Bureau Veritas is certified to perform Amazon.com ISTA 6 testing. This includes Ships-in-Own-Container (SIOC), Over Boxing / Prep-Free Packaging (PFP) and Frustration Free Packaging (FFP) testing.
Anthony Theriault, our Packaging Product Test Engineer, has been working closely with Amazon to resolve issues our clients are having with the current ISTA-6 testing and certification process – as well as getting updated on the program’s recent updates.
Important Amazon Testing Updates
Expanded Scope of Required Testing: Amazon has changed their minimum size requirements for testing as of February 2020, to include long, narrow items. This change results in many more products now requiring testing and certification by September 1, 2020. Packages not certified will be subject to a $1.99 chargeback for every unit that ships through Amazon’s fulfillment network.
Buffalo Expands Test Capacity: The Buffalo lab has invested over $200K in additional equipment, allowing us to meet high capacity testing demands. Regular turnaround time is 5-7 business days for ISTA 6-Amazon.com testing. Expedited service is also available.
Flexible Packaging: Some flexible packaging is not permitted because it is unable to move on certain conveyor lines in non-sort fulfillment centers. Certified Packaging must be in rigid six-sided rectangular or square boxes. The only flexible packaging option for certification is a padded mailer with structural integrity that is less than 18” in length.
Strapping Not Allowed: Any package with strapping present will be removed by the lab prior to testing. Straps may be removed by employees in the fulfillment centers during distribution, therefore testing is conducted with all strapping removed.
Minimum Order Quantity: The package submitted for testing must contain the minimum order quantity for that product. If testing is completed, and the post-test inspection shows the package contains more than the minimum order quantity, Amazon will deny certification.
Tier 1 vs. Tier 2: Current packaging guidelines no longer offer any incentive (or penalty) for Tier 1 versus Tier 2 certification. We recommend Tier 1 to customers desiring to reach a sustainable solution.
Certification Removal: Amazon will notify vendors that certification for a product has been removed through Vendor Central. It is the vendor’s responsibility to monitor their own certification status and submit for packaging testing as needed.
Test Report Expiration: A package report issued in 2020 will be accepted if submitted to Amazon within one year. Once submitted and certified, packages will need to be recertified if they perform poorly in distribution.
Why Choose BV?
Capabilities & Network: With our global network of ISTA certified labs and Certified Packaging Laboratory Professionals at each location, BV can meet all your package testing needs, including the new ISTA 6-Amazon test procedures.
Customer Support: We provide a 5-7 business day turnaround time for regular service and rush service is available upon request. We offer competitive pricing and our on-site ISTA Certified Packaging Lab Professionals are available for consultation.
Have Questions – Need a Testing Quote?
Contact us today to talk to one of our Certified Packaging Laboratory Professionals or to get a testing quote.
Tony Theriault, Packaging Product Test Engineer
(716) 505-3407 / Email: Anthony.Theriault@bureauveritas.com
