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Amazon recently updated its packaging guidelines and resources. Its packaging program is now known as Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP), with three tiers that include Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP), Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP), and Prep-Free Packaging (PFP).

Vendors, merchants, and brands using FBA can use these guidelines to reduce packaging waste, lower fulfillment costs, and align with Amazon’s sustainability goals.

This guide will give you an overview of Amazon’s sustainable packaging requirements, steps to get certified, best practices, and more. Contact us for individual help meeting Amazon’s FFP and SIPP packaging requirements, and we’ll be happy to help.

Table of Contents

• At a Glance: What Is Frustration-Free Packaging On Amazon?
• Big Picture: What You Need to Know About PFP, FFP, and SIPP
• What Are Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging and Ships in Product Packaging Programs?
• Frustration-Free Packaging in Action
• Benefits of Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging Program
• ISTA Requirements and Testing for Amazon
• Getting Certified for Amazon: Self-Testing or Third-Party Testing
• Frequently Asked Questions About Amazon’s Packaging Programs
• Sustainable Packaging Inspiration for Brands Selling On Amazon
• How EcoEnclose Helps Brands Working With Amazon
• Additional Resources

We’re on a mission to make eCommerce a force for positive change for the planet and its people.

I’ve made no secret of the fact that I have some issues with Amazon, a platform that has built a culture of shoppers who expect free two-day (and now same-day) shipping and many who compare offerings looking for bottom-level cost alone (rather than quality, ethics, and more).

Most independently owned businesses have likely felt firsthand just how challenging these shopper expectations have made it for them to attract, convert, and satisfy their customers. On top of that, many stories have been shared about how Amazon treats its warehouse workers, putting them on such tightly monitored quotas and schedules that they don’t even have time for a restroom break.

Most independently owned businesses within our EcoAlly community that I have the privilege of interacting with treat their team members with dignity and compassion. This is one of the many reasons they find competing within Amazon’s low-cost culture difficult.

Despite these issues, I also fully recognize that - given its scale and ubiquitous presence in the minds of shoppers worldwide - Amazon has become a platform that many, many unique small businesses have come to rely on as their primary sales platform and fulfillment network.

This fact is true for many of the sustainable brands we work with. Because of this, we receive lots of questions each week related to Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging Program.

Brands call us wondering if they can use our packaging solutions to create a packaging strategy that can be Frustration-Free Packaging certified (yes!). Many wonder what the FFP program even is (read on!). Some aren’t sure how to get certified (you can do it yourself!). Some wonder if their packaging can be sustainable simply because they have designed it to meet Amazon’s guidelines (no, FFP is the bare minimum for sustainability).

This guide will help answer these questions and more for any brands selling on or through Amazon.

- Saloni Doshi, CEO at EcoEnclose

Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP) program, now known as Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP), has two primary goals:

1. Lower the cost of packaging and fulfillment by reducing material use and labor costs.

2. Reduce customer frustration with packaging and create a streamlined experience.

Historically, two primary concerns customers have had with Amazon packaging were related to waste (such as the large shipping boxes containing a single tiny product) and packaging recycling. These sustainability concerns have become central tenets of Amazon’s packaging goals.

There are three tiers of Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP). The sustainability-related requirements of FFP, the highest and most stringent tier, are as follows:

1. Packaging that is right-sized as much as possible for a 30% box utilization score,

2. Packaging that is 100% curbside recyclable, and

3. Packaging that can be shipped as is and doesn’t require an over box to ship.

EcoEnclose works with many brands that sell through Amazon’s FBA services, and we are well-equipped to help companies work through these Frustration-Free Packaging requirements. Specifically, we can help your brand:

• Develop primary packaging that is also shippable, so you can qualify for SIOC (Ships in Own Container), which is the second tier of Amazon’s FFP program

• Developing a packaging strategy that is 100% curbside recyclable, including your shipper, void fill, tape, hangtags, notecards, and labels

• Right-sizing your packaging by matching your products with the exact right custom box or bag size and minimizing the amount and weight of void fill that is needed

Amazon Packaging Guidelines: FBM vs FBA

First, when we talk about brands “using Amazon as their fulfillment arm,” what do we mean?

When selling through Amazon, small, independently owned companies can simply list and sell through Amazon but fulfill orders themselves or with a non-Amazon third party (FBM = fulfilled by a merchant) or can choose to have orders fulfilled through Amazon (FBA = fulfilled by Amazon).

Amazon’s FFP program is for brands fulfilled through Amazon (FBA). These companies must consider if and how their primary packaging aligns with Amazon’s warehousing and fulfillment requirements.

That’s where Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging & Ships in Product Packaging Program comes into play.

Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP) is a set of guidelines Amazon sellers must adhere to with their packaging to avoid penalties or chargebacks.

