Amazon SIOC Type H Package Testing
Amazon has designated large TVs as packaging test type H. These products are individually packaged TV’s and monitors that are more than 150 pounds with a girth more than 165 inches. The shipping method is less than truckload (LTL). Type H products use the standard handling method.
The standard handling method is called floor loaded. This is used for individually-packaged products that are received at an Amazon.com Fulfillment Center. They have no pallet or are with multiple packaged products on a single pallet. They are intended to ship to the end consumer without a pallet.
Type H products are part of the Amazon SIOC status. SIOC stands for Ships In Own Container. These packages are tested based on the ISTA 6 SIOC Type H test sequence. SIOC products are not shipped in an Amazon box. The objective is frustration-free. They should be easy to open. The weight and dimensions should not be greatly increased by the packaging. Design of packaging material should focus on reducing waste of all SIOC packages.
Unique Classification
TVs and monitors are considered non-fragile products. As a result, Amazon requires one sample to be used for testing. A TV/Monitor product is defined as any package which contains as a primary product a TV of Monitor. This product category was created because of the unique attributes these products have. They have inherent areas of fragility. They also require distinct handling practices.
The purpose of Type H program testing is to evaluate the protective performance of packaging for TV/Monitors. The package will undergo testing related to vibrations, shocks, and other stresses that packages normally encounter throughout transportation to the customer. During testing, the product will be inside the package and they are considered together. Not all shipping conditions can be tested with Type H alone. For example, this does not test for irregular handling.
Amazon Packaging Type H testing is specific to Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) delivery of individually packaged-products. Both elongated and flat packaged-products are included in this category. All packages that qualify for this test type are not palletized or skidded. Understanding terms is an important part of choosing the right transit testing. The following explains what is meant by LTL, elongated, and flat packages.
Elongated and Flat Packages
Elongated products are defined by dimensions. The box for these packages has its longest dimension greater than or equal to 36 inches. Both of the other dimensions are each 20 percent or less of the longest dimension.
Flat packages are defined by dimension and volume. The shortest dimension on these packages is eight inches or less. The longest dimension is four or more times larger than the shortest dimension. In addition, the volume must be equal to or greater than 800 cubic inches.
Testing Overview
Amazon mandates testing to be completed at an Amazon-certified package test lab. They developed a network called APASS. Keystone Compliance is a member of the APASS network. We work with Amazon vendors to complete the Amazon vendor enrollment process. We also work with Amazon sellers to receive the package verification information necessary for seller central.
Scope of Testing
The scope of testing to Amazon Type H packages is unique from the other test types. Included below is a chart showing the test sequence for Amazon fulfillment packaging.
Type H – LTL Delivery of Individual Packaged TV/Monitor Greater Than 150 pounds (68 kg) OR Girth Greater Than 165 inches (4.19 m) | ||||
| 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 4 | Free-Fall Drop | 6 drops – 18 in (460 mm) max | Required for packages =< 100 pounds (45 kg) – Do not catch packaged items |
| 5 | Shock TEST BLOCK 5 | Rotational FLAT Drop | 9 in (230 mm) | Required |
| 6 | Shock TEST BLOCK 6 | Rotational EDGE 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 for packages =>100 pounds (45 kg) |
| 8 | Compression, Horizontal TEST BLOCK 9 | Clamping Simulation | Calculated from formula Clamp in multiple orientations as directed | Required for any of the 2 axes with a width dimension >24 inches (610mm) and <75 inches (1905mm) |
| 9 | Compression, Vertical TEST BLOCK 10 | Test in the intended shipping orientation | Calculated from formula maintain force for 1 hour | Required, Machine, or weights and load spreader |
| 10 | Vertical Vibration TEST BLOCK 13 | Random With Top Load | Overall Grms level of 0.54 | Required |
| 11 | Shock TEST BLOCK 16 | Free-Fall Drop | 6 drops – 32 in (810 mm) max | Required for packages =>100 pounds (45 kg) – Do not catch packaged items |
| 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 for packages =>100 pounds (45 kg) |
| 12 | Shock TEST BLOCK 22 | Full Rotational Flat Drop | Varies with packaged-product dimensions | Required |
| 13 | Shock TEST BLOCK 24 | Concentrated Edge Impact | Hazard Box dropped 16 inches (400 mm) | Required- Hazard Box to be dropped to the screen side |
Receive Package Certification
We can help you realize the benefits of a certified package for a TV or monitor. We are e-commerce package 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 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.