ISTA 6 Amazon.com-SIOC Type C

Keystone Compliance offers a variety of package testing for your packaging needs.  Requirements may vary per test type. Amazon Package Test Type C is for parcel delivery of individual packaged products that are 100 pounds (45 kg) or greater 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 C products qualify for Amazon SIOC status and are tested based on the Amazon Packaging ISTA 6 SIOC Type C test sequence outlined in the chart below.

The purpose of Type C testing is to evaluate the protective performance of packaging for goods weighing greater than or equal to 100 pounds. The package will undergo testing related to vibrations, shocks, and other stresses that packages normally encounter throughout transportation to the customer.

The product and package are considered one unit and are tested together as one unit. Please note that not all shipping conditions can be tested with Type C alone. For example, this does not test for any irregular handling.

Amazon has compiled a list of common problems that result in failures. This list is detailed in Test Type B. The suggested solutions to these problems are below:

  • Problem 1. Tuck flap to be taped down along entire edge of box opening
  • Problem 2. Tuck flap to be taped down along entire edge of box opening
  • Problem 3. “123” and “Auto” bottom boxes must be taped across the bottom of the box
  • Problem 4. Hang tab/feature to be taped down or removed
  • Problem 5. Handle/feature to be taped down across top of box
  • Problem 6. Increase the structural integrity of the package
  • Problem 7. Increase the structural integrity of the package
  • Problem 8. Design the packaging to reach SIOC/FFP requirements by removing the cut outs and placing the item in a sealed right sized six-sided box (hand holes are acceptable)
  • Problem 9. Place into a six-sided box, additional internal structural support would be needed for a fragile/liquid product category

The Basics and Guidelines of Amazon Type C Testing:

Testing Timeline

Request a quote from Keystone’s package testing engineers. Keystone, an Amazon Packaging Certification Lab, 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 SIOC type C package 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:

  1. What constitutes damage to the product
  2. What damage tolerance level, if any, is allowable
  3. The correct methodology to determine product condition at the end of testing
  4. 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 transit testing lab partner.

Request a quote here or contact us at (724) 698-2994.

Type C – Parcel Delivery of Individual Packaged-Products 100 lb (43 kg) or Greater

Note: Parcel Delivery has a weight limitation of 150 lb (70 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 chart Optional
3 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
4 Shock
TEST BLOCK 5
Rotational FLAT Drop 9 in (230 mm) Required
5 Shock
TEST BLOCK 6
Rotational EDGE Drop 9 in (230 mm) Required
6 Shock
TEST BLOCK 8
Inclined or Horizontal Impact 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) (1.2 m/sec) impact velocity or velocity change Required
7 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
8 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)
9 Vibration
TEST BLOCK 12
Random With and Without Top Load Overall Grms levels of 0.53 and 0.46 Required
10 Shock
TEST BLOCK 20
Inclined or Horizontal Impact 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) (1.2 m/sec) impact velocity or velocity change Required
11 Shock
TEST BLOCK 21
Rotational Edge Drop 9 in (230 mm ) Required for Elongated and Flat Packages
12 Shock
TEST BLOCK 22
Full Rotational Flat Drop Varies with packaged-product dimensions Required for Elongated and Flat Packages
13 Shock
TEST BLOCK 23
Bridge Impact Hazard Box dropped 16 in (400 mm) Required for Elongated Packages Only
14 Shock
TEST BLOCK 24
Concentrated Edge Impact Hazard Box dropped 16 in (400 mm) Required for Flat Packages 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.