🔧 General Questions
What is FillerScope? +
FillerScope is an independent platform that helps beverage producers compare, calculate, and select the right filling line equipment. We offer free tools like the BPH Calculator and side-by-side comparison tables, plus connect buyers with verified manufacturers.
What is BPH and why does it matter? +
BPH = Bottles Per Hour. It measures the production capacity of a filling line. Knowing your required BPH is essential when buying equipment — undersizing means missed production targets, oversizing wastes money. Use our free BPH Calculator to find your number.
What's the difference between water, juice, and CSD filling lines? +
Each uses different technology:
• Water lines: Gravity or overflow filling (simplest)
• Juice lines: Piston or hot-fill (for viscous liquids)
• CSD lines: Isobaric counter-pressure (to keep CO₂ dissolved)
See our Comparison Page for full details.
What permits do I need to start a bottled water business?+
Common permits include: Business Registration (Ministry of Trade, 2–6 weeks), Water Extraction License (Water Resources Authority, 4–12 weeks), Food Safety Certification (Food & Drug Authority, 8–16 weeks), Product Registration (Health Ministry, 4–8 weeks), and Environmental Permit (Environmental Protection Agency, 4–8 weeks). Total permit costs typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on your country.
What bottle sizes and neck finishes are standard for PET bottles?+
The most common standard is the PCO 1881 28mm neck finish, used globally for still and carbonated water in 250ml to 2L bottles. Other standards include PCO 1816 (taller neck, common in Europe) and 38mm wide-mouth (for juice and sports drinks). Always confirm neck finish compatibility with your filling machine supplier — mismatched neck finishes cause capping defects and leaks.
How long does a filling machine typically last?+
With proper maintenance, a new filling machine lasts 8–15 years. Key factors affecting lifespan: quality of stainless steel (SS304 vs SS316), daily operating hours, water quality (hard water accelerates seal wear), and spare parts availability. Semi-automatic machines often last longer than fully automatic because they have fewer electronic components that can fail.
💰 Pricing & Buying
How much does a filling line cost? +
It depends on capacity, automation, and product type:
• Low-speed (2K-4K BPH): $15,000 – $40,000
• Mid-speed (4K-12K BPH): $40,000 – $120,000
• High-speed (12K-30K BPH): $120,000 – $300,000
Pricing also varies by country and manufacturer. Contact us for accurate numbers.
Do I need a new or used filling line? +
For new businesses, a new line is usually better — lower risk, warranty included, easier to customize. Used lines can save money but require careful inspection and may lack support. Consider your budget, timeline, and technical expertise before deciding.
What is the total investment needed for a complete bottling plant?+
A complete small-scale bottling plant (500–1,000 BPH) requires $15,000–$50,000 total investment, including: filling machine ($5K–$12K), water treatment ($2K–$5K), labeling and packaging ($1K–$3K), facility preparation ($2K–$10K), permits ($1K–$5K), and initial raw materials ($3K–$8K). Always budget 1.5×–2× the equipment price for total project cost.
How do I compare quotes from different suppliers?+
Compare these five factors: (1) Machine specifications — filling heads, material (SS304 vs SS316), PLC brand, (2) Included peripherals — does the price include a spare parts kit, tools, and manuals? (3) Warranty terms — 12-month warranty is standard, (4) After-sales support — do they have a technician available in your region? (5) Shipping terms — FOB vs CIF vs DDP make a significant price difference.
What payment terms do Chinese filling machine suppliers typically offer?+
Standard terms are 30%–50% deposit with the order, 50%–70% before shipment (after factory inspection), and sometimes a small retention payment after installation. T/T (wire transfer) is most common. L/C (Letter of Credit) is accepted for larger orders. Be cautious with suppliers demanding 100% payment before shipment.
What is the ROI timeline for a small bottling plant?+
For a small water bottling plant with a $25,000 total investment, producing 6,400 bottles per day at a wholesale price of $0.15–$0.25 per bottle, the payback period is typically 8–14 months. Gross margins range from 15–30%. The fastest ROI comes from serving underserved rural markets where competition is limited.
⚙️ Technical & Support
How long does installation take? +
Basic lines: 3-7 days. Medium complexity: 1-2 weeks. Fully automated multi-station lines: 2-4 weeks. Installation time depends on factory readiness, utility connections, and whether you choose local or overseas technicians.
What after-sales support do you provide? +
We coordinate installation guidance from manufacturers, help source spare parts, and provide remote troubleshooting support. Most quoted machines include a standard warranty (typically 12 months). Extended service packages are available through the manufacturer directly.
Can one filling line handle multiple products? +
Some multi-purpose lines exist, but dedicated machines generally give better quality and efficiency. Changeover between products (cleaning, format adjustment) takes time. Many producers start with one dedicated line and add more as volume grows.
What voltage and frequency should I specify for my machine?+
Most Asian-manufactured machines use 380V/415V, 50Hz, three-phase power. Confirm your local power supply before ordering. If your factory has unstable power, budget $1,000–$5,000 for voltage stabilizers or a backup generator. Specify your exact voltage when requesting a quote — incorrect specifications can delay installation by 4–8 weeks.
How long does it take to train my operators?+
Semi-automatic line training takes 1–2 days; fully automatic PLC-controlled line training takes 3–7 days. Most suppliers provide on-site training during installation. Request operator manuals translated into your local language if needed. We recommend training at least two operators per shift to avoid production stoppage if one operator leaves.
What spare parts should I keep in stock?+
Essential spare parts include: a complete set of O-rings and gaskets, 2–3 filling nozzle assemblies, 1 PLC power supply module, 2–3 photoelectric sensors, 1 timing belt, 5 solenoid valve coils, and 3–6 compressed air filter elements. Total cost for a 12-month spare parts kit: 5–10% of the machine price.
Can I upgrade my line capacity later?+
Yes, if you choose a modular machine design from the start. Many 3-in-1 machines allow adding more filling heads, a second capping station, or an automatic packer later. Discuss the upgrade path with your supplier before purchasing — some machines are designed to scale, others require full replacement.
📋 Shipping & Importg
How long does shipping take from China to my country?+
Sea freight typically takes: West Africa (25–35 days), East Africa (20–30 days), Middle East (15–25 days), Latin America (30–45 days), South Asia (10–18 days). Add 5–10 days for factory production before shipping, and 5–15 days for customs clearance after arrival.
What import duties and taxes will I need to pay?+
Import duties vary by country: Nigeria (5–20% depending on customs classification), Kenya (10–25%), Tanzania (10–15%), Ghana (5–20%), Saudi Arabia (5–12%), Brazil (14–35%). Some countries offer duty exemptions for food processing equipment. Check with a local customs broker before importing.
Do you provide CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) pricing?+
Yes, most suppliers can quote CIF to your nearest port. CIF pricing includes the machine cost, ocean freight, and marine insurance. We recommend CIF over FOB for first-time buyers to avoid unexpected shipping and logistics costs. Always request a full CIF quote including all charges to your destination port.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is happy to answer any specific questions about your project.
