Amazon is inviting sellers to sign up for their new Amazon Ships in Product Packaging programme, which aims to cut down on the amount of Amazon packaging ending up on consumers’ doorsteps and has to be recycled. Not only does it cut down on costs for Amazon, but it also is kinder to the environment.

This programme applies to FBA sellers, by certifying products that can ship safely without an Amazon box, envelope, or bag. Amazon’s first priority is to eliminate packaging altogether, with programmes like Ships in product packaging. When packaging is necessary, they optimize for reduction and recyclability.

Amazon works with brands across the globe to optimize their packaging, reducing material use while protecting products for safe delivery. They have developed test methods in partnership with the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA), and tests are completed by Amazon’s Packaging Labs, certified third-party labs, manufacturers, and Selling Partners.

Naturally, Amazon has excluded items where no added shipping packaging could result in a poor customer experience, such as intimate or high-value items, fragile items, collectibles, or where handling the item may be dangerous to Amazon workers and/or our delivery partners, such as items with sharp edges.

If a certified item receives several customer complaints or returns, Amazon will automatically begin shipping in Amazon packaging to protect future customer deliveries.

Naturally, there will be times when a consumer wants a little extra privacy or wants the product packaging pristine. So, if a customer is ordering a gift or just wants extra protection, they can select an option for the item to “Ship in Amazon Packaging” at no extra cost at checkout.

This new programme, (which replaces Ships in Own Container) is open for enrollment through Seller Central to all sellers who use FBA and sell into the following marketplaces: United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

To qualify for Ships in Product Packaging, your item’s packaging:

• Must be either a rigid 6-sided box, a rigid or padded mailer, or a bag
• Must meet the minimum dimensions of 6″ x 4″ x 0.375″
• For items in flexible packaging only: cannot exceed maximum dimensions 18″ x 14″ x 6″ (L+H ≤ 21″ and W+H ≤ 16″) and 7lbs
• Be securely sealed to protect the product within and follow the labeling requirements per Seller Central guidelines