Amazon must complete the ISTA_Project_6-Amazon.com-SIOC test for all regulated products sold on its platform and get the corresponding test report. This standard is a packaging and transportation test standard that Amazon and its suppliers' products need to follow in Amazon's operating environment. It is necessary to distinguish products according to the product's packaging size, packaging weight, delivery method (small package or LTL), and product category. Tested for 8 categories from Type A to Type H, and designed different test steps and items according to the different logistics and distribution links corresponding to the 8 types.
On November 16, 2018, Beko Quality Technology Service (Dongguan) Co., Ltd. officially obtained the ISTA® testing laboratory certification for packaging and transportation testing (member number: 10877), which can provide customers with efficient ISTA® packaging performance testing.
At the same time, BACL has also obtained the ISTA certification list, which can provide our customers with the climate reliability of lighting products, power products, power tools, communication products, metal materials and components, coating products, tape products, various types of carton packaging and other products. Testing, mechanical reliability testing, comprehensive environmental testing, and solutions for reliability growth, identification, acceptance, and life analysis, etc., help enterprises customize and optimize product packaging, and ensure that new products enter the market faster and better.
ISTA membership certificate ISTA certified listing
Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging Program was implemented as early as August 2019, and it was previously required to sell on the Amazon platform, the size of the product package larger than 18*14*8 inches or the weight of more than 20 pounds. Tier 1-FFP or Tier 2-SIOC certification in Amazon's Frustration-Freepackaging programs is required before August 1, 2019. After July 31, 2019, if the relevant product packaging is not tested and certified, Amazon will impose a fine of $1.99 per retail package, and for products that have been tested and certified before, Amazon will be fined for each retail package. $1.0 reward per retail package.
The current update adds the following content and descriptions:
1. Minimum size of the product:
NA (North America)
6"(152mm)*4"(102mm)*0.375"(9.5mm)
EU (Europe)
8"(203mm)*4.72"(120mm)*0.375"(9.5mm)
2. The packaging effectiveness of the product is determined as follows:
• Visible damage to items
• Visibly broken item
• Loss of function
• out of use
• Product packaging is free of any wear and tear
• Incomplete tightness
• Tamper-resistant applications are affected
• Ripped third packaging such as edge tearing, tape failure, etc.
3. Added the judging rule for fragile items. If the sample contains 50% or more fragile items, it will be judged as fragile items.
4. For fragile products larger than 23kg, the test quantity is 1 piece.
On December 28, 2021, BACL became the Lab Central-SPN testing and certification service provider recommended by Amazon, and officially entered Amazon's latest compliance laboratory center system-Lab Central. Up to now, BACL has successfully settled in many Amazon sites around the world, providing testing and certification services in the fields of EMC, safety, environmental protection, reliability, battery safety, packaging and transportation safety ISTA, etc. Amazon platform sale!
Amazon Lab Central website link:
https://lab-central.amazon.com/accLabs
Screenshot of Amazon Lab Central website:
Since Amazon officially announced that BACL has become the testing and certification service provider recommended by Amazon on June 5, 2019, BACL has served hundreds of Amazon sellers in the past three years. With professional, comprehensive, rigorous and reliable testing and certification services, EPR production Business responsibility extension service, APASS packaging certification service, etc. have received affirmation and praise from sellers and Amazon.
Amazon SPN website link:
Screenshot of Amazon SPN website:
What is Amazon Lab Central?
Amazon is an integrated data platform system tool used by Amazon to manage labs for product testing and seamlessly provide test results with Amazon. On Amazon Lab Central, the seller fills in the product testing application form online, and the detailed information and requirements of the product testing application submitted by the seller will be displayed.
Amazon Lab Central Benefits?
1) It is beneficial for Amazon to effectively manage each laboratory branch, quickly add laboratory branches, assign product testing application items, and track the status of product testing in real time;
2) Lab Central will advise on product testing requirements;
3) Test files uploaded to Lab Central are accessible to Amazon;
4) Clients are able to better track the status of requests.
The process of Amazon Lab Central?
• Seller Central: The seller makes an SPN request on the seller platform, and the seller submits the input of the ASIN to be tested in a specific country/region. After the scope is determined, the seller confirms the input;
• SP Central: The lab receives the request on SP Central, the lab negotiates the scope of the request, pricing and SLA with the seller, the Lab confirms the order and is directed to Lab Central;
• Lab Central: A test request form is automatically created on Lab Central with test details, the Lab assigns the test to the lab and updates the status, and the Lab completes the test and uploads the documentation.
