout Atome" - a French industry term from the fragrance packaging trade that translates loosely to "atomizer bottle fitting." It is an international standard used by perfume bottle manufacturers to define the outer diameter of a bottle neck and the collar dimensions of spray pumps designed to fit that neck.
The FEA system was developed to create interoperability between bottles made by different glass manufacturers and pumps made by different pump suppliers. In theory, any FEA15 pump from any manufacturer should fit any FEA15 bottle from any manufacturer. In practice, there is some variation in tolerances, which is why confirming compatibility with your specific supplier remains important.
The FEA standard is maintained by the European fragrance packaging industry and has become the global benchmark for fine fragrance bottles. You will see FEA references in product listings from bottle suppliers, pump manufacturers, and crimping tool vendors worldwide.
The Four Standard Neck Sizes: FEA12, FEA15, FEA18, and FEA20
There are four FEA sizes in common use across the fragrance industry. Each is suited to a different bottle volume range and use case.
FEA12 - 12 mm
FEA12 is the smallest standard neck size. It is used primarily on miniature bottles - typically 1 ml to 5 ml - and travel atomizers. You will find it on sample vials and small purse sprays. It is rarely used for commercial launch bottles because the small neck diameter limits pump flow rate and makes filling more difficult.
FEA15 - 15 mm
FEA15 is the most widely used size in the fine fragrance industry. The majority of perfume bottles from 10 ml to 50 ml use an FEA15 neck. Most crimp pumps sold for fragrance use are designed for FEA15. If you are launching a 30 ml or 50 ml perfume, you are almost certainly working with FEA15 bottles and will need FEA15-compatible pumps, overcaps, and a 15 mm crimping tool.
FEA18 - 18 mm
FEA18 is the standard for larger fragrance bottles - typically 75 ml, 100 ml, and 125 ml. Bottles at this size need a wider neck to accommodate higher pump output volumes and to maintain structural proportions. FEA18 pumps are slightly larger and deliver a higher dose per spray, which suits eau de parfum and eau de toilette formats at full size.
FEA20 - 20 mm
FEA20 appears on the largest fragrance bottles - 150 ml and above - and on body mist and hair mist bottles. This size is less common in fine fragrance but is used in mass-market and personal care applications. Most indie fragrance brands launching their first line will not need FEA20.
| FEA Size | Neck Diameter | Typical Bottle Volume | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| FEA12 | 12 mm | 1 ml - 5 ml | Miniatures, travel atomizers, sample vials |
| FEA15 | 15 mm | 10 ml - 50 ml | Standard fine fragrance bottles |
| FEA18 | 18 mm | 75 ml - 125 ml | Full-size fragrance bottles |
| FEA20 | 20 mm | 150 ml and above | Large bottles, body mists, hair mists |
FEA15 vs FEA18: The Core Difference
For most indie fragrance brands, the decision comes down to FEA15 and FEA18. Here is a practical breakdown of how they differ in ways that affect your production decisions.
Physical Dimensions
The 3 mm difference in neck diameter might sound minor, but it has a measurable impact on bottle proportions. An FEA18 neck looks visually wider relative to the bottle body. On a tall, narrow bottle this can look slightly off. Most glass manufacturers design their larger bottles with proportions that suit the wider neck, so this is rarely a problem when you buy bottles and pumps from the same collection - but it matters if you try to mix a bottle from one range with a pump from another size category.
Pump Output Volume
FEA15 pumps typically dispense between 0.065 ml and 0.10 ml per spray actuation. FEA18 pumps typically dispense between 0.10 ml and 0.15 ml. If you are formulating at a higher concentration - eau de parfum at 20% to 30% - a lower dose per spray is usually appropriate. For lighter eau de toilette or body spray formats, a higher output is more practical. Most indie brands launching a concentrated eau de parfum in a 30 ml bottle are well-suited to FEA15 pump outputs.
Crimping Tool Requirements
Crimp pumps require a crimping tool to seal the pump collar permanently onto the bottle neck. FEA15 and FEA18 require different crimping tools because the collar diameters are different. This means that if you launch with FEA15 bottles and later expand into FEA18 bottles, you will need to purchase or rent a second crimping tool. Planning your bottle size strategy early can save you this cost.
Overcap and Collar Fit
The overcap - the decorative outer cap that sits over the pump - is sized to match the FEA standard and the pump collar width. An FEA15 overcap will not sit correctly on an FEA18 pump. This matters when you are sourcing decorative caps separately from the pump, which some brands do when building a customized look. Always confirm that your overcap supplier is sizing caps to match your pump's FEA collar dimension.
How to Identify the Neck Size of a Bottle
When you receive a product listing or catalog from a bottle supplier, the FEA size is usually stated in the product specifications. Look for references like "FEA15," "15 mm neck," or "neck diameter: 15 mm." If you are measuring a physical bottle, you need to measure the outer diameter of the neck opening - the widest point of the rim at the top of the bottle where the pump collar will sit.
Use a digital caliper for accurate measurement. A 15 mm measurement indicates FEA15. An 18 mm measurement indicates FEA18. If your measurement falls between sizes or does not match a standard FEA dimension, the bottle may use a non-standard neck - which is common in some Chinese-manufactured bottles sold through general trade platforms. Non-standard necks require sourcing pumps from the same supplier to guarantee fit.
