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Amazon Package Testing

Amazon APASS Package Testing & APASS Overview

Effective August 1, 2019, Amazon requires vendors and distributors to complete package testing for applicable products. Companies that do not meet these requirements may incur a $1.99 per-unit chargeback. However, proper package design and certification can help eliminate these chargebacks and additional prep fees.

To improve package performance throughout its distribution network, Amazon partnered with ISTA to develop the ISTA 6 Amazon Series of testing standards. These protocols evaluate packaging under conditions specific to Amazon’s fulfillment and delivery system. As an Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS) laboratory, Keystone Package Testing helps manufacturers certify their packaging to Amazon’s ISTA 6 testing requirements.

Summary of Amazon’s Certification Test Methods

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/SIPP Test compliant with an Amazon-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.

Note: as of February 2024, SIOC (Ships in Own Container), has been changed to SIPP (Ships in Product Packaging). Visit SIPP Package Testing for more information.

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.

Achieving an Amazon ISTA 6 Certification

To achieve ISTA 6 certification and meet Amazon packaging test standards, follow a structured testing and approval process.

  • Step 1: Start by completing the Keystone Package Testing Request a Quote form.
  • Step 2: Next, review and approve the provided testing quote.
  • Step 3: Then, submit the required product samples to Keystone Package Testing.
  • Step 4: After submission, Keystone Package Testing—an ISTA-certified laboratory—conducts the appropriate Amazon packaging tests. The products must meet all requirements outlined in the Packaging Certification Guidelines. In addition, they must pass the applicable ISTA protocol, including ISTA 6 Amazon SIOC (Tier 1 or Tier 2) or ISTA 6 Amazon Overbox (Tier 3), depending on packaging type.
  • Step 5: Once testing is complete, you receive a formal Amazon packaging test lab report from Keystone Package Testing.
  • Step 6: After that, you submit the required information through the Amazon Vendor Central Packaging Certification page. You can upload the lab report to help expedite approval.
  • Step 7: Finally, Amazon reviews the submission and verifies certification status. Approval appears in the Packaging Certification Dashboard within Vendor Central once the products are certified.

Why is Compliance with Amazon’s Package Testing Standards Important?

Packaging has become a major focus of Amazon. The company has instituted an ISTA 6 certification package program to address any 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 of recycled packaging components.

With ISTA certification and Amazon training, a testing lab can join the APASS (Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier) Network.

Expert APASS and Amazon Package Integrity Test Lab

Keystone Package Testing is an ISTA-certified lab and a 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.

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.

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.

Common APASS Package Test Standards

Www.apasslab.com is dedicated specifically to package testing in compliance with Amazon 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.

 

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.

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