Ankit AWS SES users face a strict limit of 200 emails per day, and they can only send messages to verified recipients. The sandbox environment’s restrictions go even further by allowing just one email per second, which makes email campaign management impossible.
The situation changes dramatically with production access. Users can send up to 50,000 emails daily to any recipient, and with good reason too.
Getting out of the sandbox environment comes with its challenges. AWS requires a detailed explanation of your email-sending requirements – usually a 1,000-word document that thoroughly explains your use case. The approval process needs specific requirements and careful planning.
Your application’s email infrastructure needs proper scaling, whether you’re starting fresh or expanding existing systems. We’ll guide you through AWS SES’s production access request process and help your application get approved. Let’s take a closer look at the step-by-step process!
What is AWS SES Sandbox?
AWS SES Sandbox provides a testing environment for new Simple Email Service users. The original restricted mode prevents email abuse and helps users set up reliable email sending infrastructure.
Current sending restrictions
The sandbox environment limits email sending capabilities in specific ways:
- Maximum sending rate of 1 email per second
- Daily sending quota of 200 emails
- Emails can only be sent to verified email addresses or domains
- Test emails must originate from verified sender addresses
Why AWS enforces sandbox mode
AWS uses sandbox mode to protect its email sending reputation. On top of that, it lets AWS monitor new users’ sending patterns and stops potential spam or malicious activities.
Users need to prove their legitimate email sending needs through a production access request to remove sandbox restrictions. This approach will give a clear path for users to configure their email authentication settings and follow environmentally responsible practices.
The sandbox environment helps users to:
- Set up proper email authentication protocols
- Establish clear sending patterns
- Maintain low bounce and complaint rates
- Develop proper email handling practices
A clear understanding of these sandbox limitations helps build a strong case for production access. Users should meet all requirements before they ask for increased sending capabilities.
How to request production access for AWS SES
“In order to prevent our systems from being used to send unsolicited or malicious content, we have to consider each request carefully. If we’re able to do so, we’ll grant your request within this 24-hour period. However, if we need to obtain additional information from you, it might take longer to resolve your request.” — Amazon Web Services, Leading cloud computing platform
Getting production access for AWS SES is a step-by-step process. You can do this through the AWS Management Console or AWS CLI.
The AWS Management Console method needs these steps:
- Go to the AWS SES console
- Select Account dashboard from the navigation panel
- Click Request production access in the warning box
- Choose between Marketing or Transactional email type
- Enter your website URL and up to 4 contact email addresses
- Select preferred communication language
- Acknowledge the email sending policies
- Submit your request
AWS CLI offers another way with the put-account-details command. This works best for users who manage multiple identities or need automated setup.
The AWS Trust & Safety team handles all production access requests, not the regular support team. You’ll get an original response within 24 hours through a support case.
Your request goes through careful evaluation to prevent misuse. The team looks at several factors, including your account’s history and health status. The resolution might take longer than 24 hours if they need more information.
You can’t change your account details during review. Make sure all information is accurate before you submit. The team only communicates through the support case system to keep track of all requests effectively.
What are the essential requirements before applying?
You need to meet three simple prerequisites to get AWS SES production access. These requirements will show your email sending capabilities.
Domain verification setup
Your SES setup needs a verified domain ownership as its foundation. You can verify your domain through the SES console or API. Domain-level verification lets you send from any subdomain or email address within that domain. We added specific DNS records from AWS that can take up to 72 hours to propagate.
Email authentication records
Multiple protocols help prevent spoofing and make emails more deliverable. You need to set up:
- DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) – Signs emails with a private key to verify domain ownership
- SPF (Sender Policy Framework) – Specifies authorized servers to send emails
- DMARC – Will give a domain alignment with SPF and DKIM authentication
Monitoring system preparation
A resilient monitoring system should track vital email metrics and handle responses well. You must set up:
- Live tracking of bounces and complaints
- Automated handling of unsubscribe requests
- Event notification system using Amazon SNS or email notifications
The monitoring setup tracks metrics of all types including sends, deliveries, opens, clicks, bounces, and complaints. AWS needs you to show how you’ll handle bounces and complaints to keep your sender reputation strong. Your system should process both hard bounces that show permanent rejection and soft bounces from temporary delivery problems.
How to preparing Your Production Access Request?