Manufacturers, packaging companies and sellers provide Amazon-approved SIOC tests and reports! Up to now, BACL has successfully settled in many Amazon sites around the world, and can provide one-stop testing and certification services such as EMC, safety, environmental protection, reliability, battery safety, packaging and transportation safety ISTA for suppliers in various countries!
Warm congratulations to BACL for becoming the Amazon packaging certification APASS testing laboratory recommended by Amazon, which can provide global Amazon suppliers, retailers, manufacturers
BACL Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS) Recommended Laboratory Listing:
Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS)
APASS is Amazon's environmental protection requirements for global merchants, aiming to reduce packaging, save, avoid waste, and be environmentally friendly. To support suppliers and sellers in certifying their products under Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging Program, Amazon APASS provides a list of recommended packaging design companies and testing labs that can help test, design, and supply Amazon-compliant packaging Certified packaging.
The products involved in APASS are as follows:
• Durable, soft and consumable goods
• Products sold through Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)
• Packages larger than 18x14x8 inches or weighing 20 lbs. or more
Amazon official website link:
https://www.aboutamazon.com/packaging/design
Amazon Packaging Certification Guidelines
Amazon Packaging Program Certification Guide, Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging Program is divided into three levels: Level 1 - FFP Frustration-Free Packaging, Level 2 - SIOC Self-Fulfillment Delivery, and Level 3 - PFP No Pre-packaging.
Amazon official website link:
https://assets.aboutamazon.com/f9/ab/568df63a4b2c82c1ecf3b562f202/amazon-frustration-free-packaging-program-certification-guidelines-v10.4__2021.pdf
How to Get Amazon Packaging Certification Fast
Sellers do not need to obtain additional testing or documentation from Amazon, sellers just need to contact the APASS recommended lab directly, arrange payment, and send the samples to the lab for testing. If the test is passed, the lab will provide you with an Amazon Standard Test Report that can be uploaded to Amazon for expedited Amazon Packaging Certification.
Amazon official website link:
www.aboutamazon.com/sustainability/packaging/testing and www.aboutamazon.com/sustainability/packaging/certification
Your Advantages of Choosing an APASS Testing Laboratory
There are many advantages to choosing an Amazon-recommended APASS testing lab, and external accreditation provides you with reports and documents that you can use with other retailers. You can use a global laboratory for testing, avoiding costly sample shipping charges and the hassle of international shipping. Finally, the Amazon-recommended APASS testing labs can provide you with timely packaging test results, thus providing you with decision-making in the packaging development process to continuously improve and enhance packaging safety and reliability.
BACL has become Amazon's recommended testing and certification service provider on June 5, 2019:
Amazon SPN website link:
Certification Introduction:
The English name of the CPC certificate is "Childs Products Certificate" (ie: Children's Product Certificate). Suitable for children's products under 12 years old, such as toys, cradles, waist stools, children's clothing, etc. If it is produced locally in the United States, the manufacturer is responsible for providing the certificate, and in other countries, the importer is responsible for providing the certificate. CPC refers to a form that is equivalent to a self-declaration, and then reflects the information of the product, as well as the tested product testing standards and items.
The US Amazon site requires that all children's toys and children's products must provide Children's Product Certificate Children's Product Certificate (referred to as "CPC certificate"). CPC is similar to COC certificate. Children's products will be required to issue a CPC certificate, otherwise they will not be sold. Although called a "certificate", CPC certification is not issued by any official agency, nor does it need to be filed with a government department. It is essentially a "guarantee" drafted and solely responsible by the manufacturer/importer, declaring that its product complies with all applicable local U.S. Children's Product Safety Regulations and other laws and regulations.
Amazon platform will require merchants to upload CPC certificates when launching some categories of products (such as children's toys, baby products, etc.), and related children's products without CPC certificates are not allowed to be sold online. At present, the export of children's toy products and maternal and infant products to the United States requires CPC certification and CPSIA report for customs clearance. Foreign online merchants Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress also require children's toy products made in China to apply for CPC children's product safety certificates for maternal and infant products.
Scope of Control:
Children's clothing, children's toys, children's school supplies, children's accessories. Children's products (consumer products designed for children 12 years old or younger, or 12 years old or younger as the main user), such as children's toys, children's clothing, children's school supplies, etc.