The FFP initiative was established in 2008, partly in response to the “wrap rage” many of their customers were experiencing when they found their deliveries came in excessive, unnecessary packaging and void fill - making packages challenging to open and difficult to dispose of. 

What began as a voluntary initiative then became a mandatory one. Starting September 3, 2019, Amazon began requiring compliance with their FFP guidelines, levying a $1.99 chargeback per unit sold for retail vendors whose packaging is not certified. 

In 2024, Amazon updated FFP, rebranding the program as “Ships in Product Packaging.” The three tiers within this program are Prep-Free Packaging, Ships in Product Packaging, and (the highest) Frustration-Free Packaging. As part of this update, Amazon also launched a Sustainability Solutions Hub to centralize the needed resources for current and future Amazon sellers. 

Through the SIPP program, Amazon’s goal is that every package shipped by the company falls into one of these certification tiers to lower costs, reduce packaging frustration, and decrease waste.

There are three tiers within this program, which have some overlapping requirements:

• Tier 3: Prep-Free Packaging (PFP). Intended for sortable goods that cannot be shipped in their own packaging, this tier aims to reduce the need for Amazon workers to adjust or add packaging before shipping.

• Tier 2: Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP). For goods large enough to be shipped alone, the SIPP certification requires that product packaging can also be used to ship to the end consumer.

• Tier 1: Frustration-Free Packaging (FPP). This tier adds onto Tier 2, requiring simplified, easy-to-open packaging that is also curbside recyclable.

The following tables outline the basic requirements of the three tiers within Amazon’s packaging program.

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When Amazon first introduced its FFP program in 2008, the company set it up with an incentive approach - vendors and products that met these standards were offered monetary rewards.

Then, in 2019, Amazon transitioned to a more punitive system. At that point, all non-sortable ASINs became subject to chargebacks if they didn’t meet Tier 3 (PFP) certification. All sortable ASINs became subject to chargebacks if they did not meet Tier 2 (SIPP) certification.

Given this, the most immediate and obvious benefit for brands to package according to these standards is to avoid the $1.99 chargeback per unit shipped they would otherwise face.

Amazon does not assess any chargebacks for not meeting Tier 1 FFP certification. So what are the benefits of achieving this highest level?

In their updated packaging requirement manual, Amazon also outlines the following benefits for vendors and sellers who work to comply with SIPP packaging requirements.

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Amazon FBA sellers should ensure their packaging meets Tier 2 and Tier 3 standards at a minimum. Meeting these standards will save them money on packaging costs and help them avoid chargebacks.

Most brands working with us are likely already meeting Tier 1 standards, and there is no real downside to achieving Tier 1 certification. However, the ecological requirements of FFP mean that it should be considered a baseline starting point, not a finishing line or a true sustainability win.

Additionally, the benefits of FFP certification to one’s sales and brand are not proven or obvious. As such, if the time required to achieve Tier 1 certification is not something you have, don’t beat yourself up over skipping this step.

To be certified, packaging must undergo transit testing, conducted according to the International Safe Transit Association test methods:

• ISTA 6-Amazon.com (SIPP) used for Tier 1 (FFP) and Tier 2 (SIPP) testing.

• ISTA 6-Amazon.com Over-Boxing method used for Tier 3 (PFP).

ISTA developed these ISTA 6-Amazon.com tests in cooperation with Amazon and has designed them as simulations that challenge the capability of the package and product to withstand common transport conditions.

Sortable ASINs, which are only subject to PFP requirements, must pass ISTA 6-Amazon.com Over-Boxing tests.

Standard packages (subject to SIPP requirements), defined as packages weighing less than 50 lbs and with dimensions over 6” x 4” x 0.375”, need to pass the Type A ISTA 6-Amazon.com tests. There are four required testing steps for most types of packaging, ranging from vibration to shock to atmospheric conditioning.

Oversize packaging (subject to SIPP requirements), defined as packages weighing more than 50lbs or whose longest dimension is over 108” (or whose girth is over 165”), needs to pass Type B through Type F testing.

This table from Amazon summarizes what tests your product and packaging would be subject to.

The specific ISTA SIPP tests, from Type A through Type F, can all be found here.

Source: Sell on Amazon YouTube

There are three paths your brand can take to certify packaging for Amazon:

Amazon’s packaging program is known as Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP), formerly Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP). This program has three tiers: Prep-Free Packaging (PFP), Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP), and Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP). Brands that meet these requirements and get their packaging certified can avoid chargebacks and penalties and reduce overall fulfillment costs.

There is some confusion around these terms since Ships in Product Packaging is the updated name of Amazon’s packaging program and a tier within the program itself. 

Frustration-Free Packaging is the highest tier of the program. To qualify for this tier, packaging must be curbside recyclable, able to be opened fully within 120 seconds with minimal tool use, and free from elements like blister packs, among other requirements. 