A strong production access request needs detailed documentation in three significant areas.
Business case documentation
Your request’s foundation starts with a detailed business case. The AWS Trust & Safety team reviews these core components:
- Technical implementation details that explain SES feature usage
- Clear description of email sending purpose and content types
- Specific handling procedures for bounces and complaints
- Unsubscribe mechanism implementation details
- Privacy policy and footer information
Email volume projections
You need accurate volume projections to show you understand scaling requirements. Your original production accounts begin with a 50,000 messages per day limit. AWS throttles sending to 14 messages per second at first. The request should outline your daily email volume and peak throughput needs.
Compliance documentation
Organizations with sensitive data need proper compliance documentation. AWS SES supports HIPAA compliance through their Business Associate Agreement (BAA). The service provides encryption protocols like S/MIME and PGP, and secures all communications with TLS 1.2. Your request should include relevant certifications and security measures.
AWS tries to establish secure connections with receiving servers by default. You can set up mandatory secure connections based on your compliance needs. The platform’s Security and Compliance Quick Start Guides are a great way to get documentation that supports compliance programs like SOC, PCI, FedRAMP, and HIPAA.
Submitting Your SES Production Application
Getting production access to AWS SES needs proper documentation and attention to detail. The application process has three significant stages that will determine if you succeed.
Filling the request form
The AWS SES production access form just needs specific details about how you send emails. You’ll first select between Marketing or Transactional email types based on your main sending purpose. Next, add your website URL and up to four contact email addresses for account updates. Finally, pick your preferred contact language – either English or Japanese.
Supporting documentation
Your application should include complete details about:
- Technical implementation of SES features
- Email sending processes and procedures
- Bounce and complaint handling mechanisms
- Unsubscribe process implementation
- Privacy policy and footer information
You should explain how you maintain recipient lists and handle unsubscribe requests. Your website must look professional because AWS reviews site credibility during the evaluation.
Follow-up communication
The AWS Trust & Safety team processes your request through a dedicated support case. You’ll get an original response within 24 hours. The team might ask for more information about your use case later.
The review looks at several factors, including your account’s history and health status. AWS handles all communication through the support case system to document every interaction. Note that technical support teams can’t influence or speed up production access decisions because this authority belongs only to the Trust & Safety team.
Conclusion
AWS SES production access opens up powerful email capabilities. You can send 50,000 emails daily at higher rates instead of being restricted to 200 emails in the sandbox environment.
Your success relies on proper preparation and attention to detail. You need verified domains, authenticated emails, and complete monitoring systems set up before you submit your request. A strong application includes clear business cases, volume projections, and compliance documentation.
The AWS Trust & Safety team reviews each request based on your account history and sending patterns. You’ll get the original response within 24 hours, but staying patient during the review helps you gain expanded email capabilities.
Campaign HQ’s AWS SES Connect feature makes AWS SES management simple. This optimized solution handles technical details while you focus on expanding your email operations.
Note that production access depends on responsible email practices and high sending standards. These guidelines will help you discover the full potential of AWS SES for your email needs when you prepare your request today.
FAQ
People often ask questions about getting AWS SES production access. Here are detailed answers to help you through the process.
Why did AWS deny production access for SES?
The AWS Trust & Safety team doesn’t approve production access because it might affect service deliverability. Automated systems check specific parameters for quick approval. The team reviews account health and past activity manually. AWS can’t share exact reasons for denial due to security protocols.
How to get approved for Amazon SES?
You need to show AWS that you follow good email practices. Begin by verifying your domain and setting up email authentication. Your case becomes stronger when you keep detailed records of how you handle bounces and manage complaints. A professional website and clear privacy policies boost your chances of approval.
How do I access Amazon SES?
You can access Amazon SES through these proven methods:
- Sign in to AWS Management Console
- Go to SES dashboard
- Create SMTP credentials to send emails
SMTP credentials are different from AWS secret access keys and you need to generate them separately for each region.
How much does AWS SES cost?
AWS SES uses a pay-as-you-go model with these pricing components:
- USD 0.10 per thousand incoming emails
- USD 0.12 per GB for data transfer
- USD 0.09 per GB for S3 data transfer
- USD 0.50 per million for SNS notifications
Dedicated IP addresses cost extra, but the total cost stays much lower than other email service providers.