When ordering from Packamor's perfume bottle collection, the FEA neck size is listed in the product specifications for every bottle. You can cross-reference this with the compatible pump specifications to confirm your order before placing it.
Pumps, Collars, and Spray Heads: What Has to Match
A spray pump assembly for a crimp-neck perfume bottle consists of three parts that work together: the pump mechanism, the collar that crimps onto the bottle neck, and the spray head or actuator. All three must be sized to the same FEA standard.
The Pump Collar
The collar is the metal ring that is crimped down around the bottle neck to create a permanent seal. On an FEA15 bottle, the collar inner diameter is sized to grip the 15 mm neck. On an FEA18 bottle, the collar is sized for 18 mm. A collar that is too small will not go over the neck. A collar that is too large will not crimp down to a tight seal and may leak or fall off.
The Dip Tube
The dip tube is the narrow plastic tube that extends from the pump down into the bottle to draw liquid up from the bottom. The length of the dip tube must match the internal height of your bottle. Most pump suppliers offer standard dip tube lengths, and some allow custom cut lengths for specific bottle heights. When you order a pump, always check that the dip tube length is appropriate for your bottle - a tube that is too short will not reach the liquid when the bottle is close to empty, and a tube that is too long will kink against the bottom of the bottle.
The Spray Head
The spray head - also called the actuator - controls the spray pattern and the feel of the spray. Fine mist actuators produce a soft, diffused spray suited to fine fragrance. Wider-bore actuators produce a heavier, wetter spray. The spray head is fitted to the pump shaft and is generally interchangeable within the same pump family, but must come from the same pump series to fit correctly.
Crimp Neck vs Screw Neck: A Related Decision
Beyond the FEA size, the second major neck specification is whether your bottle uses a crimp neck or a screw neck. This determines how the pump is attached to the bottle.
Crimp Neck Bottles
Crimp neck bottles are the industry standard for fine fragrance. The pump is fitted with a metal collar that is crimped - mechanically compressed - around the bottle neck using a crimping tool. The seal is permanent once crimped. This is the professional finish used by all major fragrance houses. Crimp necks are specified by FEA size and require a matching crimping tool for production.
For indie brands producing in small batches, a manual bench crimper is a practical investment. A good manual crimper handles one bottle at a time and is sufficient for runs up to a few hundred bottles per session. Pneumatic and automated crimpers are available for higher volumes. The crimper you purchase must be specified for your FEA size - a 15 mm crimper will not correctly seal an 18 mm collar.
Screw Neck Bottles
Screw neck bottles use a threaded neck where the pump collar screws on like a bottle cap. These are common in cosmetics and body care but are less standard in fine fragrance. The advantage is that no crimping tool is needed, which lowers the equipment cost for very small batches. The disadvantage is that the screw seal is considered less premium in feel and appearance, and it can unscrew during shipping if not secured properly. Screw neck pumps use GPI or GL thread standards rather than the FEA designation.
If you are building a fine fragrance brand and want to match the feel of established perfume houses, crimp neck with FEA pumps is the right choice. If you are producing a body spray or home fragrance mist and want simpler production, screw neck may be appropriate.
How to Order Correctly the First Time
Mismatched bottles and pumps are one of the most avoidable sourcing errors in perfume production. Following a structured ordering process eliminates most of the risk.
Step 1: Choose Your Bottle First
Select the bottle you want - shape, volume, and glass weight - and confirm its FEA neck size from the supplier's product specifications before placing the order. Do not assume the neck size from the bottle volume alone; some 100 ml bottles use FEA15 and some 50 ml bottles use FEA18 depending on the manufacturer's design.
Step 2: Source Pumps That Match the FEA Size
Once you have your bottle's FEA neck size confirmed, source a pump that explicitly states it is compatible with that FEA standard. Confirm also that the pump collar is designed for a crimp application if you are using a crimp neck bottle.
Step 3: Check the Dip Tube Length
Ask your pump supplier for the standard dip tube length and compare it against the internal height of your bottle. Most standard dip tube lengths are 55 mm, 75 mm, or 100 mm. If none of these match your bottle height closely, ask whether custom cut lengths are available.
Step 4: Order a Small Test Quantity First
Before committing to a large production run, order a small test quantity of both bottles and pumps - even 10 to 20 units - and perform a physical fit test. Crimp one pump onto one bottle, fill with water, spray, and check for leaks and spray quality. This test costs very little and can prevent a costly mismatched bulk order.
Step 5: Confirm Crimper Compatibility
If you are purchasing or renting a crimping tool, confirm that it is rated for your FEA neck size. Most bench crimpers list the compatible FEA size in their specifications. A crimper designed for FEA15 will not produce a reliable seal on FEA18 collars.
Packamor supplies perfume bottles with clearly listed neck specifications, and our team can advise on compatible pump options when you contact us directly. We also carry a range of custom perfume labels designed to fit standard bottle shapes from our collection.
