Test Your Packaging According to ISTA Standards
Understand how ISTA testing evaluates packaging performance under transport conditions.
Contact us for ISTA testing advice
Why ISTA Packaging Testing Matters
Transport exposes packaged products to vibration, shock, drops and changing environmental conditions. ISTA testing helps evaluate whether packaging provides sufficient protection during shipment.
The International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) develops internationally recognised testing standards that simulate transport conditions in a controlled laboratory environment.
By testing packaging according to ISTA protocols, companies can assess protective performance and help reduce:
- Product damage during transport
- Damage claims and returns
- Customer dissatisfaction
Understanding the ISTA Test Series
ISTA testing procedures are organised into different series, each designed for a specific purpose.
- Series 1: Non-Simulation Integrity Tests
- Series 2: Partial Simulation Performance Tests
- Series 3: General Simulation Performance Tests
- Series 4: Enhanced Simulation Tests
- Series 6: Member Performance Tests
- Series 7: Development Tests and Guidelines
The appropriate procedure depends on the packaged product, distribution environment and testing objective.
Overview and equipment required per series
ISTA Series 4
ISTA Series 1 – Non-Simulation Integrity Tests
Evaluate Packaging Strength and Robustness
ISTA Series 1 tests evaluate the strength and robustness of a packaged product without simulating a specific transport environment.
These procedures are useful as initial screening tests and provide a consistent benchmark for comparing packaging performance over time.
Available Test Procedures
ISTA 1A – Packaged Products Up to 68 kg (150 lb)
Fixed displacement vibration and shock testing.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA 1B – Packaged Products Over 68 kg (150 lb)
Fixed displacement vibration and shock testing.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA 1C – Extended Testing Up to 68 kg (150 lb)
Fixed displacement or random vibration, shock testing and compression.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA 1D – Packaged Products Up to 68 kg (150 lb)
Random vibration and shock testing.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA 1E – Unitized Loads
Random vibration and shock testing for packaged products on a unitized load.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA 1H – Packaged Products Over 68 kg (150 lb)
Random vibration and shock testing.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Each procedure has specific testing requirements depending on the packaged product.
ISTA Series 2 – Partial Simulation Performance Tests
Combine Basic Integrity and Environmental Testing
ISTA Series 2 combines basic packaging integrity tests with at least one element from the Series 3 general simulation procedures.
These tests may include atmospheric conditioning or mode-shaped random vibration, alongside mechanical testing.
Available Test Procedures
ISTA 2A – Packaged Products Up to 68 kg (150 lb)
Atmospheric conditioning, compression, fixed displacement or random vibration, and shock testing.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA 2B – Packaged Products Over 68 kg (150 lb)
Atmospheric conditioning, compression, fixed displacement or random vibration, and shock testing.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA 2C – Furniture Packages
ISTA Series 3 – General Simulation Performance Tests
Simulate Real-World Distribution Conditions
ISTA Series 3 simulates transport conditions that can cause damage to packaged products.
These procedures reproduce combinations of movement, forces and environmental conditions found across different transport routes, vehicle types and handling situations.
Testing may include random vibration, drops at different heights and atmospheric conditioning.
Available Test Procedures
ISTA 3A – Parcel Delivery Shipments
For individual packaged products weighing up to 70 kg (150 lb), shipped by air or ground through parcel delivery systems.
The procedure covers four package types:
- Standard
- Small
- Flat
- Elongated
Testing includes atmospheric pre-conditioning, random vibration with and without top load, and shock testing.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA 3B – Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Shipments
For packaged products transported by truck alongside shipments from different shippers and destined for different locations.
The procedure covers standard, cylindrical, palletized and skidded packages.
Testing may include atmospheric conditioning, tip and tip-over tests, shock and impact, random vibration with top load, concentrated impacts and forklift handling.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA 3E – Unitized Loads for Truckload Shipments
For similar packaged products transported together in unitized loads.
Testing includes atmospheric conditioning, compression, random vibration and shock testing.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA 3H – Mechanically Handled Bulk Transport Containers
For products or packaged products transported in mechanically handled bulk containers.
Testing includes atmospheric conditioning, random vibration and shock testing.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA Project 3K – European Retail Supply Chains
Designed for fast-moving consumer goods transported through European retail distribution systems.