Ships in Product Packaging is the middle tier of the program. To qualify for this tier, products must be in primary packaging that can be shipped directly to the consumer, without additional overboxing or preparation required by Amazon.

Essentially, yes. SIPP (Ships in Product Packaging) is a rebrand of SIOC (Ships in Own Container). These programs refer to product packaging that can be used for shipping to customers without more packaging added by Amazon.

Amazon does not require brands selling through their platform to get certified through FFP/SIPP. However, brands not pursuing these certifications may be subject to chargebacks or other penalties.

For most brands, it’s worth pursuing all three SIPP/FFP certification tiers. Certification helps your brand avoid chargebacks, reduce packaging waste, lower fulfillment costs, and increase visibility for customers.

Brands selling small, sortable goods should pursue Tier 3 (Prep-Free Packaging) certification to avoid chargebacks, but may not be subject to Tier 1 or 2 requirements.

Here are the steps you need to take to become SIPP certified.

1. Review current packaging. The first step is to audit your current packaging to see how it measures up to Amazon’s requirements. Determine if you must change materials, designs, or packaging elements to meet PFP, SIPP, or FFP standards.

2. Evaluate products and packaging needs. Next, group together similar ASINs to determine your packaging needs.

3. Design & update packaging. Update your packaging with any changes you discovered during your audit. You may need separate sizes or solutions for different ASIN groupings to meet SIPP requirements if you sell various products.

4. Test and evaluate. Once your packaging is ready, you can get certified for ISTA damage protection through self-testing, Amazon’s packaging lab, or third-party testing.

5. Enroll. Once you’ve evaluated your packaging and passed the necessary tests, you can enroll through Amazon’s Seller Central. Be sure not to start this step until your packaging is cleared, otherwise you will have to start over and re-enroll.

Need help getting started? Reach out to our team, and we’ll answer all your questions and help you identify the best path to creating packaging that aligns with Amazon’s requirements.

Here are some ideas to jumpstart your packaging journey as an Amazon FBA seller.

Is your brand looking to start working with Amazon, or improve your current packaging to better align with their updated SIPP and FFP programs? We’re here to help!

Our EcoAllies are well-positioned to achieve Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 certification within Amazon’s SIPP program.

Here are specific ways we’ve helped brands working with Amazon:

Recyclability

Our packaging is recyclable, and all of our paper-based packaging is designed for curbside recyclability, an essential requirement for Tier 1 of FFP.

Right-Sized Packaging

We work with every brand to right-size packaging - and shipping boxes in particular - for their specific products, allowing for very high box utilization.

Poly Mailer Thickness

Our poly mailers are 2.5 mils, exceeding Amazon’s thickness requirements for flexible packaging.

Easy-to-Open Designs

From tear strips to intuitive void fill, we help brands create an engaging, unboxing experience free from frustration.

Additionally, we’re here to support you in working to meet and exceed Amazon’s sustainable packaging goals by: 

• Replacing undesirable materials, like PVC and PP film, with preferred materials

• Choosing packaging that meets Amazon’s protection standards

• Providing guidance for self-testing packaging

• Moving multi-layered films to mono-material, recyclable pouches

• Matching label material to the primary substrate to maximize recyclability

• Maximizing post-consumer waste across all materials

• Helping you secure How2Recycle® labeling

• Providing guidance for verifying sustainability claims or achieving relevant certifications

• Creating custom branded packaging that shares your eco-commitments and stands out to eCommerce customers

• And more!

Our unique Sustainable Packaging Framework helps streamline decision-making, and our rigorous standards for all products ensure your packaging goes well beyond the minimum sustainability requirements set by Amazon. We leverage our experience working with hundreds of brands, from the smallest startups to the most robust enterprise brands, to help you create a working packaging strategy.

To get started, you can request free samples, explore our extensive resource library, or get in touch for a free consultation.

• Amazon Sustainability Solutions Hub for Sellers
• Amazon Sustainability - Packaging Waste
• Amazon Packaging Recycling Guidance Center
• Amazon Packaging - SIPP Program Overview
• Amazon Frustration Free Packaging Guidelines
• Amazon Packaging - Vendor Certifications
• Amazon Standard Operating Procedure for Testing and Enrollment of Fragile ASINs at Amazon Packaging Lab
• Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS)
• Amazon Ships in Product Packaging Certification Guidelines for Sellers
• Amazon Packaging Case Studies
• ISTA Lab Database
• ISTA SIOC Specifications

EcoEnclose is the leading sustainable packaging company that provides eco-packaging solutions to the world’s most forward-thinking brands.

We develop diverse, sustainable packaging solutions that meet our rigorous research-based standards and customers’ goals. We drive innovative packaging materials to market and consistently improve the circularity of existing solutions.