Amazon Ships in Own Container Testing/SIOC Testing
Packaging that isn’t designed to endure the complexities of modern supply chains can lead to damaged goods and unhappy customers, causing your e-commerce brand to fall far behind. Amazon’s Ships in Own Container certification offers a transformative solution, eliminating the need for wasteful over-boxing and presenting a more user-friendly experience for consumers. Amazon Ships in Own Container testing/SIOC testing will ensure your products are packaged to withstand real-world shipping conditions and meet Amazon’s rigorous SIOC and sustainability standards.
Free Checklist: Take the Guesswork Out of SIOC
What Is Amazon Ships in Own Container Testing?
Streamline Sustainability & Customer Satisfaction
Ships in Own Container (SIOC) is Amazon’s second tier of shipping certification, which was created to minimize waste by guaranteeing that product packaging is built to ship without requiring an Amazon Over Box and still arrive undamaged to its end-destination. This eliminates unnecessary waste and provides a more seamless unboxing experience for consumers. The product must be ready to ship in its current package and be evaluated according to Amazon’s certification guidelines.
As a certified member of Amazon’s Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS), we can help you validate your e-commerce packaging and meet Amazon’s stringent requirements. Our Ships in Own Container testing follows the multi-tier ISTA 6 Series methodology to assess whether your packaging can withstand common distribution hazards.
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ISTA 6-AMAZON-SIOC Testing
Amazon uses the ISTA 6 Series test method to ensure quality packaging at every level in the supply chain. The ISTA-6-AMAZON-SIOC test was developed by ISTA in alliance with Amazon and is used as the standard protocol for general simulation. Ships in Own Container testing/SIOC testing challenges the durability of a package and its product to withstand common distribution hazards.
Ships in Own Container testing simulates the conditions of shipping and delivering a package, including calibrated drops and vibrations. The test procedure includes:
- Atmospheric preconditioning
- Shock testing, including a free-fall drop test, rotational edge drop, or a full rotational and flat drop
- Vibration testing
- Additional shock tests, including a free-fall drop, bridge impact test, or concentrated edge impact test
- Leak test for liquids
Each product is evaluated in its current package without the need for supporting materials. If the product needs added protection created with non-recyclable packaging materials for transit, then it would not fall within SIOC requirements.
Will your packaging meet Amazon SIOC requirements?
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Will Your Product Meet Amazon SIOC Requirements?
Amazon’s SIOC program is designed to minimize unnecessary packaging by allowing products to ship in their own containers without additional over-boxing from Amazon. However, to qualify for SIOC certification, products must meet specific size, weight, and durability standards, as well as pass rigorous testing protocols.
Our expert e-commerce package testing team has put together this quick & easy cheat sheet to help you determine whether your product could potentially qualify for Amazon SIOC certification. Download it now!
Amazon Package Testing Tiers
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 assessed against the tiers of Amazon’s Package Testing standards to achieve certification for Amazon’s Vendor Central interface.
- 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 Testing (SIOC Testing) 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 Amazon needing to apply additional prep to prevent damage or leakage.
Tier 1: Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP)
Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP) is designed to simplify the unboxing process while prioritizing sustainability and efficiency. It uses the product’s original packaging as the shipping container, eliminating excess materials like plastic wraps and additional boxes. FFP packaging is 100% curbside recyclable, easy to open within minutes, and tamper-resistant, ensuring products arrive safely and securely. Learn More About Amazon FFP >
Tier 3: Prep-Free Packaging (PFP)
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 products not six-sided) and which require an over box applied by Amazon. A certified PFP package is designed to ship effectively without Amazon needing to apply added prep/packaging to prevent damage or leakage. Learn More About Amazon PFP >
The Amazon Packaging Support & Supplier (APASS) Network
Purple Diamond is a certified member of Amazon’s Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS).
The Amazon APASS program was created by Amazon to better support vendors, sellers, and manufacturers in obtaining certification of their products for Frustration Free Packaging (FFP), Ships in Own Container (SIOC), or Prep-Free Packaging (PFP) validation. Members of the APASS Network have received guidance from Amazon and have already worked with manufacturers to supply, design, and test Amazon Certified Packaging. The APASS Network helps vendors get their products tested to the appropriate standards efficiently, without going through excessive testing supply chains.
Ready to Meet Amazon's SIOC Standards?
Ensure your products reach customers intact, waste-free, and ready to impress with Amazon’s Ships in Own Container (SIOC) certification. Our expert testing services validate your packaging to meet Amazon’s stringent guidelines, helping you streamline sustainability and enhance the customer experience.
Why Purple Diamond?
Here at Purple Diamond, we help e-commerce vendors across industries perfect their products for Amazon’s SIOC program, while also reducing packaging costs and improving efficiencies in their supply chains. As a member of the Amazon APASS Network, our expert team can supply the guidance and aid needed to meet the rigorous Amazon Packaging Certification standards in both design and validation. Using state-of-the-art testing equipment in our ISO-certified lab, we’ll help you ensure your packaging is fully optimized to withstand the challenges of modern distribution channels. From meeting Amazon’s stringent SIOC requirements to enhancing durability and sustainability, we work with you every step of the way to ensure your products arrive intact and ready for customers.
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