UL Solutions is a member of the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier (APASS) network and an International Safe Transit Association (ISTA)-certified test laboratory. That means we can perform testing and certification of product packaging used by suppliers and intermediaries to the ISTA 6 Amazon Test Protocol. This protocol evaluates whether a package and its contents can withstand the distribution hazards typically encountered during handling and transportation.
APASS and ISTA 6 Amazon Testing
Amazon created the APASS Network to help vendors, sellers and manufacturers obtain the following packaging certifications:
- Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP): Reduce waste and improve the unboxing experience.
- Ships-in-Own-Container (SIOC): Demonstrate that your product packaging can withstand transit without additional boxes.
- Prep-Free Packaging (PFP): Minimize fulfillment preparation and streamline shipping processes.
As a packaging test laboratory, we support vendors, sellers and manufacturers in testing and certifying products to Amazon’s Packaging Certification requirements, including the ISTA 6 Amazon SIOC test (Tier 1 or 2) and the ISTA 6 Amazon Overbox (Tier 3), using the appropriate ISTA-certified equipment.
Our global network of laboratories in the U.S., Europe and China is approved to provide APASS services in compliance with Amazon’s certification test methods.
How UL Solutions packaging testing helps your business
As e-commerce continues to grow and global supply chains become more complex, product packaging plays a critical role in helping companies bring safer, more sustainable products to market. From consumer electronics to food and medical supplies, effective packaging supports performance, brand integrity and operational efficiency.
Working with UL Solutions can help your business:
- Reduce product returns with certified durable packaging
- Streamline the fulfillment process with optimized packaging options
- Build brand trust with sustainable and frustration-free packaging
According to Statista, a provider of global business data, worldwide retail e-commerce sales reached an estimated $6 trillion (USD) in 2024. However, companies face the ongoing challenge of balancing cost-effectiveness with packaging durability, compliance and sustainability.
This makes packaging more essential. The right packaging streamlines the fulfillment process, helps protect your product during transit and can strengthen consumer confidence — which can encourage repeat purchases.
More brands, manufacturers and suppliers are turning to global partners with the expertise, knowledge and network to provide them with the most effective and convenient packaging for their products.
UL Solutions has expertise in certifying packaging to ISTA standards. In addition to Amazon package and ISTA package testing, we offer a wide portfolio of services for testing the quality, chemical safety and sustainability of your packaging and products.
<center>Frequently asked questions</center>
- What is the Amazon APASS network?
The Amazon APASS network connects vendors and manufacturers with ISTA-certified laboratories like UL Solutions for packaging testing and certification.
- What packaging types are certified under Amazon’s packaging programs?
Packaging can be certified under three categories:
- Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP)
- Ships-in-Own-Container (SIOC)
- Prep-Free Packaging (PFP)
- How long does Amazon packaging testing take?
Testing times vary but typically range from one to three weeks, depending on the package complexity.
- Where are UL Solutions APASS laboratories located?
UL Solutions has ISTA-certified laboratories in the U.S., Europe and China.
- How can UL Solutions help with sustainable packaging?
We offer testing services to help optimize packaging for reduction of environment impact.
UL Solutions Retail Center of Excellence in Arkansas, USA
Our global network of laboratories offers robust services to help manufacturers, retailers, brands and suppliers verify compliance with packaging for safety, sustainability and performance. Watch this video recorded in our new Retail Center of Excellence in Lowell, AR, to discover how we can help you evaluate the quality and compliance of packaging and labeling of consumer products.
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