The procedure applies to shelf-ready and non-shelf-ready packaging, including mixed pallets and roll cages used for store deliveries.
Testing includes atmospheric conditioning, picking and handling, shock and random vibration.
ISTA Series 4 – Enhanced Simulation Performance Tests
Testing Based on Specific Distribution Conditions
ISTA Series 4 uses information from actual distribution environments to develop more focused transport simulations.
Unlike general simulation procedures, these tests can incorporate conditions and sequences linked to a known distribution system.
ISTA Project 4AB – Known Distribution Channels
ISTA Project 4AB is a web-based application for generating customised test plans.
It uses specific transport hazard profiles and parameters to tailor testing to individual distribution situations.
The application manages much of the complexity involved in creating these customised plans.
ISTA Series 6 – Member Performance Tests
Testing for Specific Distribution Systems
ISTA Series 6 consists of testing protocols developed by ISTA members for specific applications and distribution environments.
These protocols may be original procedures or adaptations of existing ISTA tests.
ISTA reviews and approves the protocols, while the originating members remain primarily responsible for them.
Available Test Procedures
ISTA 6-AMAZON.COM-SIOC – Ships in Own Container
Designed for packaged products shipped in their own containers through Amazon's distribution system.
The procedure evaluates how products and packaging withstand transport and handling conditions between Amazon fulfilment centres and final customer destinations.
It covers relevant parcel and Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) distribution methods.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA 6-AMAZON.COM-Over Boxing – E-Commerce Fulfilment
For individual retail packaged products weighing up to 32 kg (70 lb), placed inside an additional shipping container.
The outer box may contain one or multiple products, together with protective filling materials.
Testing evaluates the ability of the packaging and products to withstand typical e-commerce transport conditions.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA 6-FEDEX-A – Packages Up to 150 lb
FedEx testing procedure for packaged products weighing up to 150 lb.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA 6-FEDEX-B – Packages Over 150 lb
FedEx testing procedure for packaged products weighing over 150 lb.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA 6-SAMSCLUB – Sam's Club Distribution System
A general simulation procedure developed specifically for products transported through the Sam's Club distribution system in the United States.
The protocol is based on field observations and measurements from distribution centres, suppliers, ports, transport vehicles and stores.
It reproduces relevant transport and handling conditions through laboratory testing.
ISTA Series 7 – Packaging Development Tests
Compare and Develop Transport Packaging
ISTA Series 7 supports the development and comparison of transport packaging designs.
These procedures can help evaluate the relative performance of different packaging solutions.
Unlike other ISTA testing series, these development tests are not intended to determine whether a packaged product has sufficient protection during shipment.
Available Test Procedures
ISTA 7D – Temperature Testing
A temperature test procedure for transport packaging.
OVERVIEW and EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
ISTA 7E – Thermal Transport Packaging
A testing standard for thermal transport packaging used in parcel delivery systems.
ISTA Certification and the Transit Tested Mark
Demonstrate Compliance with ISTA Testing Requirements
The ISTA Transit Tested Certification Mark indicates that a packaged product has successfully passed a valid ISTA pre-shipment test.
Certification is issued by ISTA, not by the laboratory performing the tests.
Use of the certification mark is subject to specific requirements. It is available to eligible shipper members and does not represent certification of packaging supplied independently by a packaging supplier.
Requirements for ISTA Certification
To use the ISTA Transit Tested Certification Mark:
- The packaged product must be tested by a currently ISTA Certified Laboratory.
- Testing must comply with all minimum requirements of a current ISTA procedure or project.
- All samples must pass the required tests.
- Test results must be submitted to ISTA Headquarters.
- ISTA Headquarters must review and approve the test report.
- The shipper must be an ISTA member in good standing.
- The shipper must sign a licence agreement and receive a Manufacturer's Licence Number.
Once these requirements are met, the certification mark and assigned licence number may be displayed on the packaged product.
The mark confirms successful testing under a specific ISTA protocol. It does not guarantee damage-free transport or payment of damage claims.
Note: The conditions above concern the ISTA Transit Tested Certification Mark. Separate provisions apply to the thermal certification mark associated with ISTA 7E.