Vendor Qualifications
Understand the packaging requirements to certify your products
Tier 1 - Frustration Free Packaging (FFP)
To qualify for this tier, your item’s packaging:
- Must be made of 100% curbside recyclable packaging materials
- Must be easy to open with minimal use of scissors or box cutters
- Cannot contain blister packs, plastic inserts, packaging peanuts, shredded paper, or welded clam shells
- Have all contents be removable from the package within 120 seconds
- Must meet all the standards of Tier 2 and 3
Tier 2 - Ships in Own Container (SIOC)
To qualify for this tier, your item’s packaging:
- Must be either a rigid 6-sided box, a rigid or padded mailer, or a bag
- Must meet the minimum dimensions of 6" x 4" x 0.375"
- For items in flexible packaging only: cannot exceed maximum dimensions 18" x 14" x 6" (L+H ≤ 21" and W+H ≤ 16") and 7lbs
- Be securely sealed to protect product within and follow the labeling and carton marking requirements (outlined in the Vendor Shipment Prep and Transportation Manual available in Vendor Central)
Tier 3 - Prep Free Packaging
To qualify for this tier, your item’s packaging:
- Must not require additional Amazon prep
There are some product exceptions to the program (e.g. hazmat products with transportation regulations) and additional packaging requirements. Review our full program guidelines (updated October 2024).
To make informed best-in-class packaging decisions for extra large packages, review our AMXL Packaging Guidelines.
Vendor Benefits
The benefits received depend on the tier of certification achieved
Amazon Packaging Tiers | |||
| Benefits | Tier 1 (FFP) | Tier 2 (SIOC) | Tier 3 (PFP) |
Reduction/removal of Amazon prep chargebacks:
When an ASIN is certified as Tier 1 (FFP), Tier 2 (SIOC) or Tier 3 (PFP) Amazon will ensure your ASIN is not sidelined to have additional Amazon-prep applied. This provides Vendors with the ability to avoid prep chargebacks (chargebacks are currently limited to non-sortable ASINs across NA and EU).
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Reduction/removal of Amazon Ships in Product Packaging chargebacks:
When an ASIN is certified as Tier 1 (FFP) or Tier 2 (SIOC), Amazon will ensure your ASIN is not levied a Ships in Product Packaging chargeback at inbound (chargebacks are currently limited to non-sortable ASINs across NA and EU).
(shown as Ship in Own Container (SIOC) chargebacks in Vendor Central) | ✔ | ✔ | |
Opportunity to reduce packaging costs:
Standard retail packaging is often designed to grab a customer’s attention by utilizing full-color glossy printing, being oversized to gain more shelf presence, or by employing windows, cutouts, and other costly packaging features not necessary for Amazon customers. By optimizing packaging for Amazon fulfillment and eliminating unnecessary package marketing features, Vendors can reduce waste, enhance sustainability and realize cost savings.
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Opportunity to reduce inbound transportation costs:
When packaging is optimized for Amazon fulfillment, the package is “right sized” for the total supply chain. Smaller packages translate to lower transportation costs (more units per pallet/truck/container).
| ✔ | ✔ | |
Opportunity to enhance your brand equity:
By owning your product’s packaging from beginning to end, you have the opportunity to keep your brand at the forefront of the customer experience.
| ✔ | ✔ | |
Improved customer unboxing and disposal with curbside recyclable materials
By certifying your products as Tier 1 (FFP), you’re shipping the least amount of packaging to customers and utilizing 100% curbside recyclable materials. This enables customers to have a quick unboxing experience and grants them the ability to easily recycle all packaging components.
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