ISTA Package Testing
International trade is a $14 trillion industry. Staying competitive means ensuring your products can withstand the challenges of the global supply chain, which is where ISTA package testing can help. This comprehensive package testing method simulates real-world shipping conditions—like drops, vibrations, stacking, and temperature extremes—to ensure your packaging and products are ready for anything. Discover how you can reduce costs, minimize damage, and protect your valuable resources with ISTA.
What is ISTA Package Testing?
The Industry Standard for Distribution Safety
Developed by The International Safe Transit Association (ISTA), ISTA package testing is used to evaluate the performance of packaging and products under simulated real-world distribution conditions. These standardized, yet comprehensive, test methods ensure your packaging can handle the rigors of transportation, including vibrations, drops, compression, and temperature fluctuations. ISTA is increasingly used by big-box retailers like Sam’s Club and online commerce sites like Amazon as the definitive method for ensuring product integrity during distribution. With a diverse range of test methods tailored to different package types and supply chain scenarios, such as road, train, and air transport, ISTA package testing provides actionable insights to help you optimize your packaging, reduce damage, and maintain product integrity by land, sea, and air.
By promoting industry best practices and providing cutting-edge testing protocols, ISTA empowers companies to protect their products, enhance customer satisfaction, and minimize waste in the supply chain. There are currently six ISTA series test methods. As an ISTA-certified lab, our experts at Purple Diamond are knowledgeable in all ISTA series and can help guide you on the appropriate test methods needed to yield the most comprehensive data regarding your product and packaging performance.
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ISTA Package Testing Procedures
Each ISTA test series is designed to address specific distribution challenges, whether it’s parcel delivery, less-than-truckload shipments, or extreme environmental conditions. From initial integrity testing to advanced simulations, ISTA offers a comprehensive suite of test methods tailored to diverse package types and supply chain requirements.
Please click on each standard to learn more about the specific testing method.
ISTA 1 SERIES: Non-Simulation Integrity Tests:
ISTA 1 Series testing is a useful screening test and starting point before delving into more advanced ISTA package testing.. It helps assess the strength and robustness of your product and packaging combination.
- Procedure ISTA 1A - Integrity Testing for Packaged-Products Weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or Less – Integrity testing for individual packaged-products, which evaluates product and package performance in comparison to alternative designs for products weighing 150lbs or less.
- Procedure ISTA 1B - Integrity Testing for Packaged-Products Weighing Over 150 lb (68 kg) – Integrity testing for individual packaged-products, which evaluates product and package performance in comparison to alternative designs for products weighing over 150lbs.
- Procedure ISTA 1C - Extended Integrity Testing for Individual Packaged-Products Weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or Less – Extended test procedures for packaged-products weighing 150lbs or less.
- Procedure ISTA 1D - Extended Integrity Testing for Individual Packaged-Products Weighing Over 150 lb (68 kg) – Extended test procedures for packaged-products weighing over 150lbs.
- Procedure ISTA 1E - Integrity Testing for Unitized Loads – Integrity testing for unitized loads made up of skids or pallets of secured products or packages of the same products shipping as a single load.
- Procedure ISTA 1G - Packaged-Products Weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or Less Utilizing Random Vibration – Integrity testing for individual packaged-products weighing 150lbs or less using random vibration tests.
- Procedure ISTA 1H - Integrity Testing for Packaged-Products Weighing Over 150 lb (68 kg) Utilizing Random Vibration – Integrity testing for individual packaged-products, weighing over 150lbs using random vibration tests.
ISTA 2 SERIES: Partial Simulation Tests:
This testing protocol combines basic test elements of ISTA 1 (Non-Simulation Integrity Performance Tests) and ISTA 3 (General Simulation Performance Tests). Tests may include simulated shocks, compression, and vibration.
- Procedure ISTA 2A - Packaged-Products Weighing 150 lb (68 kg) or Less – Integrity testing for individual packaged-products, evaluating packaged-products weighing 150lbs or less with considerations for international distribution.
- Procedure ISTA 2B - Packaged-Products Weighing Over 150 lb (68 kg) – Integrity testing for individual packaged-products, evaluating packaged-products weighing over 150lbs with considerations for international distribution.
- Procedure ISTA 2C - Furniture Packages – Partial stimulation test used for individual furniture packages.
Is Your Packaging Up to the Challenge?
Contact us today to learn how ISTA testing can protect your products and optimize your supply chain.
ISTA 3 SERIES: General Simulation Tests:
ISTA 3 Series testing calls for laboratory simulation and encompasses a variety of distribution methods and handling exposures. Tests may include atmospheric conditioning and drop testing.
