Amazon Over Boxing Package Testing
Over boxing is the process of placing a product in an Amazon box. The Amazon box is referred to as a mast box. To determine the ability of a package to protect its product while in a master box, Amazon created the ISTA 6-Amazon.com-Over Boxing package test method.
This packaging test standard was written to test e-commerce fulfillment for certain individual retail packaged-products. These products must weigh 70 pounds or less. During over boxing, Amazon.com often places products into larger shipping containers. The product can be by itself or with other retail-packaged products. Products are often protected with dunnage. Dunnage is typically air pillows or Kraft paper.
Certification Process
Overboxing requires package certification. Packages must be tested by an amazon approved package test lab. Amazon created a network called APASS to assist with this. As an Amazon APASS approved test lab, Keystone Compliance knows the packaging requirements. The apply to Amazon sellers and Amazon vendors.
Amazon sellers must submit test reports to seller central. A test report is also needed for the Amazon vendor enrollment process. The overboxing testing is very different than the SIOC package testing requirements. There are not the same requirements for packaging material and prep requirements.
Testing Overview
ISTA 6-Amazon.com-Over Boxing challenges the products and its packaging. The objective is to determine the ability to withstand the Amazon fulfillment packaging system. In general, this includes damage-producing events such as shocks, drops and vibrations.
E-commerce fulfillment is unique. It is when retail packaged products are not shipped in their own container. Single or multiple packages may be placed in a corrugated shipping container. They can be combined with dunnage in preparation for shipment.
Over-box tests the protective performance of packaging. The package will undergo testing related to stresses normally encountered during transportation. In testing, the product will be inside the package. The product and package are considered one unit. Not all shipping conditions that a package may encounter will be tested. For example, this does not test for any irregular handling.
Successful completion of this test is not always a substitute for all hazardous material packaging standards. It is important to check international, national or other regulatory requirements. This test can be used in conjunction with those regulations. It is not a replacement of them.
Scope of Testing
Included below is a complete look at the testing scope for package verification of over boxes.
| Sequence Number | Test Category | Test Type | Test Level | For ISTA Certification |
| 1 | Atmospheric Preconditioning TEST BLOCK 1 | Temperature and Humidity | Ambient | Required |
| 2 | Atmospheric Conditioning TEST BLOCK 1 | Controlled Temperature and Humidity | Temperature and Humidity chosen from chart | Optional |
| 3 | Shock TEST BLOCK 2 | Drop | 9 Drops | Required |
| 4 | Vibration TEST BLOCK 3 | Random With Top-Load | Overall Grms levels of 0.53 and 0.46 | Required |
| 5 | Shock TEST BLOCK 4 | Drop | 8 Drops | Required |
| 6 | Integrity TEST BLOCK 5 | Leak Test | 8 hours | Required for Liquids ONLY |
Receive Package Certification
We can help you realize the benefits of a certified package. We are Amazon overbox testing experts. If you know what you need, then request a quote from us. If you are unsure, contact us. We thoroughly understand the Amazon.com package testing standard. We also know that ASINs can be grouped to reduce testing. You might not need to test nearly as much as you think you do.
As a leader in Amazon package testing, we work with hundreds of companies each year to assist in their compliance testing needs. We are and Amazon APASS package testing lab. Our lab features short lead times on scheduling. We quickly write and submit concise reports. Volume discounts are available. We look forward to working with you to help you certify your packages through our streamlined process.