With the rise of e-commerce, a new set of testing standards was needed to evaluate the integrity and durability of products and packaging. As a result, the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) 6-Series was creating. ISTA 6-Series testing is designed to evaluate the resilience of packaging in specific distribution channels by simulating real-world conditions that packages may encounter during transit. By subjecting packages to these rigorous tests, companies can ensure their products arrive safely at their destination, reducing damage and enhancing customer satisfaction.
ISTA 6-Series includes tests tailored for major players in the e-commerce and shipping industry, such as Amazon and FedEx. If you want your online retailer to compete, it needs to stay compliant with these crucial standards. Here’s how ISTA 6-Series testing can help you streamline distribution, and ultimately deliver products safely and efficiently to customers worldwide.
Why ISTA Series-6 Testing?
ISTA 6-Series testing offers numerous benefits for companies seeking to ensure their packaging meets specific distribution channel requirements. By adhering to ISTA 6-Series standards, businesses can significantly reduce product damage and returns, lower operational costs, and improve customer satisfaction. For e-commerce businesses, particularly those selling through platforms like Amazon, ISTA 6-Series testing is crucial for meeting marketplace requirements.
Types of 6-Series Testing
ISTA 6-Amazon.com Over-Boxing
ISTA 6-Amazon.com Over-Boxing is general performance simulation for e-commerce fulfillment of packages. This testing differs from items ready to ship in their own packaging. This packaging holds a packaged product weighing 70 pounds or less in a shipping container either by itself or with packaging pillows (the bubble wrap type interior packaging you sometimes see). The test itself will show the ability of the e-commerce fulfillment over-boxing will work or not. How this is tested is by simulating damage-producing motions, forces, conditions, and environmental hazards.
ISTA 6-Amazon.com SIOC
This test is a general performance simulation for packages that are “shipped in own container” through Amazon’s fulfillment center. This ISTA 6-Series testing is for packaged-products shipped by vendors to an Amazon.com fulfillment center, which are then shipped to customers via parcel or truckload. Amazon.com vendors are encouraged to use this test.
ISTA 6-ABC
This test is thermal testing for packaged-products. Internal use by AmerisourceBergen Drug Company only.
ISTA 6-Samsclub
This test is a general test for Sam’s Club Distribution System Shipment. This testing is for the non-perishable on a pallet or shipped loaded from the floor, as well as perishable goods.
ISTA 6-Fedex-A
This test is a general test for FedEx procedures of packaged products weighing up to 150 pounds. Testing includes free fall drops, concentrated impacts, bridge impacts, compression, rotary vibration, random vibration.
ISTA 6-Fedex-B
This ISTA Series-6 testing is a general test for FedEx procedures of packaged products weighing more than 150 pounds. Testing includes side impacts, bottom impacts, raised edge impacts, raised corner impacts, tip tests, compression, rotary vibration, random vibration.
ISTA 6-Jaco
This test is a general test for Performance Test Packaged Products weighing over Jaco. Testing includes fixed-displacement vibration, incline impacts, and rational edge drops. Internal use by Jaco only.
ISTA 6-Medrad
This test is a general test for Performance Test of Elongated Packaged Products weighing under 150 lbs. Testing includes atmospheric pre-conditioning, atmospheric conditioning, compression, random vibration, free-fall drops, rotational drops, and bridge impact. Internal use only by Medrad Incorporated.
ISTA 6-Series Testing with Purple Diamond
By rigorously evaluating packaging against real-world shipping challenges, ISTA 6-Series testing helps companies minimize damage, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. As e-commerce continues to grow, the importance of reliable packaging solutions becomes even more critical. Companies that invest in ISTA 6-Series testing position themselves for success, ensuring their products arrive safely and efficiently at their destinations.
If you’re looking to optimize your packaging strategy and ensure compliance with industry standards, reach out to Purple Diamond today. Our expertise can help you navigate the complexities of ISTA testing and enhance your packaging performance.
