Amazon SIPP: Ships in Product Packaging Program

Amazon SIPP (Ships in Product Packaging ) allow sellers to ship products in their own packaging without additional Amazon material. To qualify for the SIPP program, all packaging must pass some physical tests through a self-drop test or International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) 6 lab test. When the packaging has been updated to meet SIPP program requirements, test the largest/bulkiest product in the product group. Also Amazon has partnered with the ISTA to develop comprehensive test methods for items in both rigid and flexible packaging.

What is Amazon Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP)?

SIPP allows sellers to use their custom packaging to ship products directly to customers; also this step allows qualifying Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) orders to ship in their original manufacturer containers, without any need for Amazon-added packaging materials. Furthermore, this program not only reduces the packaging but also helps sellers lower fulfillment costs.

Benefits of  Amazon SIPP

• Reduced Packaging Waste: The SIPP program allows sellers to ship their products in their own
  packaging, removing the need for additional Amazon packaging. Moreover this reduces the amount of packaging waste, contributing to a more sustainable environment.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Similarly by shipping products in seller’s own packaging, sellers can offer a more tailored and premium unboxing experience to customers. Moreover, the less packaging also leads to easier and quicker access to the product.

• Cost Savings on Fulfillment Fees: In addition sellers who participate in the SIPP program benefit from decreased fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fulfillment fees. As Amazon realizes the cost savings associated with using less packing materials and labor to handle simpler packaging.
• Improved Inventory Management: Because of uniform packing sizes and types, SIPP-enrolled products are easier to manage in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. As a result, storage and handling activities become more efficient, potentially improving inventory management and turnover rates.
• Simplified Shipping Process: Moreover standardized, SIPP-compliant packaging can help to ease the shipping process. As a result, products are more likely to be dispatched straight in their original packaging
  without additional boxing, which helps accelerate the fulfillment cycle and shorten processing times.

Amazon SIPP Testing Requirements

1. Determine testing method:

•  Self-test: Suitable when the products are non-fragile without liquids, sharp objects, or small granular
  components.
• Fragile products, comprising sharp items or liquids, require an ISTA 6 lab test. Here, certification must be obtained through an ISTA-6 lab on Amazon’s APASS network.

2. Test Instructions:

• Self-testing involves numbering package sides and performing 17 drop tests from specific heights to assess damage.
  However flexible packaging requires an additional material strength test.
• Third-Party Lab Testing: ISTA-certified labs provide a detailed report on packaging performance.

3. Evaluate and Document:

• Evaluate the product for visible damage, loss of function, or compromised seals when testing is done.
• Documentation: Take pre- and post-test images and offer full descriptions of the testing process.

Third-Party Lab Testing

Although there are multiple third-party labs around the world that can help test your packaging in compliance with Amazon’s Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP) guidelines. Submit an ISTA-6A lab report for certification.

• Amazon Sustainability Service Provider Network (SPN): SPN is a global network site that
  connects sellers to third-party service providers which is vetted by Amazon.
• Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS): The APASS network provides a list
  of companies and labs that can help test, design, and supply packaging in line according to Amazon’s packaging certification guidelines. However all companies linked with APASS received guidance from Amazon and many have worked with manufacturers to achieve packaging solutions that meet Amazon standards.

Enrollment in Amazon SIPP

• Eligibility: In short Products must qualify SIPP guidelines on size, weight, and material composition. But the certainhazardous items and extra-large products are excluded.
• Enrollment Process: Products can be enrolled through the Amazon SIPP portal on Amazon Seller Central. Also the products which are certified under the Ships in Own Container (SIOC) program are automatically enrolled.

Product Groups for Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP)

Amazon will consider physically similar products or product variations as a product group that can be
certified by a single test report only if they meet the following criteria:

• Size Variation: Secondary products can be up to 25% smaller in one dimension or in total volume compared to the primary product. However, products over 108” in length or 165” in girth aren’t accepted for Form-Factor Certification.
• Weight Variation: Secondary products can weigh up to 25% less than the primary product. Items 8 oz or less isn’t subject to the 25% rule.
• Material Composition: Secondary products must have the same material composition as the primary product to qualify for the program.
• Packaging Type and Specifications: The packaging type, design, and specifications of secondary products must match those of the primary product. For example, if the primary product uses doublewalled, C-Flute, board-grade corrugate, so must the secondary product.
• Product-to-Packaging Ratio: The volume ratio of the product to its packaging must be similar for both primary and secondary products.
• Pack Quantity: Both primary and secondary products must have the same pack quantity. Exceptions are
  made for soft products like diapers, textiles, toilet paper, and paper towels. For instance, if the primary product contains four units, the secondary product must also contain four units for Form-Factor certification.

Amazon SIPP Certification Standards

Rigid and Flexible Packaging Guidelines

• Rigid Packaging: Must be in sturdy six-sided boxes meeting standard strength criteria.
• Flexible Packaging: Includes bags, mailers, and pouches that are at least 2 mm thick and adhere to durability standards.

• Difference between SIPP and SIOC: Both have same certification standards. SIPP is for an extensive range of products, including smaller items, while SIOC (Ship in Own Container) is typically for larger, bulkier products.
• Availability: SIPP is available in the US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
• Certification Costs: Amazon does not charge for registration, but costs may arise from updating packaging and third-party lab testing.

Decertification and Opt-Outs

Products can be decertified if they fail to meet damage rate limits or other compliance standards. But the sellers can choose to unenroll products using Seller Central if needed.

Conclusion

In short, the SIPP program benefits sellers by reducing packaging waste, lowering fulfillment costs, and improving the customer experience. Moreover, sellers can take full use of the program’s benefits by adhering to the packing and testing criteria.