Amazon Packing Support and Supplier Network (APASS), is a network of companies that are certified to help e-commerce sellers ensure that their packaging strategy meets the required guidelines.
These guidelines are known as “Frustration-Free Packaging” and they apply to products that exceed 18” x 14” x 8” or are greater than 20 lbs. sold through Amazon. Businesses who do not meet these guidelines will be financially penalized on a per package basis.
Amazon has created a certified packaging program to address the concerns related to their distribution channel. Amazon’s goal is to increase customer satisfaction by reducing defective product delivery and decreasing environmental impact. The Frustration-Free Packaging Program works to accomplish this by having vendors and packaging experts focus on using the right types and sizes of packaging.
Depending what a vendor sells and how they decide to package it, they can potentially qualify for one of three APASS tiers.
The FFP Program standards were created to give customers what they want: minimal, protective, and functional packaging. Our experts at Great Northern Packaging can help you with your next packaging design and can test package integrity in our ISTA 6 certified testing lab to meet these standards.
**Great Northern can perform all three levels of testing.**
Tier 1 – also referred to as Frustration-Free packaging, this means all the packaging is 100% recyclable, easy to open, has the least possible packaging, and it’s met ISTA 6 minimum requirements.
Tier 2 – is referred to as Ships in Own Container Packaging. The requirements of Tier 2 SIOC packaging are similar to Tier 1 in regard to they both require ISTA-6 compliance and no over-boxing. However, the packaging is either not 100% recyclable, or it doesn’t have minimal packaging.
Tier 3 – is the third and final tier and is known as Prep-Free Packaging. This means that the packaging is ISTA 6 compliant, but an over-box is required.
Great Northern can help design, test, and produce a packaging solution to meet Amazon’s new guidelines. We are part of a select group of companies that are part of the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS), which is officially recognized by Amazon to support packaging solutions that help e-commerce vendors with their packaging challenges. Learn more about Great Northern’s certifications and capabilities.
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It’s in our DNA. And it is what our customers have come to expect with Great Northern.
How can we exceed your expectations?
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