Keystone Package Testing has been approved by Amazon to test and certify product packaging as Frustration Free Packaging (FFP), Ships-In-Own-Container (SIOC), or Prep-Free Packaging (PFP). Keystone Package Testing is listed on the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier (APASS) Network and is also an ISTA certified lab.
Amazon and ISTA have partnered to address specific aspects of the amazon distribution chain. They have developed package standards in the form of ISTA standards, referred to as ISTA 6 Amazon or ISTA 6 Testing. Our Amazon package testing and ISTA package testing knowledge allows us to make the certification process as simple and quick as possible.
We are able to complete any FFP testing, SIOC Amazon testing and PFP testing you might need.
To achieve ISTA 6 certification that your packages meeting the Amazon package test standards, complete the following steps:
- Step 1: Complete the Keystone Package Testing Request a Quote Form.
- Step 2: Review and approve the quote.
- Step 3: Submit the necessary product samples to Keystone Package Testing.
- Step 4: Keystone Package Testing, an ISTA lab, will conduct the appropriate Amazon packaging tests:
- The products must meet all requirements for the corresponding ISTA protocol standards listed in the Packaging Certification Guidelines.
- The products must pass the appropriate International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) test:
- 6 Amazon SIOC test (Tier 1 or Tier 2)
- 6 Amazon Overbox (Tier 3)
- Step 5: Receive the Amazon packaging testing standard lab report from Keystone Package Testing.
- Step 6: Go to the Amazon Vendor Central webpage and complete the Amazon Packaging Certification forms. The Amazon lab report received from Keystone Package Testing can be uploaded to the form to expedite the approval process.
- Step 7: Await the verification from Amazon that your products have passed the certification testing process and have become certified. Verification is communicated on the Packaging Certification Dashboard of the Amazon Vendor Center.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What types of Amazon shipping tests are performed on my products?
ISTA 6 Amazon.com – SIOC protocol is used for FFP (Tier 1) and SIOC (Tier 2).
ISTA 6 Amazon.com – OB protocol is used for PFP (Tier 3).
The test protocols involve many similar types of tests such as:
- Amazon Drop Test
- Random Vibration Test
- Leak Test
Depending on the size of the packaged-product, there may also be additional tests required. For example, parcel packages have different standards than tests for unitized loads. Sometimes conditioning will be required which means that a temperature test must be done. ISTA testing protocols for consumer goods package tests from the ISTA 6A protocol include:
- Rotational Edge Drop
- Full Rotational Flat Drop
- Rotational Corner Drop
- Bridge Impact
- Concentrated Edge Impact
- Tip/Tip Over Test
- Compression
- Clamping Simulation
- Incline Impact Test
- Fork Lift Simulation
If you are unsure which tests are applicable to your product, Keystone Package Testing will assist you in making that determination.
The major difference between SIOC and Over Boxing (OB) testing is that SIOC testing involves testing the packaged-product in its own packaging whereas OB testing involves placing the packaged-product in an over box filled with weighted hazard packages for testing. These package testing protocols were developed by ISTA.
As an approved APASS lab, Keystone Package Testing handles preparing your product in the over box for OB testing. All you need to do is submit your packaged-products to us.
How many samples are required for Amazon transit testing?
For SIOC Amazon testing:
1 sample is required for non-fragile and non-liquid products
5 samples are required for fragile or liquid products
For OB Amazon testing:
2 samples are required for non-fragile and non-liquid products
5 samples are required for fragile or liquid products
Does Amazon package testing require testing to every ASIN for products that are similar?
Depending on the circumstances, some products can be certified based on test results of similar products that are already certified. Please contact us to discuss your particular situation.
Are there any size limitations for Amazon SIOC or FFP packages?
Yes, Packages must be a minimum of 9”x6”x0.375” to be certified as a FFP or SIOC package. Boxes with any dimension smaller than those listed are too small to travel through Amazon’s conveyance system and must be certified and shipped as an Overbox.
What constitutes a package passing or failing the Amazon transportation testing?
There are two categories of failures: Objective Failures and Customer-Focused Failures.
Objective failures are events such as damage, breakage, loss of function, loss of use, collectible items with outer package wear, seal integrity compromise or the tamper evident application is compromised. Objective Failures will be determined by Keystone Package Testing.
A Customer-Focused Failure occurs when a package meets the objective requirements but has deficiencies that might lead a customer to not accept the package. These deficiencies can include events such as wear, denting or scuffs on the outer package or small/minor dents on the primary form factor. The vendor has the final decision-making authority as to whether or not a deficiency qualifies as a Customer Failure.
What are the benefits of certifying packages?
- For Tier 1 (FFP), Tier 2 (SIOC) or Tier 3 (PFP), certification removes the prep flag at an Amazon Standard Identification Numbers (ASIN) – Vendor Level (Need correct vendor code you ship on).
- For Tier 1 (FFP) or Tier 2 (SIOC), certification removes packaging instructions and sets the ASIN to “Ships in Own Container”.
- For Tier 1 (FFP), certification adds detail page messaging, qualifies for Vine Credits and the products will receive additional search relevancy for FFP promotion days.
Are you ready to certify your products for Amazon packaging tests? Let’s Get Started!