Amazon SIOC Type F Package Testing
The Amazon Package Test Type F is the package testing standard for pallets. The handling method is the pallet handling method. The Type F standard was created from a partnership between Amazon and ISTA. ISTA is the International Safe Transit Authority. The official name of this standard is ISTA-6 Type F.
This test method is part of the Amazon SIOC packaging. SIOC stands for Ships In Own Container. These packages are not shipped in an Amazon box. Those are considered over-boxes. The packaging requirements are that the pallet withstand the shipping environment. This is environment includes the entire Amazon distribution system.
Pallets will be exposed to a number of environmental events. The journey typically starts at the vendor or seller’s location. It is then transferred to the Amazon Fulfilment Center. From there, it is shipped to the customer’s location. Amazon requires the packaging material be appropriate to protect the product.
The packaging must be frustration-free, meaning easy to open. It must have zero prep requirements. It must be designed in a waste-reducing way. The weight and dimensions must be minimized by not over packing.
Pass/Fail Guidelines
As an Amazon APASS approved package test lab, we are often asked about the failure criteria. This criteria varies by product. It will be determined prior to testing by the seller or vendor, shipper, Amazon.com, and other stakeholders. This group must collectively determine a number of items.
First and foremost, what constitutes damage to the product. This will differ by product. Each product will have a damage tolerance level. For some products the tolerant is zero. For others, scratches might be permissible. Another factor requiring determination is product condition at the end of testing. This is related to the acceptable package condition at the end of testing
Amazon sellers and Amazon vendors play an active role in this process. The package verification must be completed on seller central for most products. It is also a requirement for Amazon vendor enrollment.
Recertification Events
There are several events that trigger a need to recertify a package. If there are any changes to the product design, the package should be recertified. The same holds true for changes to the package. Amazon can request a recertification if they observe consistent damage during shipment.
As an Amazon Packaging Certification Lab, Keystone Package Testing provides vendors with the testing to certify and recertify their products. This enables them 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.
Scope of Testing
The scope of testing to Amazon Type F packages is different than most of the other test types. This is due to the need to use the pallet handling method. Included in the chart below is the test sequence for Amazon fulfillment packaging.
| Type F – LTL Delivery of Individual Palletized Packaged-Products | ||||
| 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 7 | Rotational CORNER Drop | 9 in (230 mm) | Required |
| 7 | Shock TEST BLOCK 8 | Inclined or Horizontal Impact | 48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) (1.2 m/sec) impact velocity or velocity change | Required |
| 8 | Compression, Vertical TEST BLOCK 9 | Top-to-Bottom Pallet on top | Calculated from formula | Required, Machine or weights and load spreader |
| 9 | Shock TEST BLOCK 11 | Fork Lift Simulation | Flat Push and Rotate tests, Elevated Push and Pull tests | Required |
| 10 | Vertical Vibration TEST BLOCK 14 | Random With Top Load | Overall Grms level of 0.54 | Required |
| 11 | Shock TEST BLOCK 17 | Rotational FLAT Drop | 9 in (230 mm) | Required |
| 12 | Shock TEST BLOCK 18 | Rotational EDGE Drop | 9 in (230 mm) | Required |
| 13 | Shock TEST BLOCK 19 | Rotational CORNER Drop | 9 in (230 mm) | Required |
| 14 | 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 |
| 15 | Shock TEST BLOCK 24 | Concentrated Edge Impact | Hazard box dropped 16 in (410 mm) | Required for Flat Packages Only |
Start the Process
We can help you realize the benefits of a certified package? 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. 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.