Keystone Compliance offers a variety of package testing for your packaging needs. Requirements may vary per test type. Amazon Type A is for parcel delivery of individual packaged products that are less than 50 pounds (23 kg) and have a girth equal to or less than 165 inches (4.19 m). The standard handling shipping method is used for these products.
The standard handling method, also referenced as floor loaded, is for individual packaged-products that are received at an Amazon.com Fulfillment Center with no pallet or with multiple packaged products on a single pallet and are intended to ship to the end consumer without a pallet. Type A products qualify for Amazon SIOC status and are tested based on the ISTA 6 SIOC Type A test sequence outlined in the chart below.
The purpose of Type A testing is to achieve Amazon SIOC ISTA 6 package testing certification. As an Amazon packaging certification lab, Keystone engineers will evaluate the protective performance of packaging for goods that weigh less than 50 pounds. The package will undergo testing related to vibrations, shocks, and other stresses that packages normally encounter throughout transportation to the customer.
Testing samples are comprised of the package and product and are considered one whole unit. Not all shipping conditions can be tested with Type A alone as it does not allow for all conditions or any irregular handling. It can be used in conjunction with other test types, consult Keystone testing engineers for additional testing needs.
Testing Type A, B, and C differ in weight of the product.
ISTA and Amazon have identified some tangible benefits of package testing:
- Product to market time reduction
- Confidence in product launch
- Reduction in damage and product loss
- Balanced distribution costs
- Customer satisfaction contributing to increased market share
Some additional benefits of package testing that Keystone customers experience include:
- avoiding chargebacks
- avoiding prep-fees
- reducing returns
- reducing package waste
The Methods of Amazon ISTA 6 SICO Type A Testing:
Testing Timeline
Request a quote from Keystone’s package testing engineers. Keystone will review your request and the current standards to provide an accurate quote. Once the quote is approved, Keystone technicians will be in contact to ensure that samples remain compliant throughout the process. See How to Submit a Sample for specific instructions. The product will undergo testing in accordance with the Testing Type requirements. After testing is completed, the vendor will receive an Amazon standard lab report that is to be submitted to Amazon for Type A certification.
Pass/Fail Guidelines
This is a pass/fail test. Pass/fail standards will be determined prior to testing by the shipper, manufacturer, Amazon.com, and other stakeholders. They must determine the following:
- What constitutes damage to the product
- What damage tolerance level, if any, is allowable
- The correct methodology to determine product condition at the end of testing
- The acceptable package condition at the end of testing
Recertification is Required When:
- There are any changes to packaging
- There are changes to product design
- Amazon observes damage during shipment to the customer
Keystone Package Testing provides vendors with the testing to certify their products to receive the benefits of Amazon’s SIOC status. With significant package testing knowledge, globally-recognized accreditation, short lead times and affordable prices, Keystone Package Testing is the best Amazon package testing lab partner.
Type A – Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products Less Than 50 lb (23 kg) |
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| Sequence Number | Test Category | Test Type | Test Level | Remarks |
| 1 | Atmospheric Preconditioning TEST BLOCK 1 |
Temperature and Humidity | Lab ambient, 12 hours | Required |
| 2 | Atmospheric Conditioning TEST BLOCK 1 |
Controlled Temperature and Humidity | Temperature and humidity chosen from chart | Optional |
| 3 | Shock TEST BLOCK 2 |
Free-Fall Drop | 9 Drops – height varies with packaged-product weight | Required |
| 4 | Vibration TEST BLOCK 12 |
Random With and Without Top Load | Overall Grms levels of 0.53 and 0.46 | Required |
| 5 | Shock TEST BLOCK 15 |
Free-Fall Drop | 8 Drops – height varies with packaged-product weight. Includes drop on hazard | Required |
| 6 | Shock TEST BLOCK 21 |
Rotational Edge Drop | 9 in (230 mm) | Required for Elongated and Flat Packages |
| 7 | Shock TEST BLOCK 22 |
Full Rotational Flat Drop | Varies with packaged-product dimensions | Required for Elongated and Flat Packages |
| 8 | Shock TEST BLOCK 23 |
Bridge Impact | Hazard Box dropped 16 in (400 mm) | Required for Elongated Packages Only |
| 9 | Shock TEST BLOCK 24 |
Concentrated Edge Impact | Hazard Box dropped 16 in (400 mm) | Required for Flat Packages Only |
| 10 | Integrity TEST BLOCK 25 |
Leak Test | 8 hours | Required for Liquids ONLY |
Request a quote here or contact us at (724) 698-2994.
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