Amazon maintains 3 different packaging certification designations and each has a different meaning for the customer:
- Frustration Free (FFP)
- Ships in Own Container (SIOC)
- Prep-Free Packaging (PFP)
As often is the case with Amazon, the goal of this program is to ensure consistently great customer experiences.
“To identify candidates for Amazon Packaging Certification, look for products with Easy to Open/Recyclable packaging and that provides sufficient protection for the product throughout standard shipping stages.”
These certifications were originally free, but starting in 2018 Amazon has required testing to be performed by a third-party expert of the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier (APASS) Network.
Every shipped ASIN that is not SIOC Complaint by July 31st 2019 will be subject to a $1.99 Chargeback on each unit received by Amazon’s fulfillment Network.
Items failing any of these rules must be SIOC Compliant or face chargebacks:
- Longest side more than 18”
- OR its shortest side more than 8”
- OR its media side more than 14”
- OR greater than 20LBs
Taking advantage of this program ensures Amazon fulfillment centers handle your package with minimum number of touches possible.
For Amazon:
This increases profitability and efficiency of products moving through the Fulfillment network.
For your Business:
This establishes a best-in-class packaging model. Decreasing damages (shortages) and faster movement through the network essentially means greater product liquidity. When your products move through the chain faster, they and can sell faster, overall returns are increased.
Benefits of Packaging Certifications:
- Faster Receipt of your products
- Faster Payment, Less Shortages
- Amazon more profitable, Increased Order Volume
- Drive down damage/handling factors
- More package certifications may help you qualify for invite-only or pilot programs (e.g. NAFN)
Packaging Certifications Available from Amazon:
Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP)
FFP package certification is the Top-Tier certification available from Amazon. FFP packages should be able to ship without any additional preparation once it lands at AMZ fulfillment center. Products must be Easy to Open, 100% Recyclable and provide sufficient protection during transit. After your package passes testing, the product detail page will receive additional merchandising messaging to customers.
Ships In Own Container (SIOC)
SIOC package certifications is the next level certification from Amazon. SIOC packages should be able to ship without any additional preparation once it lands at AMZ fulfillment center. Products must be easy to open and provide sufficient protection during shipping. Like FFP certification, once your package passes testing, the product detail page will receive merchandising messaging “Easy-to-open packaging” to customers.
Prep-Free Packaging (PFP)
The last and most common tier of packaging certification. These items cannot ship in their own container and require Amazon fulfillment centers to add shipping over-box to the existing package. After the package is approved for PFP, AMZ FCs will remove preparation instructions from ASIN, saving vendors from prep fine chargebacks. Unlike FFP/SIOC certifications your product detail page will not receive merchandising messaging.
Additional Sources
Amazon Packaging Certification Guideline Documentation
Finding More questions than Answers? Need More Help?
If you are finding yourself unsure and need some advice on next steps, Schedule a phone call with us and we would be happy to speak with you and provide actionable feedback to get you started and pointed in the right direction.