Common
Questions
How many samples should I submit for testing?
For ISTA testing:
Only 1 sample is required, but that may not be enough to give you confidence that you have adequately tested the package integrity.
For Amazon SIOC testing:
1 sample for non-fragile and non-liquid products.
5 samples for fragile or liquid products, including electronics that are easily damaged when dropped from 18″ without packaging.
For Amazon Overbox testing:
2 samples for non-fragile and non-liquid products.
5 samples for fragile or liquid products, including electronics that are easily damaged when dropped from 18″ without packaging.
Do I need to test every ASIN?
If the form-factor is shared across those products or if the changes are very minor, you do not need to test each ASIN. Spark can help you evaluate whether you can reduce the testing effort required.
What are the minimum package dimensions for Amazon SIOC or FFP packages?
The minimum package dimensions that require certification are 6“ x 4” x 0.375“ to be certified as a FFP or SIOC package. Boxes with any dimension smaller must be certified and shipped as an Overbox. To be certified as FFP, all items larger than 18“ x 14“ x 8“ or 20 lbs. or more and sold through Amazon must be designed and certified as ready-to-ship (Tier 1 – FFP or Tier 2 – SIOC).
What determines my package passing or failing the Amazon SIOC or FPP testing?
Product damage, loss of function, collectible or gift items with outer package wear or integrity compromise can all cause a test failure. Failure definition and agreement should be reached cooperatively among all entities concerned with safe arrival of the shipment, low damage rates, cost effective packaging, etc.
What are the benefits of Amazon certification?
SIOC or PFP certification removes the prep flag at an ASIN – Vendor Level within the Amazon system, which can save you chargebacks for prep fees, lower your packaging costs, reduce your return rate and improve customer satisfaction overall.
Amazon packaging has created a list of common failure modes encountered during testing. These include:
- Not securely sealed
- Protrusions
- Box Integrity
- Carton Rupture
- Cutouts/Exposed Product
- Product Damage
- Not Six-sided
When is recertification required?
- There are any changes to packaging
- There are changes to product design
- Amazon observes damage during shipment to the customer
Amazon packaging has created a list of common failure modes encountered during testing. These include:
- Not securely sealed
- Protrusions
- Box Integrity
- Carton Rupture
- Cut-Outs/Exposed Product
- Product Damage
- Not Six Sided