Amazon SIOC Type C Package Testing
Amazon Type C packages are individual packages that weigh over 100 pounds. These packages are transported using the standard handling method. Type C products are part of the Amazon SIOC program. SIOC stands for Ships In Own Container. The packages go through the Amazon fulfilment process without being placed in an Amazon box. That Amazon box is called over-boxing.
SIOC package testing is a simulation of the environment a package will experience. It includes the shipment through the entire Amazon distribution system. The process starts at the manufacturer or distributor. It continues to the Amazon fulfilment center and concludes at the customer destination. The testing is necessary to identify potential issues before they arise.
The actual testing was established by a partnership between Amazon and ISTA. ISTA is the International Safe Transit Authority. The official name of this test standard is ISTA-6 Type C. The Type C is the test method.
Benefits of Package Certification
The Amazon SIOC program is part of the Amazon initiative of reducing waste, transportation costs and product returns. Amazon introduced an FFP program. FFP stands for frustration free packaging. There are several objectives. First, packaging material must be easy to open. It must be comprised of a majority of recycled material. It must take steps to have minimize weight and dimensions. The packaging must not have Amazon prep requirements.
The benefits of the Amazon package verification program are numerous. First, there is a reduction in packaging cost. Second, there is typically a reduction in product damage. This increases customer satisfaction and reduces returns. Third, Amazon charges reduced or no prep fees. Fourth, Amazon charge reduced or no chargebacks. The Amazon packaging requirements have been in effect for several years.
Amazon requires package certification for many of its sellers and vendors. When required, Amazon sellers must submit test results through seller central. Amazon vendor enrollment often requires similar steps.
How Are Packages Certified
The package certification process involves working with an approved test lab through the Amazon APASS package test network. Keystone Compliance is a certified Amazon package test lab. To be certified, a lab must have a comprehensive understanding of Amazon fulfillment packaging.
The test process for Type C packages involves a sequence of package tests. Included below is an outline of the test procedure.
| 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 |
Start the Package Certification Process
Are you ready to receive the benefits of a certified package? Our engineers are e-commerce package test experts. Here are the steps to follow. If you know what you need, then request a quote from us. If you are unsure, contact us. We thoroughly understand the requirements. 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 look forward to working with you to help you certify your packages through our streamlined process.