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.
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.
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.**
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.
