Technical information - amazon packaging certification requirements updated

On February, 2020, Amazon updated the minimum package dimensions requirements for FFP and SIOC packaging certification. The minimum package dimensions to certify an ASIN as FFP or SIOC are changed from 9"×6"×0.375" to 6"×4"×0.375". The update has been implemented since February 1, 2020, and the waiver grace deadline for the no-compliance chargeback is August 1, 2020.

In recent years, Amazon has vigorously promoted their sustainable packaging programs. Amazon expects that beginning September 3, 2019, all ASINs that meet the following criteria must be certified through Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging Certification programs as FFP or SIOC. The ASINs that require certification but not be certified will be issued a chargeback of $1.99/unit.

•   ASIN item package dimensions＞18"×14"×8" or greater than 20lbs. (Any packaged item with its longest side more than 18", or its shortest side more than 8", or its median side more than 14"or greater than 20lbs.); and

  •   Any packaged item with its longest side more than 6", and its shortest side more than 0.375", and its median side more than 4".

This update on the minimum package dimensions means that more packages will be included in the range that must be certified as FFP or SIOC. And Amazon has provided specific examples to specify the package will be subjected to this chargeback:

Example 1: ASIN package dimensions at 19"×4.5"×4.5"

As this ASIN has the longest dimension (19") greater than 18" it would be eligible for the chargeback. However, as the median dimension (4.5") fell below the previous minimum acceptable dimensions (6") to qualify for FFP or SIOC, this ASIN was excluded. But with the new minimum FFP or SIOC dimensions at 6"×4"×0.375", as the median dimension (4.5") not fell below the acceptable dimensions (4"), this ASIN would now be considered eligible for the chargeback.

Example 2: ASIN package dimensions at 19"×3"×3"

While this ASIN’s longest dimension is greater than 18", it now would remain excluded from the chargeback as the median dimension (3") is less than the minimum median dimension of 4" to qualify as FFP or SIOC.

GST reminds relevant companies to prepare for this update and collect relevant information so that your products meet the last Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging certification requirements. We have a professional team to keep you up-to-date on regulations and standards and provide the most comprehensive and economical test solutions.