Amazon SIOC Type E Package Testing
In an effort to reduce returns and costs, Amazon is continually adding package requirements to its seller and vendors. Amazon partnered with the International Safe Transit Authority (ISTA) to develop a series of package testing methods. The Amazon Type E package standard is designed for LTL shipments greater than 100 pounds.
The official name of the test standard is ISTA-6 Type E. This is for packages delivered using the standard handling method. The scope of the testing is a simulation of the environment that a package must go through while in the Amazon distribution system. It simulates the effects of transportation to the customer destination. It includes the environment of the Amazon fulfillment system.
Type E products are SIOC. SIOC stands for Ships In Own Container. These are packages that are not placed in an Amazon box or Amazon fulfillment packaging. Those packages are called over-boxing. Instead SIOC packages are the packages provided by the seller and vendor.
Testing must be completed by an Amazon approved package testing lab. These labs are certified through the Amazon APASS network. The APASS package test lab must have a thorough understanding of the test requirements. They must also know the package verification process, Amazon vendor enrollment and Amazon seller enrollment.
Benefits of Amazon Package Certification
There are numerous benefits to package certification. For one, there is a great confidence in the product launch. Having certified packaging reduces one of the many stresses of a launch. There is a reduction in the product to market time. Certifying packages also assists with balancing distribution costs.
One of the primary objectives of the program is reducing waste. This waste reduction comes from not increasing the weight or dimensions of the package any more than necessary. This occurs by not overpacking products with excess packaging material. Collectively, this increases customer satisfaction and reputation. It also reduces returns. Packaging that is frustration-free is easy to open.
Amazon rewards sellers and vendors with certified packages. The rewards are reduced or zero prep fees and chargebacks. This program is modified from time to time. It is important to check program details often.
Scope of Package Testing to Amazon 7E
Amazon requires a rigorous testing of packages. This eliminates its prep requirements. Upon completion of testing, a test report is generated. This report is then submitted through Amazon seller central. At that point, the many benefits are realized.
Included below is a chart that outlines the full scope of testing.
| 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 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 and 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 | Vertical Vibration TEST BLOCK 13 | Random With Top Load | Overall Grms level of 0.54 | Required |
| 10 | Shock TEST BLOCK 20 | Inclined or Horizontal Impact | 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) (1.2 m/sec) impacts or 3 in. (76 mm) drops | Required |
| 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 |
Start the Process
We can help you realize the benefits of a certified package. Keystone Compliance is an expert in e-commerce package testing. 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 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. 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.