Overview

CSA Group Shanghai Joins Amazon APASS Network, Expanding Its Testing Services

Did You Know?

  • As an authorized member of the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier (APASS) network, CSA Group’s laboratory in Shanghai is ready to support manufacturers with Amazon packaging testing.

CSA Group Shanghai, an International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) certified laboratory since 2008, became an authorized member of the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier (APASS) network in 2023 — after expanding its laboratory in 2022. This expansion provides CSA Group with increased capacity to expand testing services, helping meet the demands and requirements of both domestic and overseas customers.

APASS is a program initiated by Amazon to confirm that packaging used by vendors meets the company’s specific requirements for transportation and delivery. The APASS network is comprised of third-party companies and laboratories that are authorized by Amazon to test, certify, and provide support for packaging.

Amazon, known for packaging products for shipment in its own boxes, initiated the Frustration-Free Packaging program in 2008. This program aims to provide customers with an easy unboxing experience, contributing to the positive perception of the product’s brand. The Frustration-Free Packaging program encompassing Prep-Free Packaging (PFP), Ships in Own Container (SIOC), and Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP) certification, encourages vendors to provide packaging that offers sufficient protection. This helps eliminate the need for an Amazon outer carton, requiring only a label to be applied to the packaging.

In collaboration with the ISTA, Amazon has developed extensive testing methods for items in both rigid and flexible packaging, accurately simulating the journey of a package through the Amazon fulfillment network. Consequently, passing a physical performance test is deemed necessary for manufacturers or vendors selling on Amazon who are looking to obtain applicable packaging certification.

CSA Group provides a wide range of services, including performance evaluation for professionally packaged products, product simulation testing, and other testing services related to transportation of goods. We can assist local and global manufacturers in determining whether their product packaging meets applicable industry standards and consumer requirements for transportation safety and quality, while helping them meet market demands efficiently.

Our APASS Testing Capabilities

CSA Group offers a range of testing methods that align with Amazon’s ISTA 6 series, including:

  • ISTA-6 Overbox
  • ISTA-6 Type A
  • ISTA-6 Type B
  • ISTA-6 Type C
  • ISTA-6 Type D
  • ISTA-6 Type E
  • ISTA-6 Type F
  • ISTA-6 Type G
  • ISTA-6 Type H

Specifically, we can test against the following standards and package types:

Service Test Type Carton Size/Dimension
6-Amazon.com-SIOC-Type A Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products Handling Method: Standard Handling Method
Weight & Dimensions: Less than 50 lb (23 kg) & Length plus Girth equal to or less than 165” (4.19 m)
6-Amazon.com-SIOC-Type B Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products Handling Method: Standard Handling Method
Weight & Dimensions: 50 lb (23 kg) to Less than 100 lb (45 kg) & Length plus Girth equal to or less than 165” (4.19 m)
6-Amazon.com-SIOC-Type C Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products Handling Method: Standard Handling Method
Weight & Dimensions: 100 lb (45 kg) or Greater
or Length plus Girth equal to or less than 165” (4.19 m)
6-Amazon.com-SIOC-Type D Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products Handling Method: Standard Handling Method

Weight & Dimensions: Less than 100 lb (45 kg)

or Length plus Girth greater than165” (4.19 m)
6-Amazon.com-SIOC-Type E Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products Handling Method: Standard Handling Method

Weight & Dimensions: 100 lb (45 kg) or Greater

or Length plus Girth greater than 165” (4.19 m)
6-Amazon.com-SIOC-Type F Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products Handling Method: Pallet Handling Method
Weight & Dimensions: N/A & N/A
6-Amazon.com-SIOC-Type G TV/Monitor Handling Method: Standard Handling Method

Weight & Dimensions: Less than 150 lb (68 kg) & Length plus Girth equal to or less than 165” (4.19 m)
6-Amazon.com-SIOC-Type H TV/Monitor Handling Method: Standard Handling Method

Weight & Dimensions: 150 lb (68 kg) or Greater or Length plus Girth greater than 165” (4.19 m)
6-Amazon.com-Over Boxing Single or multiple retail packaged-products are placed into a corrugated shipping container (“over-box”) with dunnage for shipment to an end customer from an e-retailer or distribution center Placement of a shipping container/carton around a single product or multiple products for intent to ship via single parcel delivery

For more information about Amazon’s Packaging Program, including their packaging certification guidelines, enrollment template, and incentive program, please visit: https://www.amazon-packaging.com

If you need further assistance in navigating the packaging testing process, please fill out the form below to schedule a meeting with one of our experts. Our team looks forward to supporting your business and helping you meet the applicable regulatory requirements.

Introducing Amazon APASS Packaging Testing Services