Amazon Prep-Free Packaging Testing
Proper PFP (Amazon Prep-Free Packaging) methods have become a major focus as the demand for e-commerce packaging design and validation continues to grow. Amazon created a multi-tier ISTA 6 Series certification package program to address several issues related to shipping quality and transit conditions that affect packages across industries. These conditions include the diverse types of and the severity of package damage across the supply chain, all the way to the customer’s door. Packages sold on Amazon.com are first evaluated and evaluated against the tiers of Amazon’s Package Testing standards to achieve certification for Amazon’s Vendor Central interface. This process is critical to perfecting package testing methods for manufacturers and distributors in the Amazon APASS Network.
What Is Amazon Prep-Free Packaging Testing?
Prep-Free Packaging (PFP) is Amazon’s third tier of certification, which was designed for products that can’t be shipped in their own container (i.e., liquid products that are not six sided) and require the use of an Amazon Over Box. A verified PFP package is trusted to ship without the need for Amazon to use added packaging to mitigate damages to packages during transit. Products appointed for prep-free packaging will be moved multiple times while out for distribution. Such products must be able to stay undamaged from the first purchase order to delivery and arrival. To prepare and evaluate your PFP product, it must be contained in one secured package and have a visible barcode to scan without having to remove the packaging.
How To Test Your Packaged Product For Amazon Prep-Free Packaging
Amazon Package Testing Tiers
- Tier 1 - Frustration Free Packaging (FFP) is capable of shipping in its own container with minimized, fully recyclable and easy-to-open packaging. This ensures the most optimal experience for our customers.
- Tier 2 - Ships in Own Container (SIOC) minimizes waste through ensuring that packaging is designed to ship without the need for an Amazon over-box.
- Tier 3 - Prep-Free Packaging (PFP) is designed to ship effectively without the need for Amazon to apply additional prep to prevent damage of leakage.
Amazon uses the ISTA 6 Series test method to ensure quality packaging at every level in the supply chain. The ISTA Project 6 AMAZON.COM test was developed by ISTA in alliance with Amazon.com and is used as the standard protocol for general simulation. Prep-free packaging testing for Amazon falls under the ISTA Project 6 AMAZON.COM Over Boxing procedure. These tests challenge the durability of a package and its product to withstand common distribution hazards.
Three distinct categories are used for each type of packaged product tests: shipping method, handling method, and weight-and-dimensions. By testing for the e-commerce transit channels that packages go through, we can confirm that your products will support their integrity and arrive to customers intact and undamaged. This test is intended to simulate the conditions of shipping and delivering a package, including calibrated drops and vibrations.
Prep-Free Packaging (PFP) is Amazon’s third tier shipping certification, which was created for items that are not capable of shipping in their own container (i.e., liquid product that is not six sided) and which require an over box applied by Amazon. A certified PFP package is designed to ship effectively without the need for Amazon to apply added prep/packaging to prevent damage of leakage.
Why Purple Diamond?
Purple Diamond can provide the guidance and assistance needed to meet the standards required for Amazon Packaging Certification in packaging design and validation. We help vendors optimize their products for Amazon’s APASS Network SIOC program, while reducing packaging costs and improving efficiencies in their supply chains.
Packaging can be designed to be protective against damage which is required for FFP, SIOC, and PFP certifications. The requirements and considerations of over-sized products can be evaluated and optimized to move efficiently through Amazon distribution networks. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality results as we develop a comprehensive solution to your specific Amazon Packaging Certification needs.
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Related Testing Standards
- ASTM D642
- ASTM D685
- ASTM D880
- ASTM D951
- ASTM D999
- ASTM D3078
- ASTM D3103
- ASTM D3285
- ASTM D4169
- ASTM D4332
- ASTM D4728
- ASTM D5265
- ASTM D5276
- ASTM D5277
- ASTM D5487
- ASTM D6055
- ASTM D6179
- ASTM D6344
- ASTM D6653
- ASTM D7386
- ASTM F88
- ASTM F1140
- ASTM F1886
- ASTM F1929
- ASTM F1980
- ASTM F2096
- ASTM F2250
- ASTM F3039
- ASTM D1596
Accreditations
Affiliations
The APASS program was designed by Amazon to help support vendors, sellers, and manufacturers in obtaining certification of their products as Frustration Free Packaging (FFP), Ships in Own Container (SIOC), or Prep-Free Packaging (PFP).
Looking for a Packaging Partner?
Whether you’re looking for a team of experts to engineer your new packaging product for optimal sustainability, or seeking a team who can ensure your products stay safe and secure during transport, Purple Diamond can help.
