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

The ISTA-6 Type F Amazon Package Testing Standard represents a collaborative effort between Amazon and the International Safe Transit Authority (ISTA) to formulate a benchmark for pallet testing that employs the pallet handling technique.

This standard is integral to Amazon’s Ships In Product Packaging (SIPP) packaging initiative. It is designed to ensure that pallets can withstand the rigors of the Amazon distribution network. This eliminates the need for additional over-boxing by Amazon.

ISTA 6 SIPP Type F Verification Process

The verification process for ISTA 6 SIPP Type F is structured to address the various environmental challenges pallets encounter. Starting from the initial departure at the vendor’s or seller’s facility, the process extends through the Amazon Fulfillment Center. It finally culminates with the delivery at the customer’s doorstep.

Amazon mandates that packaging materials must offer sufficient protection for the product, adhering to frustration-free standards. These standards emphasize ease of opening, the elimination of preparatory requirements, waste reduction, and the minimization of weight and dimensions to mitigate the need for overpacking.

Achieving APASS certification provides numerous benefits, including:

Expedited product introductions
Decreased distribution expenses
Fewer damages
Improved customer satisfaction.

This certification, in alignment with ISTA standards, verifies that packaging meets the stringent demands of both Amazon and SIPP, enhancing the overall marketplace experience.

Criteria for Unacceptable Packaging

Amazon assesses the acceptability of packages based on their performance during testing, identifying certain designs as unacceptable. This includes packaging solutions such as non-taped, 123 or auto bottom boxes, packages with protruding tuck flaps, tabs, and handles. It also includes those with cutouts exposing the product, or employing plastic bags and other coverings.

Packaging that fails due to inadequate strength is deemed unsuitable for the Amazon distribution system. Similarly, boxes lacking a six-sided structure are also considered unsuitable.

Amazon SIPP Type F Pass/Fail Determinants

The establishment of pass/fail criteria for Amazon SIPP Type F is a collective effort involving Amazon sellers, vendors, shippers, and other stakeholders. This collaborative process defines acceptable thresholds for product damage, the condition of products and packaging post-testing, and tolerance levels for damage.

Adherence to these criteria, which are in line with Amazon’s ISTA guidelines, is crucial for sellers and vendors on Amazon. This verification process, facilitated through Seller Central for sellers and as a mandatory step for vendor enrollment, is pivotal in mitigating transit damage and elevating customer satisfaction. By establishing clear and stringent criteria, Amazon ensures the preservation of product quality, packaging integrity, and durability, reflecting its commitment to excellence and sustainability within its delivery ecosystem.

Overview of the ISTA-6 Type F Test Plan

The scope of testing for Amazon Type F packages differs due to the use of the pallet handling method. Below is the test sequence for Amazon fulfillment packaging.

Type F – LTL Delivery of Individual Palletized Packaged-Products
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 chart	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 7	Rotational CORNER 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
8	Compression, Vertical TEST BLOCK 9	Top-to-Bottom Pallet on top	Calculated from formula	Required, Machine or weights and load spreader
9	Shock TEST BLOCK 11	Fork Lift Simulation	Flat Push and Rotate tests, Elevated Push and Pull tests	Required
10	Vertical Vibration TEST BLOCK 14	Random With Top Load	Overall Grms level of 0.54	Required
11	Shock TEST BLOCK 17	Rotational FLAT Drop	9 in (230 mm)	Required
12	Shock TEST BLOCK 18	Rotational EDGE Drop	9 in (230 mm)	Required
13	Shock TEST BLOCK 19	Rotational CORNER Drop	9 in (230 mm)	Required
14	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
15	Shock TEST BLOCK 24	Concentrated Edge Impact	Hazard box dropped 16 in (410 mm)	Required for Flat Packages Only

Expert Amazon SIPP (Ships in Product Packaging) Testing Laboratory

Keystone Package Testing can assist you in achieving the benefits of a certified package. Whether you are certain of your needs or need guidance, we are here to help. We understand Amazon.com package testing requirements and know that ASINs can be grouped to reduce testing.

As an Amazon APASS package testing lab, Keystone Package Testing assists numerous companies annually with their compliance testing needs. Request a quote to find out about our short lead times, efficient report writing, and volume discounts. We look forward to partnering with you to certify your packages efficiently.

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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: