ISTA Testing
What ISTA Testing Covers
ISTA (International Safe Transit Association) publishes the test protocols most widely accepted by retailers, e-commerce fulfillment networks, and supply chain partners for validating that packaged products survive distribution. ISTA procedures define test sequences for vibration, drop, compression, shock, temperature, and low pressure, giving manufacturers a standardized way to document package performance before products ship. ISTA also certifies the laboratories that perform testing under its standards, and many retailer programs, including Amazon, Sam’s Club, and FedEx, require results from an ISTA-certified laboratory. TEN-E holds ISTA certification at Newport, Minnesota and High Point, North Carolina, and our confirmed scope covers Series 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 procedures.
ISTA Standards
ISTA Series 1 Non-Simulation Integrity Tests
Overview
ISTA Series 1 provides non-simulation integrity tests that apply defined vibration and shock inputs to confirm a package holds together under basic transport stress. The series serves as a quick, repeatable integrity screen and as a way to compare package designs before committing to a full simulation test. Procedures divide by package weight and by standard or extended intensity.
Procedures
ISTA Series 2 Partial Simulation Performance Tests
Overview
ISTA Series 2 builds on Series 1 by adding at least one simulation element, such as atmospheric conditioning or an enhanced test sequence, so results reflect real distribution conditions more closely. The series suits products that need performance evidence beyond a basic integrity screen without the full scope of a general simulation test. Procedures divide by package weight and by product type.
Procedures
ISTA Series 3 General Simulation Performance Tests
Overview
ISTA Series 3 provides general simulation tests that use randomized vibration and a representative sequence of hazards to reproduce a defined distribution channel. The series gives a broad performance test for products that ship through known channels such as parcel delivery, less-than-truckload freight, or distribution-center-to-retail. Each procedure targets a specific channel and package profile.
Procedures
ISTA Series 6 Member Performance Tests
Overview
ISTA Series 6 covers member performance tests owned by specific retailer and carrier programs. Passing the applicable member test qualifies packaging for that program’s distribution requirements, and programs accept results from an ISTA-certified laboratory. TEN-E performs Amazon and Sam’s Club member tests, including the Amazon Ships In Own Container (SIOC) and Over Boxing procedures used to qualify e-commerce packaging.
Procedures
ISTA Series 7 Development Tests (Thermal)
Overview
ISTA Series 7 covers temperature and thermal transport testing. The procedures expose a packaged product to defined temperature profiles that represent the transport environment, then measure how well the packaging maintains the product’s target temperature range. The series supports cold chain packaging validation for pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and life science products.
Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
ISTA protocols are defined end to end by ISTA and accepted directly by retailers and certification programs. ISTA test sequences are prescriptive: the procedure specifies exactly which tests run, in what order, and at what intensity. ASTM D4169 and D7386 take a different approach, where the manufacturer or shipper selects the applicable performance cycle based on distribution channel and product fragility, then runs the tests in a defined sequence. Both frameworks are valid depending on customer requirements and target distribution channel, and many programs reference both.
Yes. ISTA requires that test reports submitted to retailers or supply chain partners for program compliance come from an ISTA-certified laboratory. Certification confirms that the lab holds the required equipment, follows ISTA procedures accurately, and issues reports in the format ISTA member programs accept. TEN-E holds ISTA certification at both Newport, Minnesota (ST-2135) and High Point, North Carolina (ST-10492).
The applicable ISTA procedure depends on product weight, distribution channel, and any retailer program requirements. Series 1 and 2 procedures apply broadly by package weight. Series 3 procedures apply to specific distribution scenarios: parcel delivery (3A), LTL freight (3B), truckload (3E), and retail distribution center shipments (3F). If your product ships through Amazon or Sam’s Club distribution, the corresponding Series 6 member test applies. Contact us with your product details and distribution channel, and we’ll confirm the right procedure.
An ISTA test report documents the procedure performed, the test sequences conducted, the measurements taken at each step, pass or fail results against the procedure’s acceptance criteria, and the certifying laboratory’s information. For retailer program compliance submissions, the report format follows ISTA requirements for acceptance by the member program. TEN-E issues reports under our ISTA certification numbers, confirming the testing was performed at a registered facility.
Yes. ISTA Series 7 procedures cover temperature testing for transport packaging. ISTA 7D tests transport packaging to specified temperature profiles. ISTA 7E tests thermal transport packaging, including insulated shippers and gel-pack configurations, for performance through parcel delivery conditions. TEN-E also performs cold chain package testing for pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and life science applications.
Ready to get your packaging tested?
A 15-minute intake call with one of our engineers is the fastest way to know what you need and what it costs. No sales pitch.