- Procedure ISTA 3A - Packaged-Products for Parcel Delivery System Shipment 150 lb (70 kg) or Less (Standard, Small, Flat, and Elongated Packages) – Packaged-product testing for distribution through the parcel delivery system weighing 150lbs or less with four specific package types: standard, small, flat, and elongated.
- Procedure ISTA 3B - Packaged-Products for Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipment (Standard, Cylindrical, and Palletized or Skidded) – Packaged-product testing for distribution through a motor carrier delivery system, where products are mixed in the same load, often from various shippers and intended for different destinations. Labeled as Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and appropriate for four different package types: standard two hundred pounds or less, standard over two hundred pounds, cylindrical, and palletized.
- Procedure ISTA 3E - Similar Packaged-Products in Unitized Loads for Truckload Shipment – Simulation tests for similar packaged-products in unitized loads for truckload distribution.
- Procedure ISTA 3F - Packaged-Products for Distribution Center to Retail Outlet Shipment 100 lb (45 kg) or Less (Mixed Pallet Configuration) – Simulation tests for packaged-products weighing 100lbs or less shipped as individual packages from distribution to a retail outlet.
- Procedure ISTA 3H - Mechanically Handled Bulk Transport Containers – Simulation tests for mechanically handled bulk transport containers.
- Procedure ISTA 3K - Fast Moving Consumer Goods for the European Retail Supply Chain – Simulation tests for fast moving packaged-products shipped through the multiple-retail supply chain environment in Europe, both shelf ready and non-shelf ready packages including shipment of store-specific mixed loads in roll cages or mixed pallets.
- Procedure ISTA 3L - Generalized E-commerce Retailer Fulfillment – Simulation tests for individual packaged products shipped through retailer distribution centers.
ISTA 4 SERIES: Enhanced Simulation Tests:
This testing protocol covers twelve different package types. It is the most rigorous ISTA test series. ISTA 4 Series simulates extreme conditions, making it especially useful for more fragile products, like glass, liquid, electronics, or sensitive medical devices.
ISTA 6 SERIES: Member Performance Tests:
ISTA Series 6 package testing protocols are designed for specific retailers, including FedEx, Amazon, and Sam’s Club.
- 6-FEDEX-A - FedEx Procedures for Testing Packaged Products Weighing Up to 150 lbs – FedEx procedures for testing packaged-products weighing up to one hundred and fifty pounds (domestic and international).
- 6-FEDEX-B - FedEx Procedures for Testing Packaged Products Weighing Over 150 lbs – FedEx procedures for testing packaged-products weighing more than one hundred and fifty pounds (domestic and international).
- Project 6 AMAZON.COM SIOC - Ships in Own Container (SIOC) for Amazon.com Distribution System Shipment (A-H) – General simulation test for packaged-products shipped through Amazon.com distribution system by vendors to Amazon fulfillment centers to final customer destinations via parcel or less-than-truckload.
- Project 6 AMAZON.COM Over Boxing - e-Commerce Fulfillment for Parcel Delivery Shipment (Over Box) – General simulation test for packaged-products shipped through Amazon.com distribution system weighing seventy pounds or less placed into an Amazon-applied over box.
- Project 6 SAMS CLUB - Packaged-Products for Sam’s Club Distribution System Shipment – General simulation test for packaged-products shipped through the Sam’s Club distribution system in the United States typically shipped from a domestic or international manufacturer through one or more distribution centers to the club store.
ISTA 7 SERIES: Development Tests:
This testing protocol is used in the development of transport packages. These protocols can be used to compare container designs, but should not be relied on to determine packaging protection.
- Procedure 7D - Temperature Test for Transport Packaging – Temperature testing for transport packaging evaluating the external temperature exposures of individual packaged-products.
- Standard 7E - Thermal Transport Packaging Used in Parcel Delivery System – Standard testing for thermal transport packaging used in parcel delivery system shipment.
Achieve Packaging Excellence & Product Protection
Explore our full range of ISTA test methods and see how Purple Diamond can help you achieve packaging excellence.
Why Purple Diamond?
At Purple Diamond, we’re here to help you choose the right ISTA test protocol to assess your packaged products’ potential distribution risks. From navigating regulations to understanding industry standards, our team of experts is ready to guide you through the process, ensuring you select the best testing plan for your products’ unique distribution environment.
As an ISO-certified lab, Purple Diamond adheres to ISTA standards to provide accurate, reliable testing results. Our engineers are dedicated to developing customized solutions that meet your packaging’s needs and ensure the highest level of quality throughout the testing process.
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