August 5, 2019
Starting on August 1, 2019, Amazon vendors are required to test and certify some types of product packaging to be Amazon ISTA 6 compliant to avoid extra charges. This change is part of Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging Program to improve customer experience and reduce unnecessary packaging on items that qualify to “Ship In Own Container” or SIOC. ISTA 6 Series testing can be performed by any ISTA Certified Testing Laboratory with the ISTA 6 listing, like Elite.
If you ship products through Amazon, start by reviewing the Sustainability and Packaging website and take the following steps to see if this new requirement applies to their packaged products:
- Check the weight and dimensions of your packaged products. Items larger than 18” x 14” x 8” or over 20 lb must be certified as ready to ship in their own container (SIOC).
- Check your ASINs to see if any exceptions apply to your products or packages.
- Contact Elite to review your requirements and design a test plan to achieve Amazon certification and prevent extra charges on shipments through Amazon.
Elite is an ISTA Certified Testing Laboratory covering many of Amazon’s ISTA 6 Series tests:
| Shipping Methods | Weight Limits | Girth Limits | |
| SIOC Type A | Parcel Delivery | < 50 lbs. | <= 165 inches |
| SIOC Type B | Parcel Delivery | > 50 and <100 lbs. | <= 165 inches |
| SIOC Type D | Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) | > 100 lbs. | > 165 inches |
| SIOC Type G | Parcel Delivery | < 150 lbs. | <= 165 inches |
| SIOC Type H | Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) | >= 150 lbs. | > 165 inches |
The ISTA 6 Series includes test methods for temperature/humidity exposure, free-fall drop, random vibration, impact, and compression to simulate the Amazon distribution shipping environment and ensure that the packaging adequately protects the contents through the entire process.
Our lab is equipped to handle packages with large dimensions and less than 100 lb, and TV/Monitor packages over 150 lb. At the conclusion of testing, we provide Amazon-ready reports for direct submission to simplify the certification process and save you time. We also offer complete testing services for “Over-Boxing” if you have items that are combined in larger boxes at Amazon distribution centers.
Contact us today to start your Amazon ISTA 6 test program to validate the performance of your packaging – and avoid extra charges on your shipments.