Amazon FFP

The Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP) program is a great way for customers to receive products with easy-to-open packaging. This system was designed to make it easier and more convenient for customers when they purchase items from Amazon, as the company strives to provide the best possible experience. With FFP, customers can be sure that their purchases will arrive in less frustrating packaging that will not require them to struggle or use scissors or knives just to get into the box. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly the FFP program is and how it works.

Frustration-Free Packaging is all about ensuring that customers have the best possible packaging experience. This means that packaging should be protective, cost-effective, easy-to-open, and low waste. By meeting these criteria, customers are guaranteed an exceptional and stress-free experience, with minimal packaging waste to dispose of.

Packaging that:

• Protects the product
• Has no additional packaging
• Is easy-to-open
• Is recyclable

Naturally, the benefits of such an approach are not only for customers, but also for program participants like Sellers, Vendors, Manufacturers, and Distributors who realize the importance of reducing costs and waste. That’s why Amazon launched the ECR (E-commerce Ready Packaging) certification program in January 2014. This program ensures that products are packaged in a way that is optimal for shipping and that they can be easily dispatched in Amazon containers. The result is a better experience for everyone involved.

In order to take part in the program, vendors must sign up with Amazon and submit their product information through the online portal. Once accepted, they can then begin using FFP-compliant packaging which meets Amazon’s standards for safety, cost effectiveness and sustainability.

Once approved by Amazon, vendors are able to ship their products using FFP-compliant boxes, labels and inserts which are printed in accordance with the company’s guidelines.

Amazon’s FFP program requires that all packages shipped through the program must meet certain requirements, such as:

1. Protect The Product

A product’s packaging should be protective enough to ensure that it is received undamaged throughout the entire supply chain.

• Transportation to Amazon’s Fulfillment Centers.
• Moving within Amazon’s Fulfillment Centers.
• Shipping to customers.

2. No Additional Packaging

• Products are Shipped in their own container (SIOC), meaning they do not need an overbox to ship safely inside. The box is ship-ready.
• Packaging is sealed and ready to be shipped to a customer without extra protection or void filler.
• It contains markings that are crucial for proper storage, distribution, and fulfillment. These markings range from barcodes that help with inventory management to regulatory markings that ensure legal compliance.

3. Easy-To-Open

• The package needs to be opened within 120 seconds to be considered for the program. Making the final journey of the produce fast and easy.
• The packaging shouldn’t contain anything like plastic inserts, blister packs, clam shells, or anything else.

4. Recyclability

• The packaging material used should be “recyclable.”
• Use an optimized design that does not exceed 2.0 inches of empty space.

Getting certified for Amazon’s FFP program is quick and easy as long as all requirements are met. All it takes is a few simple steps: signing up with Amazon; submitting product information; designing compliant packaging; printing compliant labels; and shipping products according to guidelines.

Through a rigorous process of analysis and testing, these professionals collaborate to deliver secure and reliable packaging that meets the highest industry standards. From assessing the materials used to scrutinizing the design and structure, every element undergoes thorough scrutiny to ensure maximum efficiency. Once the initial technical analysis is complete, Amazon’s products are subjected to rigorous transit testing at either their own Packaging Certification Lab or an ISTA-certified facility.

• Enrollment: Enrolling your packages via Seller Central or Vendor Central in the Amazon Seller Marketplace.
• Lab Review: Submit package images for review to the online portal, and send samples to Amazon’s Packaging Certification Laboratory for transit testing. This involves a rigorous process similar to ISTA Testing.
• ASIN Launch: Once it passes through Lab Review & testing, Amazon certifies the ASINs like FFP or ECR. Then your products become eligible for additional benefits, including site marketing, and being featured on the Frustration-Free Packaging storefront.

Related: Learn More About The Certification Process 

Amazon’s Frustration Free Packaging (FFP) program is designed to make it easier for vendors to package and ship their products, while also reducing waste and ensuring safety. And by doing so, there are numerous benefits to you and your products.

Reduce Prep Chargebacks

When your product has to be re-packaged in Amazon’s warehouses, you get charged a prep chargeback. By getting FFP certified, you reduce the risk of these fees.

Reduce Package Costs

This type of packaging is much more optimized for e-commerce, and streamlines all designs and costs. So your finished packaging will be simpler, and typically cost less as you eliminate things like glossy finishes.

Reduce Inbound Transportation Cost

Efficient packaging is a key component of successful shipping operations. By utilizing smaller packages, vendors can save money and create space for additional units on trucks and pallets. This approach not only benefits the vendor but also Amazon, as it reduces shipping costs and ensures that customers receive their packages in a timely and affordable manner. It’s a smart strategy that benefits all parties involved.

Amazon’s chargebacks apply to certain products:

• Are not certified as Tier 1/Tier 2 (SIOC or FFP).
• Exceed 20 lbs or 18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches. 

Did you know that certain product categories like Pets are exempt from chargebacks? However, it’s important for sellers to stay up to date on policies to avoid running into unnecessary trouble. Keeping yourself informed can ensure that your business stays on the right track.

It is clear that Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging Certification process offers many benefits for vendors. It can help reduce chargebacks, package costs, inbound transportation costs and more. By following the information provided above, you can ensure your products are eligible for FFP or ECR certification from either an Amazon’s Packaging Certification Lab or ISTA-certified facility.

With Bennett at your side to provide guidance through this complex process, you will be able to maximize all of the advantages available with Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging program and take your business to new heights!