ISTA 6 LAB TESTING FAQ

How many packages are needed for How is SIOC versus Overbox testing
Amazon 6 testing? determined?
SIOC: SIOC:
1 unit for non-fragile, 5 units for fragile or liquid Larger than 18"x14"x8" or greater than 20 lbs. AND
fulfilled by Amazon ​
Overbox:
2 units for non-fragile, 5 units for fragile or liquid
Overbox:

Definition of Fragile: Smaller than 6"x4"x0.375"
Glass, ceramic, porcelain, clay
Does the Great Northern ISTA® 6
Liquid, Semi-Liquid, solids that
become liquid:
Lab have any package limitations?
>70-degree F Currently, the weight restriction is 125 lbs. for
any non-palletized package requiring drop
testing.
Are there any exclusions to the SIOC
testing?
What is the lead time of the package
At this time, third-party sellers do not need to have testing?
packages SIOC certified. HAZMAT (e.g. lithium ion
batteries) require special stickers on the carton and do not
qualify for the Frustration Free testing program. As an example, the Amazon 6A SIOC test takes 5-6
hours to complete.

What is the cost for package testing? Typical lead time is 2-3 days from the time the
Appleton Design Lab receives the package to be
The services provided by the Great Northern ISTA® 6 Lab tested.
are an added value for our current customers and do not
incur any costs or fees for completion of package testing. Lead times can vary and it’s recommended to check
with Appleton Design before sending the package for
Note: testing can range from $800-$2,000 at third-party testing.
testing facilities.

Contact us at 844-855-0963 or
[email protected] to learn
more about an optimal package design
and testing protocol for your products.

844.855.0963 | greatnortherncorp.com
ISTA TESTING PROCEDURES
®

1A TE S T

Packaging products weighing 150 lbs. or less

Sequence: Linear Vibration, (10) Drops. Vibration time varies
based on weight of the package and ranges from 48-95
minsutes (heavier items vibrate longer)

Drop height: 0-21 lbs. - 30”, 21-41 lbs. - 24”, 41-61 lbs.- 18”,
61-100 lbs. - 12”, 100-150 lbs.- 8”

Drop sequence: (10) drops - (1) corner, (3) edges, (6) faces
Drop Testing

3A TE S T AM A ZON SIOC 6A

Packaged products for parcel delivery system Ships in its own container. Parcel delivery, less
shipment weighting 150 lbs. or less than 50 lbs., and girth equal or less than 165"
Number of packages required for testing: (1) package Number of packages required for testing: If non-
fragile, (1) package. If fragile, (5) packages
Sequence: (9) drops, random vibration of (4)
sequences (2.5 hrs total) & (9) drops SIOC 6A differs from 3A in the report form in how
Amazon requires documentation. In addition, the
Vibration step 1: 60 min. with top load weight on Face 1 Amazon 6 series has made specific adjustments to the
procedures for items like TVs/monitors, fragile items
Vibration steps 2, 3 & 4: Each vibration test is 30 min and liquids
with the package being rotated at the end of each 30
min. Steps 2 and 3 include weight that is added to the Fragile items are defined as glass, clay, porcelain OR
box face on top based on surface area of the respective liquid, semi-liquid
face.
Sequence: drops, random vibration (2.5 hrs total), drops
Categorized into standard, small, flat, elongated
Additional sequences are required Vibration profiles include: over-the-road trailer and
pick-up & delivery
Drop height: 0-70 lbs. - 18”, 70-150 lbs. - 12”
Vibration sequence includes: both with and without top
loaded weight (same sequence as 3A)
Drop sequence 1: (9) drops - (2)corners, (5) edges,
(2) faces Drop height: 0-70 lbs.- 18”, 70-150 lbs.- 12”
Drop sequence 2: (9) drops - (3) corners, (3) edges,
(2) faces, includes drop onto a 1” tall wooden hazard Drop sequence 1: (9) Drops - (2) corners, (5) edges, (2)
faces

Great Northern’s ISTA 6 testing complies with Amazon’s Drop sequence 2: (8)Drops - (3) corners, (3)edges, (2)
Certified Frustration-Free Packaging standards. faces, includes drop onto a 1” tall wooden hazard

844.855.0963 | greatnortherncorp.com