Update: Amazon Packaging and Transportation Testing Guidelines

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Amazon Packaging and Transportation Test
Guideline Update

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Recently, Amazon updated its packaging and transportation testing guidelines. In addition to the existing SHIP IN OWN CONTAINER (SIOC) requirements, a new OVERBOX (OB) testing requirement has been added, as shown in the image below. Here, we’ll briefly introduce the differences between Amazon’s SIOC and OB packaging and transportation tests.

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Currently, Amazon's packaging and transportation testing procedures mainly include two types: ISTA 6-Amazon.com-OB and ISTA 6-Amazon.com-SIOC.


The ISTA 6-Amazon.com-OB testing procedure applies to products sold on the Amazon platform that require an additional Amazon overbox for parcel delivery to the end consumer. These types of packages typically contain lightweight and small-sized retail units. A single shipping package may include multiple units of the same product or various different products. To ensure the retail units are not damaged during transit, cushioning materials such as bubble wrap or foam may also be added inside. This testing procedure is designed to challenge the ability of the product and its packaging (including both inner and outer packaging) to withstand various types of damage that may occur during transportation.

For packages weighing less than 23 kg (50 lbs) and with dimensions smaller than 6.0 in. x 4.0 in. x 0.375 in. (in North America) or smaller than 152.4 mm x 101.6 mm x 9.5 mm (in Europe), the ISTA 6-Amazon.com-OB procedure is used.

In contrast, the ISTA 6-Amazon.com-SIOC testing procedure applies to product packages sold on Amazon that are shipped to the end consumer in their original manufacturer packaging, either by parcel or less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping. The ISTA 6-Amazon.com-SIOC procedure is further divided into eight test types, labeled A through H, depending on the product's weight, dimensions, handling method, and product category. The detailed classification criteria are shown in the table below:


Test Categories
Product Category
Shipping Method
Palletization (Yes/No)
Weight and Dimensions
SIOC Type A
Non-TV/Monitor
Parcel Shipping
N/A
Weight less than 50 lbs (23 kg) and girth ≤ 165″ (4.19 m)
SIOC Type B
Non-TV/Monitor
Parcel Shipping
N/A
Weight between 50 lbs (23 kg) and less than 100 lbs (45 kg), with girth ≤ 165″ (4.19 m)
SIOC Type C
Non-TV/Monitor
Parcel Shipping
N/A
Weight greater than or equal to 100 lbs (45 kg) and girth ≤ 165″ (4.19 m)
SIOC Type D
Non-TV/Monitor
LTL Shipping
N/A
Weight less than 100 lbs (45 kg) or girth greater than 165″ (4.19 m)
SIOC Type E
Non-TV/Monitor
LTL Shipping
N/A
Weight greater than or equal to 100 lbs (45 kg) or girth greater than 165″ (4.19 m)
SIOC Type F
Non-TV/Monitor
LTL Shipping
Available
No specifications for weight and dimensions
SIOC Type G
TV/Monitor
Parcel Shipping
N/A
Weight less than 150 lbs (68 kg) and girth ≤ 165″ (4.19 m)
SIOC Type H
TV/Monitor
LTL Shipping
N/A
Weight greater than or equal to 150 lbs (68 kg) or girth greater than 165″ (4.19 m)

Note: In Amazon’s testing procedures, the method for calculating girth differs from the common mathematical perimeter calculation. The formula used in the procedure is:

Girth = Length + 2 × (Width + Height)

Amazon Packaging and Transportation Testing Guidelines Update


The above provides a brief introduction to Amazon’s packaging testing procedures. Different test categories have varying testing requirements. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Weitest for consultation.