CPSC Commonly Used Standards:
(1) CPSIA total lead and phthalates;
(2) American toy standard ASTM F963;
(3) Electric Toy Safety Standard 16 CFR Part 1505;
(4) 16 CFR Part 1510 requirements for rattle toys;
(5) Nipple Safety Standard 16 CFR Part 1511;
(6) Children's clothing, carpet combustion performance, such as 16 CFR Part 1610;
(7) Children's products: baby carriages, cribs, fences, harnesses, safety seats, bicycle helmets and other product standards.
As a third-party testing laboratory accredited by CPSC in the United States, BACL's many laboratories can provide you with CPC certification for children's products, helping your products enter the US market smoothly!
What is EPR?
EPR is the abbreviation of an EU policy called Extended Producer's Responsibility Extended Producer Responsibility System. In the EU, the collection and recycling of post-consumer waste for most products is regulated through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime. Producers must ensure their products' responsibility and obligation to manage waste at the end of their useful life by paying an "ecological contribution" fee.
From January 2022, if sellers sell products in Germany or France, they must upload the EPR registration number within the specified time. Amazon will be obliged to confirm that the seller complies with the (EPR) regulations in the country or region where they are sold, otherwise the relevant products will be Forced to stop selling by Amazon. BACL compliance experts remind manufacturers to complete EPR registration and upload as soon as possible! As a testing and certification service provider recommended by Amazon SPN and an APASS testing laboratory for Amazon packaging certification, BACL has carried out related service projects. Sellers and friends in need are welcome to contact us!
Who is the "producer" in EPR?
According to the official statement, if it falls under any of the following conditions, it belongs to the "producer":
1. If the goods that need to meet the extended producer responsibility requirements are manufactured in the corresponding country/region;
2. If the goods that need to meet the extended producer responsibility requirements are imported to the corresponding countries/regions;
3. If goods subject to extended producer responsibility are sold in the corresponding country, and no company is established in that country or region.
Most Chinese sellers fall into the third category of "producers".
What do you need to do if you are a producer of a product within the scope of the EPR requirements?
1. If you are a manufacturer and do not have an EPR registration number, you need to register to get it. You must contact the appropriate Producer Responsibility organization (PRO) for each EPR product category to obtain an EPR registration number;
2. If you are not the manufacturer, but the products you sell are subject to EPR requirements, you need to obtain the applicable EPR registration number from the upstream supplier;
3. If you are not a manufacturer and cannot obtain an applicable EPR registration number from an upstream supplier, you will need to register your own EPR registration number.
Which products need to provide Amazon with an EPR registration number?
What is the difference between the EPR policy and Germany's existing packaging law, WEEE, and battery law?
EPR is an environmental protection policy launched by the European Union, while the German Packaging Law, WEEE and Battery Law are the regulatory requirements implemented in specific countries based on this policy directive. These regulations all require that products in Germany, from packaging, products to batteries, can be properly disposed of until they are discarded.
EPR registration upload process
Get the EPR registration number → upload the EPR registration number (currently not required) → mark the product with the relevant mark
German station: The registration numbers of the following regulations can be used as EPR registration numbers in compliance with the requirements:
Packaging: Registrierungsnummer
Electrical and electronic equipment: WEEE-Reg.-Nr.DE
Battery: Batt-Reg. -Nr.DE2
French station: In the future, different product categories will be unified into one UIN (“Identifiant Unique”), which has not yet been unified. Sellers can contact the relevant Producer Responsibility organization (PRO) for each EPR commodity classification to obtain an EPR registration number.
What information do I need to register for EPR?
• Scanned copy of business license
• Store information
• Product Information
• Product sales quantity
• VAT number
How long does it take to register for EPR?
France: about 2-10 weeks • Germany: about 4-12 weeks
What other work do I need to do after obtaining the EPR registration number?
After registering for EPR, sellers also need to mark relevant marks on the products they sell. Including but not limited to the following:
• Print the trash can logo on the electronic and electrical products and packaging sold;
• Print the recycling registration number on the sales invoice;
• Put the logo of the French packaging recycling company on the packaging carton;
• The environmental protection amount listed on the invoice by French electrical and electronic sellers.
Do I have to register for the EPR?
From 2022, goods exported to Germany or France must obtain an EPR registration number, otherwise it will be considered illegal and will be punished and suspended.
Is there a fee to register for EPR?
EPR registration is charged according to different product categories.