Amazon to Require Certified Packaging as of August 1, 2019

Ten years ago, Amazon established the Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP) program. Its objective was to reduce the environmental impact of packaging while also cutting storage and delivery costs.

According to Amazon, this program contributed to eliminating 244,000 tonnes of packaging material and saving 305 million shipping boxes in 2017 alone.

Based on the positive impact of this initiative on the carbon balance, the e-commerce giant decided to take major steps toward “forcing a change” effective August 1, 2019.

AMAZON TO REQUIRE CERTIFIED PACKAGING

As of that date, all articles sold via Amazon and measuring larger than 45.5 cm x 34.0 cm x 26.5 cm (18” x 14” x 8”) or weighing more than 20 lbs. will have to be designed and certified ready-to-ship (Level 1, FFP; or Level 2, SIOC or Ships in Own Container).

This guideline does not apply to the following categories of articles:

• Amazon Standard Identification Numbers (ASINs) classified as hazardous products (for example, lithium-ion batteries)
• Amazon Pantry or Amazon Fresh ASINs

Retailers or suppliers selling products via Amazon will have to comply with this requirement effective August 1, 2019. Those failing to do so and not qualifying for exemption will find themselves paying a penalty of US$1.99 per unit.

HOW DO COMPANIES GET CERTIFIED?

Merchandise will have to pass the ISTA 6 SIOC (FFP/SIOC) or ISTA 6 Overbox (PFP) test.

Our ISTA-certified laboratory offers a range of trials and certification tests:

• 6 — Amazon.com-Overbox
• 6 — Amazon.com-SIOC Type A
• 6 — Amazon.com-SIOC Type B
• 6 — Amazon.com-SIOC Type D

This testing process ensures that products and their packaging will resist specific conditions. It involves a series of standardized, reproducible tests based on the actual storage, shipping and handling conditions to which goods shipped by mail will be exposed.

INCENTIVE CREDIT

To promote certification, Amazon is offering a credit of US$1.00 per unit to suppliers that get their articles certified to Frustration-Free Packaging program requirements between September 17, 2018, and July 31, 2019.

The multiple aims of this Amazon-prescribed certification include:

• protecting products against damage
• streamlining packaging sizes
• ensuring that products can be shipped without additional packaging
• making packaging ideally recyclable and easier to open.

Contact one of our packaging optimization experts, who will be pleased to provide additional information and assist you with the certification process so you can avoid future penalties.

INITIATIVE IN A NUTSHELL