Amazon SIPP (Ships in Product Packaging) Type E Package Testing

Amazon has refined its packaging requirements for vendors and sellers to mitigate returns and operational costs. In partnership with the International Safe Transit Authority (ISTA), Amazon has formulated a comprehensive suite of packaging test protocols. Specifically, the Amazon Type E package standard caters to Less Than Truckload (LTL) shipments weighing over 100 pounds, identified as ISTA-6 Type E.

This standard focuses on packages managed via standard handling procedures, simulating the varied conditions encountered within Amazon’s logistics network, including transportation impacts and fulfillment center environments.

ISTA 6 SIPP Type E Verification Process

Type E items fall under the Ships In Product Packaging (SIPP) classification, designed to be shipped in the vendor’s own packaging without additional Amazon boxing, thus eliminating over-boxing. Testing for these packages is conducted by labs accredited through Amazon’s APASS network, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Amazon’s testing criteria, the package verification process, and enrollment procedures for Amazon vendors and sellers.

Completion of these tests, evidenced by a detailed report submitted through Amazon Seller Central, avails numerous advantages.

The APASS program outlines a lab certification process for packaging test labs, offering significant benefits such as heightened confidence in product launches, reduced market entry times, and optimized distribution expenses.

Central to this initiative is waste reduction, achieved by minimizing unnecessary packaging materials and dimensions, which in turn enhances customer satisfaction, brand reputation, and decreases returns. Amazon incentivizes participation with reduced or waived prep fees and chargebacks, though program specifics may periodically adjust.

Criteria for Unacceptable Packaging

Amazon assesses packaging based on test performance, excluding designs that fail to meet specific standards, such as unsealed or improperly constructed boxes, packaging that exposes the product, or lacks adequate structural integrity.

Non-compliance results from using non-taped closures, boxes with protruding elements, or packaging that inadequately protects the product, emphasizing the necessity of robust, six-sided designs.

Amazon SIPP Type E Pass/Fail Determinants

Establishing pass/fail benchmarks for SIPP packaging necessitates a collaborative approach among Amazon, shippers, manufacturers, and other stakeholders.

This collaboration focuses on defining acceptable levels of product damage, post-test packaging condition, damage tolerance, and assessment methods for evaluating product state post-test.

Overview of the ISTA-6 Type E Test Plan

Below is a chart outlining the full scope of testing:

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 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 8	Inclined or Horizontal Impact	48 in/sec (4 ft/sec) (1.2 m/sec) impact velocity or velocity change	Required
7	Compression, Vertical TEST BLOCK 9	Test in the intended shipping orientation or most stable orientation	Calculated from formula, Maintain force for 1 hour	Required, Machine, or weights and load spreader
8	Compression, Horizontal TEST BLOCK 10	Clamping Simulation	Calculated from formula, Clamp in multiple orientations as directed	Required, For any of the 2 axes with a width dimension ≥ 24 in (610mm) and < 75 in (1905 mm)
9	Vertical Vibration TEST BLOCK 13	Random With Top Load	Overall Grms level of 0.54	Required
10	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
11	Shock TEST BLOCK 23	Bridge Impact	Hazard Box dropped 16 in (400 mm)	Required for Elongated Packages Only
12	Shock TEST BLOCK 24	Concentrated Edge Impact	Hazard Box dropped 16 in (400 mm)	Required for Flat Packages Only

Expert SIPP (Ships in Product Packaging) Integrity Testing Lab

Keystone Package Testing can assist you in reaping the benefits of a certified package. As experts in e-commerce package testing, we offer guidance whether you know your needs or are uncertain. We understand Amazon.com package testing requirements and know that ASINs can be grouped to reduce testing.

As a leader in Amazon package testing, Keystone Package Testing works with numerous companies annually for compliance testing needs. Our lab features short lead times, prompt report writing, and volume discounts.

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For additional resources on SIPP testing, including a free test-type calculator to help determine the most suitable test type for your product, visit our APASS Lab website. Our goal is to assist you in selecting the perfect test to guarantee your product arrives in excellent condition, providing a positive unboxing experience for your customers.

For more information on SIPP testing, follow the corresponding links: