TL;DR
To sell through Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), your products must pass mandatory packaging performance tests defined by the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA). he primary standards, such as ISTA 6-Amazon.com-SIOC and ISTA 6-Amazon.com-Over Boxing, simulates the stresses of Amazon’s fulfillment network. This includes specific ISTA drop test standards, vibration trials, and compression tests to ensure packaging is durable enough to prevent product damage and guarantee a positive customer experience.
Understanding the ISTA 6-Amazon Standard
The ISTA 6-Amazon standard is a specialized series of tests created by ISTA in partnership with Amazon to certify that packaging can withstand the unique hazards of the e-commerce supply chain. Unlike general transit tests, this protocol specifically simulates the journey through an Amazon fulfillment center, from conveyor belts and automated sorting to final delivery. The primary goals of this standard are to reduce product damage, minimize waste, and improve the overall customer unboxing experience. By adhering to these standards, sellers can avoid chargebacks and ensure their products are handled efficiently within the FBA system.
The standard is primarily divided into two main categories based on how a product is shipped:
- Ships in Own Container (SIOC): This certification applies to products that can be shipped in their original manufacturer packaging without needing an additional Amazon overbox. The packaging itself must be durable and robust enough to protect the item from all transit hazards.
- Prep-Free Packaging (PFP) / Over Boxing: This applies to items that require placement inside a larger Amazon shipping box with dunnage (like air pillows) for protection. The testing for this, known as ISTA 6-Amazon.com-Over Boxing, evaluates the product’s ability to survive transit when packed this way.
Choosing the correct test type is crucial for compliance. The decision depends on the product’s size, weight, and durability. Amazon’s guidelines, such as the Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP) program, help sellers determine which certification path their products fall under.
The Amazon Drop Test Procedure: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
The drop test is arguably the most critical component of the ISTA 6-Amazon certification, as it simulates the most common cause of damage: impacts from handling and sorting. The procedure is highly specific, designed to test the package’s structural integrity from multiple angles. For a typical Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP) self-test, the sequence involves 17 drops in a prescribed order, targeting various edges, corners, and faces.
The test methodically challenges the package’s weakest points. A standard sequence begins by numbering the package faces (1-6) and then proceeds through a series of drops targeting specific orientations, such as edge 3-4 or corner 3-4-6. This ensures that every potential impact point is evaluated for its ability to protect the contents.
Drop height is not uniform; it varies based on the test type and, in many ISTA procedures, the weight of the package. For the SIPP self-test, specific heights are mandated for different drops in the sequence. For example, some drops are from 46 cm (18 inches) while others, targeting the flat faces, are from a more demanding 92 cm (36 inches). This variation simulates everything from a short tumble off a conveyor belt to a more significant fall during manual handling.
| Drop Number | Orientation | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edge 3-4 | 46 cm (18 inches) |
| 4 | Corner 3-4-6 | 46 cm (18 inches) |
| 8 | Face 3 | 92 cm (36 inches) |
| 16 | Most Fragile Face | 92 cm (36 inches) |
| 17 | Face 3 | 46 cm (18 inches) |
Note: This table shows a selection of the 17 required drops for illustrative purposes. Sellers must follow the complete, official sequence.
Beyond the Drop: Other Required ISTA 6-Amazon Tests
While the drop test is fundamental, it is only one piece of the puzzle. The ISTA 6-Amazon protocol is a comprehensive simulation that includes other critical tests to replicate the full spectrum of hazards in the fulfillment network. These additional tests ensure that packaging can protect against the more subtle but equally damaging forces encountered during transit and storage.
Vibration Testing
Every package traveling by truck, plane, or conveyor belt is subjected to constant vibration. The ISTA 6-Amazon standard includes a random vibration test sequence that simulates these conditions. This test places the package on a vibration table that mimics the frequencies and intensities of vehicle and conveyor transport. The goal is to identify potential damage from repetitive shaking, such as component loosening, surface abrasion from internal movement, or settling of contents that could compromise protection. For SIOC packages, the standard includes one sequence of random vibration with three different test profiles depending on the product type.
Compression Testing
In Amazon’s warehouses and delivery vehicles, packages are often stacked. Compression testing simulates the vertical pressure a package must withstand when at the bottom of a stack. The test applies a calculated, steady force to the top of the package to ensure it doesn’t crush, deform, or collapse in a way that could damage the product inside. This is essential for maintaining the integrity of both the product and the packaging throughout the storage and shipping process.
How to Get Your Packaging Certified: Lab Testing vs. Self-Testing
Achieving ISTA 6-Amazon certification is a mandatory step for many sellers. There are two primary pathways to get your packaging tested and approved: using a certified third-party lab or, for eligible products, conducting a self-test.
Using an ISTA-Certified Lab (APASS Network)
For fragile items, products containing liquids, or those weighing over 50 lbs, professional lab testing is required. Amazon directs sellers to use labs within the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier (APASS) network. These labs are vetted by Amazon and are experts in performing the exact ISTA 6-Amazon test procedures. They provide formal test reports that serve as official documentation for certification. While this is the more costly option, it provides the highest degree of confidence and is non-negotiable for certain product types. For sellers sourcing products from overseas, ensuring packaging meets specifications *before* shipment is crucial. A partner on the ground can perform essential quality control. For instance, services like China Quality Inspection offer pre-shipment inspections to verify packaging integrity at the source, preventing costly failures during official ISTA testing.
Performing a Vendor Self-Test
For many non-fragile, non-liquid products in rigid or flexible packaging, Amazon allows sellers to perform a self-test. This involves following a detailed, 17-step drop test procedure as outlined in Amazon’s Seller Central. Sellers must carefully document the process with pre- and post-test photos of the product and packaging, and evaluate them against strict pass/fail criteria. A product fails if it has any visible damage, loss of function, or if the packaging seals have been compromised. While cost-effective, this method requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure the results are valid and accepted by Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Amazon require a drop test?
Yes, Amazon requires a drop test as a mandatory part of its packaging certification process. For products enrolled in programs like Ships in Product Packaging (SIPP), a specific sequence of 17 drops must be performed and passed, either through self-testing or by a certified lab, to ensure the package can withstand handling hazards.
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What is the difference between ISTA and ISO drop test standards?
ISTA standards, particularly ISTA 6-Amazon, are performance tests specifically designed to simulate the journey through a particular supply chain (like Amazon’s). They are holistic and include sequences of various hazards. ISO standards, such as ISO 2248, typically define a method for a single type of test (like a vertical impact drop) to measure impact resistance in a standardized, repeatable way, but may not simulate a complete transit sequence on their own.
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What is the standard for a drop test?
There isn’t one single universal standard; it depends on the industry and goal. For Amazon FBA, the primary standard is ISTA 6-Amazon. Other widely recognized standards include the ASTM D5276 (Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall) and various MIL-STD protocols for military applications. Each defines specific procedures, drop heights, and impact surfaces.
