APASS · ISTA 6 · accredited laboratory
Your packaging inspected by
the BFSV for shipping via Amazon
As an official member of the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS), the BFSV assists manufacturers and vendors in certifying their packaging according to the ISTA-6 Amazon test protocol—from the initial analysis to the submission of the test report.
Does my packaging require an Amazon packaging inspection?
For years, Amazon has been imposing increasingly stringent packaging requirements. Vendors who fail to meet these requirements risk chargebacks, penalties, and suspended vendor accounts. An APASS-compliant Test reduces precisely these costs—and signals to Amazon that your packaging is designed to be sustainable, efficient, and suitable for shipping.
Amazon sellers who do not comply with certain packaging standards can expect chargebacks and penalties. APASS certification reduces these very costs and improves visibility on the platform.
WHAT IS THE APASS NETWORK?
Through its Frustration-Free Packaging Program, Amazon has established clear packaging requirements. The APASS-Network consists of laboratories and institutes officially recognized by Amazon that assist vendors and manufacturers in meeting these requirements.
Who can get tested?
Manufacturers, vendors, and brands that sell products through Amazon—regardless of size or industry.
This is particularly relevant for products measuring more than 46 cm × 36 cm × 20 cm or weighing more than 9 kg.
What are the benefits of certification?
Avoiding chargebacks
better placement in the Amazon algorithm
reduced returns due to fewer shipping damages
more sustainable use of resources through optimized packaging quantities.
How does the testing process at the BFSV work?
The BFSV conducts the necessary tests in its accredited laboratory in Hamburg-Bergedorf and prepares the test reports in the format required by Amazon for submission to Seller Central. As an official member of the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS), the BFSV guides you through the entire process - from the initial analysis to the final report.
Four steps from the initial inquiry to a test report ready for submission.
Step 1
Inquiry & Consultation
You describe your product, the packaging, and the intended shipping method. Together, we determine the target certification.
Step 2
Test Planning
We will determine the appropriate ISTA-6 testing program for your packaging.
Step 3
Laboratory Testing
Drop, vibration, compression, and climatic conditioning in Hamburg-Bergedorf.
Step 4
Test Report
You will receive the audit report in the format required by Amazon – ready for Seller Central.
What is the ISTA-6 test?
This protocol, developed jointly by Amazon and the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA), simulates the specific transportation and logistics conditions within the Amazon distribution network—from the sorting facility to the last mile.
It simulates real-world transportation and handling situations, such as:
Impact and drop tests
Vibrations during transport
Compression and stacking loads
Conveyor belt and sorting facility processes
Stresses during the “last mile” to the end customer
The goal is to ensure that products arrive undamaged at the customer’s location and can be shipped without additional outer packaging whenever possible.
It comprises two main procedures:
1 - ISTA 6-Amazon.com-SIOC for products shipped in their own packaging, and
2 - ISTA 6-Amazon.com-Over Boxing for products that Amazon places in an additional shipping box.
Current: ISTA 6 Update March 2026.
The over-boxing project was revised in March 2026. For products frequently ordered together and shipped in the same box, the scope of testing may be expanded to include additional product combinations.
Which ISTA-6 testing method
is right for your shipment?
SIOC or Over Boxing? Which testing method is relevant
depends primarily on how your goods will later be shipped by Amazon.
SIOC or Over Boxing: What’s the difference?
SIOC (Ships in Own Container)
With SIOC, the product travels through the Amazon network in the exact packaging in which it is shipped, without any additional cardboard box. SIOC reduces material and shipping costs.
Over Boxing
With Overboxing, Amazon places the product in a second, outer shipping box, often along with cushioning material or other items. This provides additional protection for delicate or easily scratched products.
FFP
Frustration-Free Packaging
Highest Level · 100% recyclable, easy to open, minimal use of materials.
Requirement: ISTA-6 minimum requirements
Typical products: Consumer goods, electronics, household goods
SIOC · Most Common Choice
Ships in Own Container
Shipped in the product’s own packaging—no Amazon box required. Reduces costs and waste.
Requirement: ISTA-6 SIOC protocol
Typical products: Large appliances, furniture, bulky products (> 9 kg)
PFP
Prep-Free Packaging
No additional preparation required before shipping. Faster warehouse processing.
Requirement: ISTA-6 PFP protocol
Typical products: High-volume FBA sellers
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about
the Amazon packaging inspection
How does the testing process work in detail?
The testing process consists of four steps: inquiry and clarification of objectives, customized test planning according to the appropriate ISTA-6 protocol, laboratory testing with drop, vibration, and pressure loads as well as climate conditioning, and finally, the preparation of the test report in the format required by Amazon in Seller Central.
How long does the testing take?
Depending on the scope of testing, it takes anywhere from a few days to about two weeks. We’ll discuss during our initial consultation which scope makes sense for your situation.
What is the result of the testing?
You’ll receive a complete test report from the accredited BFSV laboratory in Hamburg-Bergedorf—formatted according to Amazon’s requirements and ready for direct submission to Seller Central.
How long is an APASS certificate valid?
As long as the material, dimensions, and structure of the packaging remain unchanged, the test report remains valid. If there are design changes, a new test is required.
What is the difference between SIOC and overboxing?
With SIOC (Ships in Own Container), your product is shipped in its own packaging without an additional Amazon box—which saves on materials and shipping costs. With overboxing, Amazon places the product in an outer shipping box, often with cushioning material. We determine which method is best suited for your product and shipping route.
Can I use the certificate for all Amazon marketplaces worldwide (Germany, U.S., U.K.)?
The ISTA-6 Amazon Protocol is an internationally recognized standard, so the test report can generally be used across all marketplaces. We’ll clarify marketplace-specific requirements during the initial consultation.
What happens if my packaging fails the test?
You’ll receive a test report highlighting the packaging’s weaknesses. Our experts will be happy to help you understand how to use this information to make improvements—resulting in packaging that meets Amazon’s requirements, reduces shipping damage, and saves on materials.
Why BFSV?
Top-quality testing and consulting since 1954
Amazon’s packaging requirements make packaging testing an important part of product qualification for many manufacturers and retailers. BFSV supports companies with independent Amazon ISTA 6 testing and technical evaluations to verify the shipping suitability of their products and help avoid issues within the Amazon fulfillment process.
Have your packaging tested under the Amazon APASS program and establish the basis for safe, compliant, and reliable distribution through the Amazon logistics network.
ISTA
Certified
ASTM
Recognized
DAkkS
Accredited
70+
Years of expertise
Take Action
Waiting costs more than testing.
Karolina Behrens
Dipl.-Ing.
Head of Laboratory for Shipping Simulation
It’s not too late. Make sure now that your new packaging isn’t just sustainable—it actually works.