Common Mistakes When Mixing Bottles and Pumps
Ordering Bottles and Pumps from Different Suppliers Without Confirming FEA Size
This is the most frequent mistake. A brand orders bottles from one supplier and pumps from another without checking that both reference the same FEA size. The result is a batch of components that do not fit together and cannot be used. Always confirm the FEA size in writing with both suppliers before ordering.
Assuming Volume Determines Neck Size
Some brands assume that small bottles always use FEA15 and large bottles always use FEA18. This is generally true but not always. Some 75 ml bottles are manufactured with FEA15 necks. Some decorative 30 ml bottles are designed with wider necks. Always read the specification, not the volume.
Buying a Crimper Without Specifying FEA Size
Generic bench crimpers sold through general suppliers are sometimes labeled simply as "perfume bottle crimper" without specifying the FEA size. Purchasing one of these without confirming it matches your bottle neck size often results in a crimper that is too large or too small to produce a proper seal. Specify the FEA size when purchasing any crimping tool.
Ignoring Dip Tube Length
A pump with a dip tube that is too short will fail to draw liquid from a nearly empty bottle, leaving usable product behind. A tube that is too long will bend or kink at the base of the bottle and restrict flow or create spraying inconsistency. Match dip tube length to internal bottle height.
Mixing Components Across Product Lines Without Re-Testing
When a brand switches bottle styles between fragrance launches - for example, moving from a round bottle to a rectangular bottle of the same nominal volume - the neck size may have changed even if both bottles are described as 50 ml. Always re-confirm FEA size and re-test fit when switching to a new bottle style, even within the same volume category.
Quick Reference Checklist
- Confirm the FEA neck size of your chosen bottle in the supplier's written specification
- Source crimp pumps that explicitly state compatibility with the same FEA size
- Confirm the pump collar is for crimp application, not screw application, if using a crimp neck bottle
- Check dip tube length against the internal height of your bottle
- Order a small test batch of both bottles and pumps before committing to full production quantities
- Test crimp, fill, and spray on at least 5 test units before approving the full batch
- Confirm your crimping tool is rated for the same FEA size as your pump collar
- Re-confirm FEA size whenever switching to a new bottle style, even at the same volume
- Store FEA size confirmation emails from your supplier for reference during reorder
FAQ
Can I use an FEA15 pump on an FEA18 bottle?
No. The FEA15 collar is physically too small to fit over an FEA18 bottle neck. Forcing it will not produce a seal and may damage the collar. You must match the FEA size of the pump to the FEA size of the bottle.
Are all FEA15 pumps the same?
FEA15 pumps from different manufacturers should all fit FEA15 bottles because they share the same collar diameter specification. However, they differ in spray output volume, dip tube length, spray head design, and build quality. "FEA15 compatible" tells you the pump will physically fit your bottle - it does not tell you about spray performance or durability.
Do I need a special crimper for FEA18?
Yes. If your bottles use FEA18 necks, you need a crimping tool specified for FEA18 collar diameter. A 15 mm crimper head will not correctly close an 18 mm collar. Some bench crimpers come with interchangeable die sets that cover both FEA15 and FEA18, which is a practical investment if you plan to produce in both sizes.
What is the typical spray output of an FEA15 pump?
Most FEA15 fine mist pumps deliver between 0.065 ml and 0.10 ml per actuation. The exact output depends on the specific pump model. Pump suppliers list this specification as "dose" or "output per stroke." If a consistent application experience matters to your brand - for example, a very concentrated extrait de parfum - choosing a lower-output pump (around 0.065 ml to 0.08 ml per spray) is advisable.
Can I use a screw-top closure on an FEA bottle?
FEA bottles with crimp necks are not designed to accept screw closures. The crimp neck does not have threading. If you want a refillable or re-sealable bottle, you need to specifically source a screw-neck bottle and compatible screw-fit pump. These use GPI thread standards rather than FEA specifications.
Where can I buy FEA15 and FEA18 perfume bottles?
Packamor stocks a range of perfume bottles with FEA15 and FEA18 neck specifications. Each listing includes the neck size and compatible pump information. You can browse the full range in our perfume bottle collection.
Do I need to buy pumps from the same supplier as my bottles?
Not necessarily. The FEA standard exists precisely so that bottles and pumps from different manufacturers can be used together. However, you should always verify compatibility in writing and conduct a physical test before committing to a bulk order, because tolerances vary slightly between manufacturers.
Conclusion
Getting the FEA neck size right is one of the most fundamental technical decisions when sourcing perfume bottles for production. It is not a complex concept, but it is one that is easy to overlook until it causes a problem - typically an expensive batch of mismatched components that cannot be assembled.
The practical takeaway is straightforward: confirm the FEA neck size of your bottle before you order pumps, confirm the FEA size of your pumps before you order a crimper, and always run a small physical fit test before committing to full production quantities. These three steps eliminate the vast majority of compatibility problems that affect first-time fragrance founders.
If you are at the early stage of planning your first production run and want to ensure your bottles, pumps, and packaging components work together, browse Packamor's perfume bottle range where every product is listed with its complete neck specification. You can also explore our range of perfume boxes and custom labels to complete your packaging lineup.