What does Amazon APASS certification mean to me?

APASS stands for the  Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network. Products can be certified as Prep Free Packaging (PFP), Ships in Own Container, and Frustration Free Packaging (FFP). 

Ring has worked with Amazon to achieve the necessary APASS insights, to assist e-commerce customers in optimizing both the design and manufacturing process to ensure your package will perform properly.

Ring certified APASS services

Ring is listed with APASS in North America to assist customers with their e-commerce packaging design needs in the following categories:

• Primary Packaging

• Food Safe Materials

• Rigid Plastics

• 3D Modeling

• Brand Redesign

• Packaging Development

• Prototyping

Ring PET packaging solutions for e-commerce containers 

Whether shipping in bulk or individual containers, Ring has a technology solution that is right for your products packaging.

HotLock ®: Jars containing hot filled products like jelly & jams, pickles, and sauces can benefit from lightweight shatterproof PET that is 100% recyclable.

BarrierGuard®  Enhance™ : Perfect for e-commerce and smaller carbonated beverages like energy drinks traditionally packaged in metal cans that can dent during shipping.

SmartCAN® : The 100% recyclable PET snack canister in custom sizes enables products to hold up under the stress of e-commerce transportation.

BarrierGuard® OxygenSmart™ :  The PET patented technology that passes APR critical guidelines for recyclability, also protects products like sauces, coffee, baby food, cooking oils, nuts, and ketchup from oxygen permeation and e-commerce transportation.

TRIMLITE®  & TRIMLITE®  XL : Industry leading light-weighting PET technology offers enhanced performance and strength over traditional containers making it ideal for e-commerce packaging.

Does APASS apply to our e-commerce business?

• Are your items durable goods, soft goods, or consumables?

• Do you sell through Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)?

• Do your packages measure over 18x14x8”, under 9x6x.375”, or weigh 20 lbs. or more?

• Are your products sold and shipped in the United States or Canada?

• If you said yes to the above questions, then your business and products require certification.

What is the Frustration-Free Packaging Program or FFP?

Amazon wants to increase customer satisfaction by reducing defective product delivery and decreasing environmental impact. The Frustration-Free Packaging Program works to accomplish this by having vendors and packaging experts focus on using the right types and sizes of packaging. Click here to see how Frustration-Free Packaging improves the customer experience.

Note: The consequences of not following these guidelines can include fines, suspensions, and even removal from Amazon’s marketplace.

How much do Amazon chargebacks cost?

Amazon fees vary depending on the activity line workers must manage to correct a deficient package for e-commerce shipping. A customer will incur a fee for each package requiring corrective activity by an Amazon employee.

What are the prep activities that Amazon performs?

• Bagging: Placing item(s) in a bag to protect from damage, dust, or leakage.

• Barcode sticker: Item requires a barcode sticker because the item required other prep, e.g. bubble wrapping, boxing, or bagging, which obscured the existing barcode and rendered it un-scannable.

• Bubble wrapping: Placing or wrapping item(s) in protective bubble wrap or bubble bag to prevent damage.

• Over boxing: Boxing a product to protect the product in the warehouse and during shipment. Product that is over boxed will be placed in an additional box at time of shipping (over box plus shipping box).

• Taping: Item requires taping to secure bag, box, bubble wrap bag, lid, or any time an opening is not secured.

• Stuffing: Adding dunnage to protect and secure the product when over boxed.

• Set Create: Creating a hard bundle of 2 or more items that are suitable for E-commerce.

How do I know if our packaging is APASS certified?

1. Know in which tier your package belongs (FFP, SIOC, or PFP)

• Products larger than 18x14x8 inches can fall into either the Frustration Free Packaging or Ships-In-Own container tiers.

• Products smaller than 9x6x.375 belong in the Prep Free Packaging tier.

2. Understand the packaging requirements as defined by APASS

• Products in the Frustration Free Packaging (FFP) tier must be easy to open, involve minimal packaging that is curbside recyclable, have no additional prep required and pass ISTA-6 SIOC testing.

• Products in the Ships-In Own-Container (SIOC) tier must have no additional prep required and pass ISTA-6 SIOC testing.

• Products in the Prep Free Packaging Tier must ship with an Amazon Over box and pass ISTA-6 Over box testing.

• Every package shipped through Amazon must protect its contents during delivery.

3. Have your products packaging assessed, tested, and certified?

• Once your packaging and business is certified, it’s important to find the right supply of protective packaging required for maintaining credentials.Ring can assist with your rigid e-commerce packaging needs from design to delivery.

Click here to review the Amazon Certification Process.

For more information, please reach out and a Ring representative will get back with you. We take your privacy very seriously. Click here to read our full privacy policy.