Amazon’s APASS is a set of guidelines from the ecommerce giant ensuring a more convenient and sustainable shipping experience.
As ordering online continues to grow and customer demand increases, more emphasis and scrutiny has naturally been placed on delivery services including packaging and speed. APASS was introduced to simplify the process for all parties and ensure quality and efficiency for supply chains..
What is APASS?
In the shipping and delivery industry, APASS stands for Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network. The ecommerce company created a set of guidelines that lay out how products should be packed in order to save time, avoid waste and damage while also improving the unpacking experience.
APASS was developed and introduced to guide vendors, sellers and manufacturers in certifying their products.
The network includes a list of companies that have been certified by Amazon to meet these guidelines. Depending on the type of company and products being handled, the network is divided into three tiers which we will look at in more detail shortly.
What Does ISTA Stand for in Packaging?
ISTA in the world of packaging stands for the International Safe Transit Association. It carries out testing for its transit tested certification programme. It allows member organisations to label their packaging and non-members to verify their compliance through test reports.
Amazon’s packaging has become a major focus of the company and it has partnered with ISTA to introduce ISTA 6 Amazon to deal with past concerns about packaging in its distribution channel. That’s how the APASS network was created, which consists of a group of labs – including AQM BD-QAI – which have the facilities and ability to conduct ISTA testing.
The 3 Amazon APASS Tiers
As mentioned, Amazon’s APASS programme is broken into three tiers for classifying products. The packaging for an item will determine which it is assigned to and below the three groups are explained in more detail.
Tier 1: Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP)
The packaging in this tier should be ISTA 6 SIOC tested and approved while being made of recyclable materials. It should also be minimal and easy to remove within a time of two minutes. Amazon does not need to prepare anything such as an Amazon box or over box and damage rates should be kept low.
Tier 2: Ships-In-Own-Container (SIOC)
The packaging in this tier must also be ISTA 6 SIOC compliant and have been tested by a certified lab. There is no need for Amazon to oversee prep in this tier including an Amazon box or over box. Again, there should be very low damage rates in this tier.
Tier 3: Prep-Free Packaging (PFP)
The third tier means the packaging should be ISTA 6-Amazon OB Test compliant which needs to be confirmed by a certified lab. The product will be shipped in an Amazon box but that is the only prep from Amazon needed. There should be minimal damage rates in the PFP tier.
Benefits of APASS
There are several benefits of complying with Amazon’s APASS guidelines. If your package falls into the tier 1 and tier 2 brackets, they will take advantage of reduced packaging costs, reduced prep chargebacks from Amazon and a lower transportation cost. If your package falls into the third tier, it will benefit from reduced Amazon prep chargebacks.
How to Comply with FFP and APASS
How you comply with Amazon’s FFP programme and APASS requirements will naturally depend on what you are selling and looking to ship. Identifying the product first then packing it will determine how Amazon requires you to ship it. If you are shipping multiple products with a range of sizes and delivery requirements, it becomes a larger project that should be carried out by a certified APASS member. In August 2019, AQM BD was approved by Amazon as an APASS package testing provider.
How to get APASS Certified
Amazon package certification saves you time and money as when they become certified through a third party, it means additional preparation isn’t needed by Amazon. Reducing waste and being easier for the consumer to open makes complete sense too.
As an ISTA-certified testing lab, AQM BD can test and certify your product packaging for Tier 1: FFP, Tier 2: SIOC and Tier 3: PFP without requiring any additional testing or documentation from Amazon. Once your product packaging passes the target certification, we provide you with the Amazon standard lab report that you will upload to Amazon for quick certification.
For more information or to certify your products, email inquiry@AQM BD.com today and one of our experts will be in touch.
Related Content:
AQM BD Approved by Amazon as an APASS Package Testing and Certification Provider
ISTA Testing: Ensuring the Safe Delivery of Goods
About AQM BD
With over 25 years of experience in quality assurance, AQM BD is ready to help your import and export business build a robust quality assurance plan. Our many service locations are prepared to be your one-stop-shop for inspection needs. Including, production monitoring, pre-shipment and sorting inspections and everything in between. Contact us today to find out how we can help you navigate your current quality control challenges.
