Package Testing Standards Amazon Package Testing

Amazon Package Testing

TEN-E is a certified Amazon testing laboratory under the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS). We perform ISTA 6 member performance tests for all four Amazon program types: Ships In Own Container (SIOC), Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP), Prep-Free Packaging (PFP), and Over Boxing (OB).

What Amazon Package Testing Covers

Amazon requires suppliers and brands selling through its fulfillment network to test and certify their packaging through an APASS-certified laboratory before qualifying for its packaging programs. Each program sets specific performance, material, and labeling requirements, and testing follows the ISTA 6 member performance standard Amazon specifies for its distribution environment. TEN-E performs the ISTA 6 testing and issues the certified report your Vendor Central or Seller Central submission requires. The four Amazon programs, detailed below, address different packaging configurations and fulfillment paths, from a product shipping in its own container to a product shipping inside an outer Amazon box.

Amazon Packaging Programs

Select a program to expand its details, including what it certifies, the ISTA 6 procedure it uses, and when it applies.

Ships In Own Container (SIOC) SIOC certifies that a product's own retail packaging can ship through Amazon's network without an additional shipping box.

Issuing Body Amazon (APASS)

Test Standard ISTA 6-AMAZON-SIOC

Test Type Member performance (drop, vibration, compression)

Overview

SIOC applies to products that ship in their retail packaging with no outer Amazon box. The ISTA 6-AMAZON-SIOC procedure runs the packaged product through the drop, vibration, and compression hazards of Amazon’s fulfillment and parcel environment to confirm the product’s own container protects it from the warehouse to the customer’s door. Passing the procedure qualifies the packaging as SIOC-certified.

Key Parameters

What it certifies The product's own packaging survives Amazon fulfillment and parcel delivery without an added shipping box.

Test procedure ISTA 6-AMAZON-SIOC, applying the drop, vibration, and compression sequences Amazon specifies.

When it applies Products designed to ship in their retail packaging directly to the customer.

Documentation typically covers the procedure performed, the test sequences applied, the measurements recorded, and pass or fail findings in the format Amazon accepts for SIOC certification.

Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP) FFP certifies packaging that is easy to open, right-sized, and recyclable, and that performs through Amazon fulfillment without an additional shipping box.

Issuing Body Amazon (APASS)

Test Standard ISTA 6-AMAZON-FFP

Test Type Member performance plus design and material requirements

Overview

FFP builds on the SIOC performance standard by adding design requirements for easy opening, right-sizing, and recyclable materials. The ISTA 6 procedure confirms distribution performance through Amazon’s environment, and the program evaluates the packaging against Amazon’s customer-experience and sustainability criteria. FFP represents Amazon’s highest packaging tier.

Key Parameters

What it certifies Distribution performance plus easy opening, right-sizing, and recyclable materials.

Test procedure ISTA 6-AMAZON-FFP, applying the Amazon distribution sequences.

Documentation typically covers the procedure performed, the test sequences applied, the design and material criteria evaluated, and pass or fail findings in the format Amazon accepts for FFP certification.

Prep-Free Packaging (PFP) PFP certifies that packaging needs no additional preparation at Amazon's fulfillment centers.

Issuing Body Amazon (APASS)

Test Standard ISTA 6-AMAZON-PFP

Test Type Member performance (drop, vibration, compression)

Overview

PFP applies to packaging that arrives ready for the fulfillment network without extra preparation such as poly-bagging or added protective wrap at the center. The ISTA 6-AMAZON-PFP procedure confirms the packaging protects the product through fulfillment and parcel delivery in its as-shipped form, so it moves through Amazon’s centers without a prep step.

Key Parameters

What it certifies Packaging performs through Amazon fulfillment with no added preparation at the center.

Test procedure ISTA 6-AMAZON-PFP, applying the Amazon distribution sequences.

When it applies Products whose packaging is ready to enter the fulfillment network as shipped.

Documentation typically covers the procedure performed, the test sequences applied, the measurements recorded, and pass or fail findings in the format Amazon accepts for PFP certification.

Over Boxing (OB) Over Boxing certifies that inner packaging performs when the product ships inside an outer Amazon box.

Issuing Body Amazon (APASS)

Test Standard ISTA 6-AMAZON-OB

Test Type Member performance (drop, vibration, compression)

Overview

Over Boxing applies when a product ships inside an outer Amazon-supplied box instead of its own container. The ISTA 6-AMAZON-OB procedure runs the over-boxed configuration through the fulfillment and parcel hazards to confirm the inner packaging protects the product on that path. Over Boxing suits products whose retail packaging is designed for the shelf and needs an outer box for shipment.

Key Parameters

What it certifies The inner packaging protects the product when shipped inside an outer Amazon box.

Test procedure ISTA 6-AMAZON-OB, applying the Amazon distribution sequences.

When it applies Products that ship in an outer Amazon box rather than their own container.

Documentation typically covers the procedure performed, the test sequences applied, the measurements recorded, and pass or fail findings in the format Amazon accepts for Over Boxing certification.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Let our experts help you identify the Amazon program that fits your product and packaging configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

APASS stands for Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network. Amazon requires that packaging certification test reports submitted through Vendor Central or Seller Central come from an APASS-certified laboratory. Certification confirms that the lab is qualified to test to Amazon’s specified procedures and issue reports in a format Amazon accepts. Amazon accepts certification test reports only from APASS-certified laboratories.

The four programs address different packaging configurations and fulfillment paths. SIOC applies when a product ships in its retail packaging with no additional shipping box. FFP adds requirements for easy opening and recyclable materials on top of the SIOC performance standard. PFP applies when packaging needs no additional preparation at Amazon’s fulfillment centers. Over Boxing applies when a product ships inside an outer Amazon box. The right program depends on your product’s packaging configuration and how it moves through Amazon’s fulfillment network.

TEN-E performs the required ISTA 6 testing and issues the certified test report. The certification submission to Amazon is handled by the brand or supplier through Vendor Central or Seller Central using the test report TEN-E provides. For questions about the submission process, contact us at apass@ten-e.com and we’ll confirm what documentation Amazon requires for your specific program type.

ISTA 6 is a category of ISTA member performance tests. Where Series 1, 2, and 3 procedures define TEN-E’s broader distribution testing scope, Series 6 procedures are developed in partnership with specific retailers and carriers, in this case Amazon, and reflect the particular hazards of that distribution environment. ISTA 6-AMAZON procedures apply specifically to Amazon program compliance. If your product ships through multiple retail channels, additional ISTA or ASTM procedures may apply alongside ISTA 6 testing.