Amazon began its Frustration Free Packaging (FFP) initiative in 2008 with a mission to eliminate waste and promote sustainability. However, Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP) was introduced in 2024 after FFP closed enrollment. Here we are introducing SIPP program and share some practical experiences.
- What is Amazon’s SIPP Program?
- The Benefits of Amazon’s SIPP Program
- How to Apply for SIPP Program
- The Logic behind SIPP
- Conclusion & Call to Action
What is Amazon’s SIPP Program?
SIPP stands for Ships in Product Packaging Program, offering sellers using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) the opportunity to have their products shipped directly to customers in their own custom-branded packaging, without any additional packaging material from Amazon¹.
The goal of this program is to collaborate with sellers globally to reduce the need for extra Amazon packaging when shipping to customers.
The Benefits of Amazon’s SIPP Program
The most important benefit of joining the SIPP program is the potential to reduce FBA fulfillment fees, with different discounts depending on the shipping weight and whether the product is in the apparel category:
Discount per SIPP-certified unit
| Size tier | Shipping weight | SIPP discount for non-apparel | Shipping weight | SIPP discount for apparel |
| Small standard | 2 oz or less | $0.04 | 4 oz or less | $0.06 |
| 2+ to 4 oz | $0.04 | 4 oz or less | $0.06 | |
| 4+ to 6 oz | $0.05 | 4+ to 8 oz | $0.07 | |
| 6+ to 8 oz | $0.05 | 4+ to 8 oz | $0.07 | |
| 8+ to 10 oz | $0.06 | 8+ to 12 oz | $0.07 | |
| 10+ to 12 oz | $0.06 | 8+ to 12 oz | $0.07 | |
| 12+ to 14 oz | $0.07 | 12+ to 16 oz | $0.07 | |
| 14+ to 16 oz | $0.07 | 12+ to 16 oz | $0.07 | |
| Large standard | 4 oz or less | $0.04 | 4 oz or less | $0.06 |
| 4+ to 8 oz | $0.04 | 4+ to 8 oz | $0.06 | |
| 8+ to 12 oz | $0.07 | 8+ to 12 oz | $0.06 | |
| 12+ to 16 oz | $0.08 | 12+ to 16 oz | $0.07 | |
| 1+ to 1.25 lb | $0.09 | 1+ to 1.5 lb | $0.08 | |
| 1.25+ to 1.5 lb | $0.09 | 1+ to 1.5 lb | $0.08 | |
| 1.5+ to 1.75 lb | $0.10 | 1.5+ to 2 lb | $0.09 | |
| 1.75+ to 2 lb | $0.11 | 1.5+ to 2 lb | $0.09 | |
| 2+ to 2.25 lb | $0.12 | 2+ to 2.5 lb | $0.12 | |
| 2.25+ to 2.5 lb | $0.13 | 2+ to 2.5 lb | $0.12 | |
| 2.5+ to 2.75 lb | $0.14 | 2.5+ to 3 lb | $0.14 | |
| 2.75+ to 3 lb | $0.14 | 2.5+ to 3 lb | $0.14 | |
| 3+ lb to 20 lb | $0.23 | 3+ lb to 20 lb | $0.22 | |
| Large bulky | 0 to 50 lb | $1.32 | 0 to 50 lb | $0.58 |
Beyond the significant advantage of reducing FBA fulfillment fees, the SIPP program offers several other compelling benefits.
By allowing products to ship in their own packaging, it directly contributes to reducing waste by eliminating the need for additional Amazon packaging materials.
This streamlined approach also simplifies fulfillment operations for Amazon, potentially leading to faster processing times. The reduced packaging and potentially lower handling can translate to lower overall costs beyond just the fulfillment fees.
Furthermore, receiving a product in its branded packaging can improve the customer experience, creating a more cohesive and potentially more sustainable impression.
