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Amazon Type H

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 NumberTest CategoryTest TypeTest LevelRemarks
1Atmospheric Preconditioning TEST BLOCK 1Temperature and HumidityLab ambient, 12 hoursRequired
2Atmospheric Conditioning TEST BLOCK 1Controlled Temperature and HumidityTemperature and humidity chosen from tableOptional
3Shock TEST BLOCK 3Tip/Tip OverUse a 22 degree tip angleRequired 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
4Shock TEST BLOCK 4Free-Fall Drop6 drops – 18 in (460 mm) maxRequired for packages =< 100 pounds (45 kg) – Do not catch packaged items
5Shock TEST BLOCK 5Rotational FLAT Drop9 in (230 mm)Required
6Shock TEST BLOCK 6Rotational EDGE Drop9 in (230 mm)Required
7Shock TEST BLOCK 8Inclined or Horizontal Impact48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) (1.2 m/sec) impact velocity or velocity changeRequired for packages =>100 pounds (45 kg)
8Compression, Horizontal TEST BLOCK 9Clamping SimulationCalculated from formula Clamp in multiple orientations as directedRequired for any of the 2 axes with a width dimension >24 inches (610mm) and <75 inches (1905mm)
9Compression, Vertical TEST BLOCK 10Test in the intended shipping orientationCalculated from formula maintain force for 1 hourRequired, Machine, or weights and load spreader
10Vertical Vibration TEST BLOCK 13Random With Top LoadOverall Grms level of 0.54Required
11Shock TEST BLOCK 16Free-Fall Drop6 drops – 32 in (810 mm) maxRequired for packages =>100 pounds (45 kg) – Do not catch packaged items
10Shock TEST BLOCK 20Inclined or Horizontal Impact48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) (1.2 m/sec) impact velocity or velocity changeRequired for packages =>100 pounds (45 kg)
12Shock TEST BLOCK 22Full Rotational Flat DropVaries with packaged-product dimensionsRequired
13Shock TEST BLOCK 24Concentrated Edge ImpactHazard 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.