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Amazon Prep-Free Packaging Testing

Proper PFP (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 a number of issues related to shipping quality and transit conditions that affect packages across industries. These conditions include the different 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 tested against the tiers of Amazon’s Package Testing standards in order to achieve certification for Amazon’s Vendor Central interface. This process is critical to optimizing 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 additional packaging to mitigate damages to packages during transit. Products designated for prep-free packaging will be moved multiple times while out for distribution. Such products have to be able to stay undamaged from the initial purchase order to delivery and arrival. To prepare and test 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 PFP

Amazon Package Testing Tiers

Amazon Prep-Free Packaging Testing

Amazon utilizes 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 different 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 validate that your products will maintain 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.

What is Amazon's Ships in Own Container (SIOC) Packaging?

Ships in Own Container (SIOC) is Amazon’s second tier of shipping certification, which was created to minimize waste by ensuring the product packaging is built to ship without the need for an Amazon Over Box. The product must be able to ship in its current package and be tested according to Amazon.com’s certification guidelines.

What is Amazon’s Prep-Free Packaging (PFP)?

Prep-Free Packaging (PFP) is Amazon’s third tier of 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 additional prep/packaging to prevent damage of leakage.

What is the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier (APASS) Network?

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.

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

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Achieving ISO 17025

Achieving ISO 17025 Accreditation is the pinnacle in third-party laboratory testing accreditation. It confirms that the facility has management, quality, and technical systems in place to ensure accurate and reliable analyses.

International Safe Transit Association

ISTA is revered as the certification standard for package testing for distribution. ISTA’s Testing Protocol remains a series of testing methodologies and standards well recognized within the packaging community.

Un Certification for Packaging

A select few companies are authorized by PHMSA as an approved third-party packaging testing laboratory in accordance with Hazardous Materials Regulations, critical to ensuring safe transport of dangerous goods.

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With over 12,000 standards globally, ASTM International’s fully transparent standards development enhances performance and confidence in consumer choices.
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The Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry’s peer-reviewed standards improve production through operational methods and industry recognized best practices.

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