ISTA 6-Amazon.com
ISTA 6-Amazon.com challenges the capability of both package and product to withstand distribution hazards normally encountered during handling and transportation.
Micom offers ISTA 6-Amazon.com testing as part of its Package testing services. Furthermore, Micom is also part of Amazon’s packaging support and supplier network (Amazon APASS).
Amazon’s Packaging Tiers:
- Tier 1: Frustration Free Packaging (FFP Amazon)
- Tier 2: Ships in Own Container (SIOC Amazon)
- Tier 3: Prep-Free Packaging (6-Amazon.com Overbox)
| Requirements: | Tier 1 (FFP) | Tier 2 (SIOC) | Tier 3 (PFP) |
| Complies to ISTA 6-Amazon.com | X | X | X |
| Ships in its own container | X | X | |
| Recyclable packaging | X | ||
| Easy to open (< 2 minutes) | X |
ISTA 6-Amazon.com splits into two different test protocols:
- 6-Amazon.com – Amazon SIOC: Ships in Own Container (SIOC) for Amazon.com Distribution System Shipment
- 6-Amazon.com – Over Boxing: e-Commerce Fulfillment for Parcel Delivery Shipment
These tests are used to simulate Amazon.com’s shipping environment. They were initially released as ISTA’s projects in 2016 and then reviewed in 2018. Compliance to these standards cannot be used to establish compliance with carrier packaging regulations.
Selecting the Right Test Protocol
ISTA 6-Amazon.com – SIOC Amazon: Selecting the Right Product Category
Testing Scope
Packaged products typically shipped from the manufacturer to an Amazon.com fulfillment center (FC) and ultimately delivered to the end customer via Parcel or LTL delivery systems.
Test Package
The package and the product should be the same as the actual production items
The Number of Specimens Required for Testing
Products considered as “Fragile” require 5 specimens for testing. Fragile items are defined as items that could easily break or could leak during the distribution process such as glass, ceramic, porcelain, clay, liquids, semi-liquids or solids that can come liquid at high temperature (>21°C)
Non-fragile products require only one specimen for testing. Additional specimens could be tested at the same time for statistical purposes.
TV/Monitors are considered as non-fragile items.
Acceptance Criteria
Prior testing, the following acceptance level shall be defined by whether the shipper, manufacturer, Amazon.com or other stakeholders;
- What constitutes damage to the product
- What damage tolerance level is allowable
- The correct methodology to determine product condition at the conclusion of the test
- The acceptance package condition at the conclusion of the test
ISTA 6-Amazon.com – Over Boxing: Selecting the Right Product Category
Testing Scope
Individual or multiple packaged-product(s) weighing up to 70lb being placed into a master shipping container (over box) for shipment from Amazon.com to end customers through the parcel delivery system.
Test Package
- The over box is selected by the laboratory-based on the specimen weight and the number of intended specimens within the over box for shipment.
- Whether the shipment configuration is one or multiple products, only one test specimen is placed in the over box for testing.
- Hazard products are added within the over box to simulate multiple products shipments.
- Dunnage material is added within the over box to secure the product and, if applicable the hazardous products.
The Number of Specimens Required for Testing
| Shipment Configuration | Test Specimen Weight | |||
| Less Than 15 lbs (6.80 kg) | 15 lbs (6.80 kg) or Greater | |||
| Non-Fragile | Fragile | Non-Fragile | Fragile | |
| Single Item | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Multiple Item | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Samples Required | 2 | 5 | 1 | 5 |
Fragile Items
Items that easily break or could leak during the distribution process such as glass, ceramic, porcelain, clay, liquids, semi-liquids or solids that can come liquid at high temperature (>21°C)
Acceptance Criteria
Prior testing, the following acceptance level shall be defined by the shipper and Amazon.com;
- What constitutes damage to the product
- What damage tolerance level is allowable
- The correct methodology to determine product condition at the conclusion of the test
- The acceptance package condition at the conclusion of the test
Not meeting the following criteria will be automatically considered as a failed test:
- The product is fully functional in its intended use
- No leaks
- Any tamper evident application is not compromised, seal integrity is intact
- Any secondary packaging that is considered part of the product is free from serious damage/indentation/scratching
Form Factor
Should you have similar items having scaled packaging for different product sizes (e.g.: shoes), only one (or limited) FFP certification might be required by applying for the FFP Form-Factor Certification. The ISTA 6-Amazon.com tested product will bear the primary ASIN while the following ones will fall under the secondary ASIN.
Form-Factor Certification Main Rules:
Secondary ASIN can be up to 25% smaller in one dimension, up to 25% smaller in volume or up to 25% lighter.
Only ISTA 6-Amazon.com-SIOC Type A (< 50 lbs.) or ISTA 6-Amazon.com-Over Boxing certified Primary ASINs are eligible to the Form-Factor certification.
Packages containing more than 50% of fragile items or containing liquids are not allowed to the Form-Factor certification.
Other ISTA Member Performance Tests
There are 6 other ISTA member Performance tests.
- ISTA –6-SAMSCLUB (2010)
- ISTA 6-FEDEX-A (2008)
- ISTA 6-FEDEX (B)
- ISTA 6-MEDRAD (2008)
- ISTA 6-JACO (2008)
- ISTA 6-ABC (2012)
Micom can test to all of these test protocols.
Other Related Test Methods
For additional related test methods please see: ISTA Testing, Package Testing or ASTM Packaging.
We also invite you to learn more about our package testing services by consulting our brochure below: