Keystone Compliance offers a variety of package testing for your packaging needs. Requirements may vary per test type. Guidelines for Amazon Type B package testing are for parcel delivery of individual packaged products that are between 50 pounds (23 kg) and 100 pounds (45 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 B products qualify for Amazon SIOC status and are tested based on the ISTA 6 SIOC Type B test sequence outlined in the chart below.
The purpose of Amazon Package Test Type B is to evaluate the protective performance of packaging for goods to achieve Amazon ISTA 6 package testing certification. The package will undergo testing related to vibrations, shocks, and other stresses that packages normally encounter throughout transportation to the customer. During testing, the product will be inside the package and they are considered together. Not all shipping conditions can be tested with Type B alone. For example, this does not test for any irregular handling.
Amazon has created a list of common failures encountered during testing. They are as follows:
- Problem 1. Protruding Tuck Flap- end flaps only secured with tamper evident stickers or partial tape
- Problem 2. Protruding tuck flap/tab (may be from back side or top of box)
- Problem 3. Non-taped “123” or “Auto” bottom boxes
- Problem 4. Protruding hang tab/feature (the center or top of box)
- Problem 5. Protruding handle feature
- Problem 6. Box Deforms- packaging can or will deflect/deform/get damaged due to insufficient packaging materials
- Problem 7. Carton rupture/ puncture/tear- packaging is damaged partially or fully exposing the product
- Problem 8. Cut outs/exposed product- packaging has partially or fully exposed product (plastic boxes and coverings are unacceptable)
- Problem 9. Not in a six-sided box
See Test Type C for the suggested solutions to these problems.
The Basics of Amazon Type B 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 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
As an Amazon Package Certification Lab, 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 transit testing lab partner.
Request a quote here or contact us at (724) 698-2994.
Type B – Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products 50 lb (23 kg) to Less Than 100 lb (43 kg) |
||||
| 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 table | Optional |
| 3 | Shock TEST BLOCK 2 |
Free-Fall Drop | 9 Drops – height varies with packaged-product weight | Required |
| 4 | Shock TEST BLOCK 3 |
Tip/Tip Over | Use a 22 degree tip angle | Required for packages ≥48 in. (1.2 m) tall and any one base dimension < ½ the height; or for packages ≥ 30 in. (760 mm) tall and with a center of gravity vertical location > ½ the package height |
| 5 | Compression, Vertical TEST BLOCK 9 |
Test in the intended shipping orientation or most stable orientation | Calculated from formula, Maintain force for 1 hour | Required, Machine, or weights & load spreader |
| 6 | Compression, Horizontal TEST BLOCK 10 |
Clamping Simulation | Calculated from formula, Clamp in multiple orientations as directed | Required For any of the 2 axes with a width dimension ≥ 24 in (610mm) and < 75 in (1905 mm) |
| 7 | Vibration TEST BLOCK 12 |
Random With and Without Top Load | Overall Grms levels of 0.53 and 0.46 | Required |
| 8 | Shock TEST BLOCK 15 |
Free-Fall Drop | 8 Drops – height varies with packaged-product weight. Includes drop on hazard | Required |
| 9 | Shock TEST BLOCK 21 |
Rotational Edge Drop | 9 in (230 mm) | Required for Elongated and Flat Packages |
| 10 | Shock TEST BLOCK 22 |
Full Rotational Flat Drop | Varies with packaged-product dimensions | Required for Elongated and Flat Packages |
| 11 | Shock TEST BLOCK 23 |
Bridge Impact | Hazard Box dropped 16 in (400 mm) | Required for Elongated Packages Only |
| 12 | Shock TEST BLOCK 24 |
Concentrated Edge Impact | Hazard Box dropped 16 in (400 mm) | Required for Flat Packages Only |
| 13 | Integrity TEST BLOCK 25 |
Leak Test | 8 hours | Required for Liquids ONLY |
You are still reading? Don’t drop the ball. Let Keystone drop your package so that you can receive the benefits of Amazon SIOC certification! Get a quote to get started.