Testing
Certification
E-Commerce & Amazon APASS Package Testing
The Spark Packaging Lab’s APASS accreditation allows us to certify for global standards that ensure you can ship your product safely. Our consistent communication, attention to detail and responsiveness make us a company you can trust. And the confidentiality and security of your product and packaging are as important to us as they are to you.
Here’s what you need to know in simple terms.
APASS Tier 1: Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP)
Frustration-Free Packaging is the gold standard of Amazon’s packaging certification program
and requires packaging that is designed with both the end customer and environment in mind.
FFP certified packaging:
- Must pass the Amazon.com-SIOC test protocol
- Product-to-Packaging Ratio (> 30% for fragile products & > 50% for non-fragile)
- 100% Curbside Recyclable Packaging Materials
- Easy-To-Open in under 2 minutes
APASS Tier 2: Ships In Own Container (SIOC)
Ships In Own Container, the second tier of certification, reduces environmental waste
by ensuring packaging is designed to ship without the need for an Amazon Overbox.
- Ships without an Amazon Overbox (6″ x 4″ x 0.375″)
- No Prep Required by Amazon
- Minimal Damage/Defect Rates
- Reduces Shipping Costs
APASS Tier 3: Prep-Free Packaging (PFP)
Prep-Free Packaging, the third tier of certification, is designed for items not capable of shipping
in their own container (i.e. liquid product that is not six-sided) requiring an Amazon Overbox.
A certified PFP package is designed to ship effectively without the need for Amazon to apply
additional prep to prevent damage or leakage.
- Ships in an Amazon Overbox
- No Prep Required by Amazon
- Minimal Damage/Defect Rates
- Amazon OVERBOX Test Compliant
- Reduces Shipping Costs
AMAZON.COM - Overbox
This tests an individual packaged-product weighing 70 pounds or less, being placed into a master shipping Overbox, either by itself or with multiple individually packaged-products with the addition of air pillows for shipment to the consumer through a parcel delivery system. This challenges the capability of both package and product, whether primary package or transport package, to withstand the general damage-producing motions, forces, conditions and sequences of this environment.
AMAZON.COM-SIOC (Ships In Own Container)
This test is for packaged-products shipped by Amazon.com Fulfillment Centers and delivered to final customer destinations via parcel or less-than-truckload (LTL) outbound shipment methods. This challenges the capability of both package and product to withstand transport hazards normally encountered during handling and transportation. Amazon.com vendors with items intended to utilize SIOC are encouraged to use this test to understand the protective performance of their packaging.
Type A:
- Shipment Method: Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products
- Handling Method: Standard Handling Method
- Weight & Dimensions: Less than 50 lb (23 kg) & Girth equal to or less than 165” (4.19 m)
Type B:
- Shipment Method: Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products
- Handling Method: Standard Handling Method
- Weight & Dimensions: 50 lb (23 kg) to Less than 100 lb (45 kg) & Girth equal to or less than 165” (4.19 m)
Type C:
- Shipment Method: Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products
- Handling Method: Standard Handling Method
- Weight & Dimensions: 100 lb (45 kg) or Greater & Girth equal to or less than 165” (4.19 m)
Type D:
- Shipment Method: Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products
- Handling Method: Standard Handling Method
- Weight & Dimensions: Less than 100 lb (45 kg) or Girth greater than 165’’ (4.19 m)
Type E:
- Shipment Method: Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products
- Handling Method: Standard Handling Method
- Weight & Dimensions: 100 lb (45 kg) or Greater or Girth greater than 165’’ (4.19 m)
Type G: TV/Monitor
- Product Category: TV/Monitor
- Shipment Method: Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products
- Handling Method: Standard Handling Method
- Weight & Dimensions: Less than 150 lb (68 kg) & Girth equal to or less than 165’’ (4.19 m)
Type H: TV/Monitor
- Product Category: TV/Monitor
- Shipment Method: Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products
- Handling Method: Standard Handling Method
- Weight & Dimensions: 150 lb (68 kg) or Greater or Girth greater than 165’’ (4.19 m)
Need more detailed information?
Amazon has a variety of resources. Here are a few of the guidelines that we found to be the most useful:
Our testing equipment
VIBRATION
Table size
35” x 35”
Max sample weight
771 lbs
Max displacement
3.93”
Max velocity
3.28 ft/s
DROP
Heights
15.75”-59”
Sample Size
47” x 47” x 47”
Max Weight
220 lbs
CRUSH
Max Force
4409 lbs
Platform Size
39” x 47” x 39”
IMPACT
Max Weight
1,322 lbs
Steel Impact Surface Area
63” x 90.5”
Rolling Carriage Surface
55” x 47”
Incline
angle to 10%
Velocity Range
3.6-7.5 ft/s
CLIMATE
Chamber Dimensions
38” x 38” x 38”
Temperature Range
-20º-140º Fahrenheit
Humidity Range
15%-85%
Spark can test against custom climate parameters, or you can select from the industry standard settings listed below.
Industry Standard Climate Parameters:
Extreme Cold: 72 hours at -20°F and uncontrolled humidity
Cold, Humid: 72 hours at 40°F and 85% humidity
Controlled Conditions: 72 hours at 73°F and 50% humidity
Hot, Humid: 72 hours at 100°F and 85% humidity then 6 hours at 140°F and 30% humidity
Elevated Temperature: 72 hours at 120°F and uncontrolled humidity
Extreme Heat, Dry: 72 hours at 140°F and 15% humidity
Severe Cold: 72 hours at 0°F and uncontrolled humidity