Certification and Registration
ISTA 6 – Amazon Packaging and Transportation Testing
Category:
Package
In recent years, e‑commerce has experienced rapid growth. Products sold through online platforms can be delivered directly to consumers via the platforms’ logistics networks, giving rise to a new e‑commerce logistics model. Transportation packaging safety testing is an effective approach to ensuring product quality, reducing damage rates, optimizing packaging design and costs, and alleviating after-sales burdens. Consequently, how to design and test product packaging to enhance the safety and reliability of e‑commerce logistics has become a key focus for businesses.
ISTA International Air Transport Association
ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) , namely the International Air Transport Association, is an international non-profit organization, in which ISTA 6 The series test standards are member‑company testing standards, such as those of Amazon. (Amazon) 、 SAMSCLUB 、 FedEx Wait. ISTA 6-Fedex This is primarily a test of packages shipped via FedEx. ISTA 6-SAMSCLUB This primarily involves comprehensive simulation testing of packages transported across the United States via Sam’s Club’s delivery system. In this system, packages typically originate from manufacturers or producers, pass through one or more logistics distribution centers, and are delivered to member stores. ( Warehouse )。
ISTA 6-Amazon
ISTA 6-Amazon The testing standards are the packaging and shipping test requirements that Amazon and its suppliers’ products must meet within Amazon’s operational environment, applicable to Amazon and its suppliers. Effective August 1, 2019, Amazon requires that all supplier products on its platform undergo ISTA 6-AMAZON packaging testing and obtain Amazon packaging certification.
ISTA 6-Amazon Divide product packaging certification into 3 Types, namely Tier 1 Frustration-Free Packaging(FFP) ， Tier 2 Ships in Own Container(SIOC) ， Tier 3 Prep-Free Packaging(PFP) , with the corresponding requirements and differences shown in the figure below.
The 1 Layer: Meets the requirements of ISTA 6-Amazon.com-SIOC testing, with additional requirements for minimal packaging, easy-open features, and fully recyclable materials.
The 2 Layer: According to ISTA 6-Amazon.com-SIOC According to the test definition, packages are shipped in the seller’s own containers, without requiring preparation by Amazon or an outer box, and exhibit minimal damage during testing.
The 3 Layer: According to ISTA 6-Amazon.com-Over Boxing According to the definition, the package uses a master shipping container, does not require preparation by Amazon, and exhibited minimal damage during testing.
Authentication FFP and SIOC The minimum product packaging size is 6"x4"x0.375" , products smaller than this size can only be recognized as PFP 。
ISTA 6-Amazon Test
The test standards are: 2 Species: ISTA 6-Amazon SICO and ISTA 6-Amazon Over-Boxing . Among them ISTA 6-Amazon SICO The most commonly used standard categorizes products based on packaging dimensions, package weight, delivery method, and product type.
|
Test Type |
Mode of transportation |
Weight (Weight) |
Perimeter Girth=L+2(W+H) |
|
Package delivery |
<50lbs.(23kg), Moreover |
≤165"(4.19m) |
|
|
Package delivery |
≥50lbs.(23kg)but<100lbs.(43kg), Moreover |
G≤165"(4.19m) |
|
|
Package delivery |
≥100lbs.(43kg) Moreover |
G≤165"(4.19m) |
|
|
Less-than-truckload freight (LTL) |
<100lbs.(43kg), or |
G>165"(4.19m) |
|
|
Less-than-truckload freight (LTL) |
≥100lbs.(43kg) |
G>165"(4.19m) |
|
|
Less-than-truckload freight (LTL) |
N/A |
N/A |
|
|
Package delivery |
<150lbs.(68kg), Moreover |
G≤165"(4.19m) |
|
|
Less-than-truckload freight (LTL) |
≥150lbs.(68kg), or |
G>165"(4.19m) |
|
|
Package delivery |
<50lbs.(23kg), Moreover |
Longest side <6''(152.4mm), or the shorter side <4''(101.6mm), or the shortest side <0.375''(9.5mm) |
Test Procedure ( with Type A For example )
According to the product packaging type (Type) In addition to the differences, there is also the box‑loading test and horizontal compression. ( Extrusion clamping ) Testing, rotational drop tests, inclined-plane impact tests, and others.
Criteria for Determination
After testing, there shall be no packaging damage, cracking, product breakage, or liquid leakage.
|
Damaged packaging |
Packaging cracked |
|
Product damage |
Product wear |
ISTA 6-Amazon Packaging design
The primary function of packaging is to protect the product. Products are transported multiple times—from the manufacturer to the warehouse and ultimately to the buyer—so it’s essential to ensure that the package is sufficiently secure and stable. To help your products pass Amazon’s packaging tests more effectively, SATISFY offerss the following recommendations:
◉ It is preferable to use corrugated cardboard boxes as shipping containers; plastic bags must not be used as outer packaging.
◉ Corner or edge protectors can be added to enhance the carton’s drop‑resistance and compression strength.
|
Corner guard |
Border protection |
◉ The packaging surface must be smooth, with no protrusions, windows, or openings.
|
Highlight |
Open mouth |
Open the window |
◉ Handheld holes may be used, but their dimensions must not exceed 3"x1.5" , the radius is in 1.5' within.
◉ Any product with packaging dimensions less than 6"(152.4mm) x 4"(101.6mm) x 0.375"(9.5mm) , can only apply Tier 3(PFP) ， Over Boxing Certification of
◉ Any edge openings must be edge‑sealed. Box‑sealing nails may be used to seal the seams of cartons, but they are not permitted for sealing the package opening. Self‑sealing closures must be sealed with adhesive or tape. Non‑metallic cable ties may be used to reinforce and secure outer cartons, but they must not be used to bind multiple packages together.
◉ For fragile items, the packing box utilization rate must be greater than 30% , the utilization rate of non-fragile item packaging boxes must be greater than 50% , the calculation method is as follows:
|
|
Length |
Width |
Height |
Total Volume |
|
Product Measurements |
20inches |
9inches |
6inches |
1080inches |
|
Packaging Measurements |
22inches |
10inches |
8inches |
170inches |
|
|
|
Box-Utilization Score |
1080/1760=61% |
|
SATISFY available on Amazon 6(ISTA 6 -Amazon.com) A full range of packaging test items, including Tier 1 Frustration-Free Packaging(FFP) ， Tier 2 Ships in Own Container(SIOC) ， Tier 3 Prep-Free Packaging(PFP) , and ISTA We offer a full range of packaging‑testing services in accordance with industry standards, issuing authoritative test reports to help cross‑border e‑commerce businesses expand internationally. Please contact SATISFY customer service for more information on Amazon compliance. 6(ISTA 6 -Amazon.com) Information on the full range of packaging testing services.
Next page
Next page
Related Information
SATISFY TECH AND SERVICE LLC
SATISFY TECH AND SERVICE LLC delivers full-lifecycle technical solutions for children’s products, hygiene care, protective equipment, furniture, and building materials. Our framework spans compliance pre-assessment, standard upgrading, and risk control. We empower manufacturers and exporters through expert testing, certification, consulting, and standards interpretation.
Contact Us
Address: Room 7D, Building A, Zhongzhou Holdings Financial Center, No. 88 Haide 1st Road, Haizhu Community, Yuehai Subdistrict, Nanshan District, Shenzhen
Phone: 0755-8273-9683
Mobile: 189-2676-2893
Email: info@sdswcn.com
Sales Window
WeChat Applet