Helping You Understand APASS Requirements
Amazon worked with the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) to create the ISTA 6 Amazon certified package program to address issues related to the Amazon distribution channel, particularly with respect to damage prevention, easy opening and environmental concerns.
Each packaging tier has its own requirements and advantages. The three Amazon APASS package certification tiers are:
Tier 1: Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP). Tier 1 products must be easy to open in one or two minutes, have minimal packaging that is made from recyclable materials, and require no additional prep by Amazon. Packaging must be certified ISTA 6 – Amazon SIOC Test Compliant by a certified lab.
Tier 2: Ships-In-Own-Container (SIOC). Products in this category require no prep such as an Amazon box or overbox. Tier 2 packaging must be tested by a certified lab and confirmed to be ISTA 6 – Amazon SICO Test Compliant.
Tier 3: Prep-Free Packaging (PFP). PFP products must be shipped using an Amazon overbox. Tier 3 goods must pass ISTA 6 – Amazon Overbox (OB) testing by a certified lab.
Durable or soft goods and consumables that are sold and shipped in the United States and Canada through FBA are eligible for APASS packaging and shipping. Products larger than 18” x 14” x 8” fit into both Tier 1 and Tier 2, while products smaller than 9” x 6” x .375 fall into Tier 3.