Overview

Amazon's Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP) program allows products to be shipped directly in their existing retail packaging, eliminating the need for Amazon's standard brown overbox. To qualify, sellers must verify their packaging can withstand the rigors of the fulfillment and delivery process. This guide covers the two approved testing methods — self-drop testing and ISTA 6 lab testing — along with how to record and submit your results for SIPP certification.

Key Points / What Sellers Need to Know

• Two testing paths available — Sellers can either perform a self-drop test on their own or have an International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) certified lab conduct the more rigorous ISTA 6 test on their behalf.
• Test the largest and heaviest item — When certifying a product group, you only need to test the largest and heaviest product variation. If that item passes, the rest of the group qualifies.
• Packaging must meet SIPP standards first — Before testing, make sure your packaging has already been updated to comply with Amazon's SIPP design requirements, including adequate cushioning, closure strength, and labeling considerations.
• Results must be recorded and submitted — Whether you self-test or use a lab, you need to document the outcomes and upload them through Seller Central to complete enrollment.
• Passing saves on fees — Products enrolled in SIPP avoid per-unit prep and packaging fees that Amazon would otherwise charge for overboxing, making certification a worthwhile investment.

Self-Drop Testing Process

The self-drop test is the more accessible of the two options and can be performed at your own facility without specialized equipment. The process involves dropping your packaged product from a specified height — typically around 36 inches or the height of a standard conveyor — onto a hard surface. You must perform drops on multiple sides, edges, and corners of the package to simulate the various impacts it could experience during transit through Amazon's fulfillment network. After each drop, you inspect the package for damage including crushed corners, torn packaging, product exposure, or any compromise to the item inside. If the product and packaging remain intact and the item is still sellable after the full series of drops, the packaging passes the self-test. Sellers following the self-test path should complete steps for preparing the sample, performing the drops, inspecting the results, and recording the outcomes in Seller Central.