Amazon package testing has become a major focus of Amazon. The company has partnered with ISTA to create ISTA 6 Amazon and has since instituted a certified package program to address a number of concerns related to the Amazon distribution channel. In doing this, they created the APASS network which consists of ISTA certified labs that have been designated as having the proper equipment and abilities to perform ISTA testing.
These concerns include damage throughout the supply chain to the customer’s door. Another benefit to ISTA package testing for amazon is the elimination of “wrap rage” which is the frustration of trying to open a package. A reduction in packaging material and increased use of recycled packaging components, which reduces waste and environmental footprint can also result from ISTA 6 certification.
There are three tiers of Amazon’s package certification. The first tier of certification is Frustration Free Packaging (“FFP”). The second tier is Ships In Own Container (“SIOC”). The third tier is Prep-Free Packaging (PFP) certification. By meeting these packaging standards, Amazon sellers and vendors will significantly reduce costs and new product registration time.
Keystone Package Testing, assists vendors and sellers by not only providing the necessary ISTA 6 Amazon packing tests, but also assists with walking sellers through the registration process. Our information can be uploaded to the vendor central registration. This allows you to receive the benefits of the Amazon Vendor Incentive Program.
Below is information on each of the three tiers as well as links to their specific requirements:
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. For FFP certification, 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 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 designation means there is no prep needed by Amazon including an Amazon box or over box. There should be minimal damage rates.
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.
Why is Amazon package certification so important to vendors? Here are the benefits:
Amazon Packaging Certification Tiers |
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| Benefits | Tier 1: FFP | Tier 2: SIOC | Tier 3: PFP |
| Reduction/Removal of Amazon Prep Chargebacks | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reduction/Removal of Amazon FFP/SIOC Chargebacks | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Reduced Packaging Costs | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Reduced Transportation Costs | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Additional Site Marketing | ✔ | ||
| Free Vine Enrollment | ✔ | ||
Completing the package testing steps and submitting the information to the seller central account are essential to selling on Amazon. The supplier network APASS offers Amazon packaging support, brand registry and test protocols. The frustration free packaging program assists with test methods and design for over boxing that is easy to open and promotes selling your products.
Vendors to Amazon.com can improve fulfilling orders with improved shipping boxes. Party sellers can find more information on the packaging support and supplier network. As experts in the industry we can assist with the APASS test plan and design as well.
What does Amazon package testing look like? Each test plan will be unique to the requirements of that product. Requirements are set based on the size, weight and type of product. Most packages will undergo some amount of preconditioning, drop testing, impact testing and compression testing.
Preconditioning is having the package reach a certain temperature before ISTA 6 testing begins. The amazon drop test can include free fall drop, drops onto hazards and various rotational edge drop tests. Impact testing includes inclined impact test, concentrated edge impact and bridge impact. The compression testing can include both vertical compression and horizontal compression. Some other ISTA test types that may be used are random vibration tests, temperature tests, and tests for unitized loads.
How many units do I need for Amazon shipping testing? For most test blocks, only one package is needed. However, if the product is considered fragile or liquid, multiple packages will need to be tested. Liquids are not just liquids, but also solids that can become liquid over 70 degrees Fahrenheit as well as semi-liquids. Fragile products are products that can be easily broken or chipped. Some of the most common materials are clay, porcelain, ceramic and glass.
Keystone Package Testing, an APASS lab and an Amazon Packaging Certification Lab, provides vendors with the consumer goods package testing to certify their products to receive the benefits of Amazon’s Packaging Certification Tiers. With significant package testing and ISTA standard knowledge, globally-recognized accreditation, short lead times and affordable prices, Keystone Package Testing is the best Amazon ISTA 6A package testing partner.
Are you ready to certify your products for Amazon ISTA 6 transit testing? Contact us to speak with an expert and receive a concise and affordable quote. Let’s get started!