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Amazon Package Testing

Amazon Package Testing & APASS Overview

Why is Amazon Package Compliance Testing Important?

Packaging has become a major focus of Amazon. The company has instituted an ISTA 6 certification package program to address a number of concerns related to the amazon distribution channel. These include:

  • Damage throughout the supply chain to the customer’s door.
  • An elimination of “wrap rage”. This is the frustration of trying to open a package.
  • A reduction in packaging material. This reduces waste and environmental footprint.
  • An increased use in recycled packaging components.

With ISTA certification and Amazon training, a testing lab can join Amazon APASS (Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier) Network. As an APASS lab, Keystone is certified to complete the ISTA testing that is required for consumer goods package tests.

Summary of Amazon Package Tests

There are three tiers of Amazon’s package testing certification that follow ISTA package testing guidelines. The Amazon Packaging testing tiers are:

Tier 1

Tier 1 is Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP). The packaging must be ISTA 6 Amazon SIOC Test Compliant by a certified lab like Keystone Package Testing. The packaging should be minimal and comprised of recyclable materials. The product should be easily removed from its packaging within two minutes. There is no prep needed by Amazon including an Amazon box or over box. There should be minimal damage rates.

Tier 2

Tier 2 is Ships In Own Container (SIOC). The packaging must be ISTA 6-Amazon SIOC Test Compliant by a certified lab like Keystone Package Testing. SIOC amazon means that there is no prep needed by Amazon including an Amazon box or over box. There should be minimal damage rates.

Tier 3

Tier 3 is Prep-Free Packaging (PFP) or Over Boxing. The packaging must be ISTA 6-Amazon OB Test Compliant by a certified lab like Keystone Package Testing. The product is shipped in an Amazon box, but there is no other prep needed by Amazon. There should be minimal damage rates.

Over-boxing requires a product to be placed in another box for shipping. In those cases, extra packaging material such as bubble wrap may be required. This can result in prep fees because amazon employees have to “prep” the package for shipping.

Expert APASS Compliance Test Lab

Our testing engineers stay up to date on the current regulations and exemptions. Effective August 1, 2019, all amazon vendors and distributors must have completed package testing or they will face a $1.99 per unit chargeback. Fortunately, chargebacks and prep fees can be avoided with the proper packaging and certification.

By meeting these packaging standards, Amazon sellers will significantly reduce costs and new product registration time. Keystone Package Testing assists vendors by not only providing the necessary Amazon ISTA 6 testing. We also assist with walking sellers through the registration process.

Common APASS Package Test Standards

Our website www.apasslab.com is dedicated specifically to Amazon transit testing and has a free test type calculator that will recommend the best test type for your product. Each ISTA standard is an ISTA test type that outlines specific protocols that include amazon drop tests, inclined impact tests, rotational edge drop tests, temperature tests, vibration tests, and in some cases, tests for unitized loads. To learn more about the specific amazon packaging lab test standards, click on the links below.

Keystone Package Testing is an ISTA-certified lab and proud member of Amazon’s APASS network. We provide customers with reliable testing and reports. With international accreditation, competitive pricing, and quick turnaround time, Keystone is the right package testing partner.

Our testing engineers are experienced and have a thorough knowledge of industry standards. They are prepared to guide you through the package testing process. Let’s get started! Request a quote or contact us at (724) 657-9940.

 

Interested in the EMC/EMI, climatic, dynamic, shielding effectiveness, or IP Code testing of a product? Follow the corresponding links or www.keystonecompliance.com for more information.