Quality Standards
ISTA
ISTA, the International Safe Transit Association, aims to minimise product damage through distribution and optimise resource usage through effective product design.
ISTA Transport Testing Laboratory Certification assures a lab is properly equipped to conduct ISTA package performance testing.
We are proud to be ISTA certified. This means we have met stringent quality standards for the effectiveness of our pre-shipment testing procedures as a deterrent to in-transit damage.
With ISTA Certification, you can be sure that our lab is properly equipped and that our outputs and results are within the same range as other ISTA-certified Laboratories.
ISTA Protocols
We are certified to deliver testing to the following ISTA protocols:
1A, 1G, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3L-Small, 3L-A, 6-AMAZON.com-Over Boxing, 6-AMAZON.com-SIOC Type A
Benefits of ISTA Certified Testing
ISTA-certified testing provides the tangible benefits of:
- Reduction in product-to-market time.
- Confidence in product launch.
- Reduction in damage and product loss.
- Balanced distribution costs.
- Customer satisfaction, contributing to increased market share.
Key ISTA Documentation
Amazon Approved Testing Programmes
Most couriers put the onus on the sender to ensure that their packaging is fit for purpose and doesn't pose any risk to the content, handler or addressee.
We can recommend the best testing to give you peace of mind that your packaging will perform as required based on the exact journey your packs will take.
Project 6 Amazon.com
We can test your packaging with Project 6-AMAZON.COM, a general simulation test for:
- "Ships in Own Container" (SIOC) packaged products.
- "OVER Boxing" (OB) packaged products that are shipped through Amazon's distribution system to final customer destinations.
These tests were developed by ISTA in cooperation with Amazon.com and are designed to challenge the capability of the package and product to withstand transport hazards, using general simulation of actual transport hazards.
After passing a rigorous combination of atmospheric, vibration and shock simulations, we can provide you with ISTA-verified and approved reporting and certification of your packaging.
Amazon Frustration Free Packaging Programme
Amazon works with ISTA to reduce packaging by certifying products that can ship safely without an Amazon box, envelope or bag.
Widely known as the Amazon Frustration Free Packaging programme, products in this category offer more sustainable packaging that is the right size, reduces damage, is made of recyclable packaging materials and is easier to open.
To qualify, sellers must:
- Design for FFP certification, using paper-based materials and avoiding perforations and holes.
- Test their packaging - this is where PackSure comes in
- Self-certify
- Enrol
PackSure is an ISTA-certified third-party lab. This means that if your products meet ISTA's packaging testing protocol through our lab, you can then self-certify for the Packaging Certification Testing Requirements / Evaluation element of the Frustration Free Packaging Programme and ship direct on Amazon, saving time and money, whilst preserving brand identity.
Key Amazon Packaging Documents
Ships in Product Packaging Certification Guidelines for Vendors
BSI, ISO, ASTM and TAPPI
PackSure is a member of BSI (British Standards Institution), the national standards body of the UK, which grants us access to their library of 100+ years' worth of exclusive industry standards (including ISO and ATSM) and helps us support our customers in "delivering quality, improving safety and staying compliant."
We also have the knowledge and capacity to test to TAPPI standards, for testing that is more paper and print focussed.
Access to this expansive network of support and the most recent industry data allows us to help you select the testing, perameters and reporting that best suit your requirements.