How to Apply for SIPP Program
- Review and Design: The SIPP Program categorizes packaging into two types
- PRigid SIPP
- Flexible SIPP
Here is the translated English version of the table comparing Rigid SIPP and Flexible SIPP:
| Characteristic | Rigid SIPP | Flexible SIPP |
| Definition | Shipped in rigid six-sided outer packaging, such as paperboard boxes. | Shipped in flexible outer materials (e.g., plastic bags or paper mailers) with sealed or padded rigid/flexible inner content. |
| Minimum Dimensions | Length ≥ 6.0 in (152.4 mm), Width ≥ 4.0 in (101.6 mm), Height ≥ 0.375 in (9.5 mm). | Length ≥ 6.0 in (152.4 mm), Width ≥ 4.0 in (101.6 mm), Height ≥ 0.375 in (9.5 mm). |
| Maximum Dimensions | No limit. | North America: Length ≤ 18.0 in (457.2 mm), Width ≤ 14.0 in (355.6 mm), Height ≤ 6.0 in (152.4 mm), Weight ≤ 7 lbs (3.17 kg); Europe: Length ≤ 17.91 in (455 mm), Width ≤ 13.38 in (340 mm), Height ≤ 9.25 in (235 mm), Weight ≤ 11 lbs (5 kg). |
| Structural Requirements | Must be a rigid six-sided box with no sharp protrusions or openings. Handles with restrictions are allowed. Shrink wrap is prohibited. | Outer material thickness must be ≥ 2 mil or basis weight ≥ 130 gsm. Must not have holes > 0.25 in (6.35 mm). No loose items. Must contain inner packaging (rigid or padded) to secure contents. |
| Sealing Requirements | All open flaps must be fully sealed. No flap gaps allowed. Tamper-evident or permanent tape is recommended. Flaps with multiple layers must be closed securely. | Must be sealed; contents must be secure. Seal must withstand the shipping process. Tamper-evident/reinforced seal recommended. |
| Testing Method | Drop test required (non-fragile, non-liquid items) or ISTA 6-Amazon SIOC test. | Drop test required (non-fragile, non-liquid, non-breakable items under 1 lb) and puncture resistance test. If drop test fails, ISTA 6-Amazon SIOC testing is required. |
| Prohibited Materials/Items | Shrink wrap not allowed. | Items with dimensions <1 in that may scatter or leak, liquids, powders, sharp objects, and food or supplements not in sealed retail packaging are prohibited. |
- Test and Evaluate: All packaging must undergo physical testing, which can be completed through either self-testing or an International Safe Transit Association (ISTA 6 Lab Test).
- Self-Test: Applicable for products that are non-fragile, do not contain liquids or sharp objects, and are not granular items smaller than 1 inch in diameter.
- ISTA 6 Lab Test: If your product is fragile, contains liquids or sharp objects, it is not eligible for self-testing. You must submit an ISTA-6A lab report issued by a certified lab from Amazon’s APASS network in order to complete certification.
3. Enroll:
- For ASINs that have already received a SIPP Certificate, sellers can register them directly through Seller Central.
- For ASINs that have not yet received a SIPP Certificate, sellers can submit the certification date via Seller Central. Amazon will review the application, and once approved, the discount will apply to units shipped after the certification date.
The Logic behind SIPP
Amazon’s SIPP certification focuses on the protective function of packaging, which includes storage, protection, and transportation.
The SIPP guidelines provide clear examples for outer packaging design, emphasizing protection:
- Simplified packaging is prioritized, as the purpose is not for retail display. Therefore, excessive point-of-sale elements, such as hang tags or cut-outs, should be minimized.
- Safety comes first — any unstable packaging that could lead to damage during transit, such as windows or shrink wrap, is not allowed.
- Strict and standardized specifications and weight limits are enforced to ensure Amazon can manage goods efficiently.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Amazon’s SIPP Program is more than just a packaging guideline—it’s a strategic opportunity for brands to align sustainability, cost-efficiency, and customer experience.
By optimizing packaging for direct-to-consumer shipping, businesses can reduce waste, lower fulfillment fees, and create a more impactful unboxing moment with branded packaging.
For brands looking to scale on Amazon, SIPP certification is a tangible step toward operational excellence and environmental responsibility.
At Zenpack, we’ve helped numerous brands navigate the complexities of SIPP—from structural design to ISTA testing and certification.
Let’s work together to make your packaging SIPP-ready.
👉 Reach out today for a free packaging audit or consultation.
📥 Download the checklist today to see if your product is SIPP-ready!
