ISTA packaging testing

A product’s packaging needs to be robust enough to withstand the common knocks, bumps and shocks that can affect goods when in transit. The International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) is the organisation that has established and continues to develop the most frequently used packaging standards for manufacturers and retailers. 

With over 60 years’ experience, ISTA is a trusted partner in this space. To reflect the complexity of modern shipping methods, ISTA has developed a series of seven different standards for specific types of transportation, products and requirements from various buyers. 

Many retailers and buyers require that their suppliers use an ISTA-accredited testing lab to prove that the packaging they produce is ISTA-approved. TÜV SÜD highly experienced technical teams test and certify packaging to ISTA standards in our accredited facilities globally. Meeting our ISTA packaging standards gives buyers the confidence that the packaging they use can withstand the pressures of transportation. This assures them that their products will reach the warehouse or retailer undamaged and ready to be sold to the public.

Transit conditions can be harsh and global transportation hazards are constantly changing. Without the proper packaging to protect it, products can easily become damaged. Retail package material testing highlights any weaknesses in the packaging that need to be resolved before the product can be shipped.  

Fewer damaged products mean a quicker turnaround time and fewer returns. This will help you exceed customer expectations by delivering top-quality goods in the expected condition. 

While many tests reveal that products need added packaging to adequately protect them, many tests also reveal unnecessary packaging. This results in the reduction of packaging, which can be hugely cost saving. 

ISTA certification means you comply with retailer and supermarket requirements, boost customer trust, maintain expectations in your brand and business, protect your products, reduce time to market, and avoid losses.

TÜV SÜD provides you with ISTA-accredited retail package lab testing facilities around the world. Our experts have worked with multiple manufacturers to ensure their packaging complies with ISTA standards. 

We are highly experienced when it comes to testing against all seven series of ISTA certification and can verify the performance of your packaging and certify that it’s safe for transit. 

TÜV SÜD’s in-house testing facilities focus completely on the unique testing needs of each e-commerce retailer. Our teams work closely with you to understand your packaging needs. We then provide advice and guidance on improvements to eliminate the risk of damage during transit. 

This tailored approach enhances efficiency ensuring our turnaround times exceed the expectations of the customer.

Our highly experienced technical teams conduct retail package lab tests in our ISTA-accredited facilities globally. Our service ensures that we work alongside your internal quality control programme, supporting your current system.

We learn how your products are shipped and the kinds of pressures they may face. We also find out about new markets your retail packaging could be sent to and the complexities in them. We then conduct appropriate testing against ISTA packaging standards. If your packaging meets these standards, we will provide you with an ISTA retail package testing certificate. 

Our ISTA packaging testing simulates real-world environmental and transportation conditions using several different methods. Some of our most frequent retail package material testing services include: 

• Vibration testing – for both random and repetitive vibrations
• Shock testing – to address unexpected impacts 
• Compression testing – to determine the strength of packaging and to ensure the safety of stacked loads 
• Side impact testing – for carton or palletised loading, unloading and shunting 
• Tilt testing – to evaluate product stability
• Environmental stress testing – to evaluate the impact of temperature, humidity and thermal cycling 

 
Other product package quality assurance tests we conduct with regard to ISTA packaging standards include: 

• Carton drop test 
• Biodegradability 
• Bottom end dome reversal 
• Buckle resistance 
• Burst resistance 
• Carbonation retention 
• Closure removal torque 
• Corrosion resistance 
• Drop impact resistance 
• Internal pressure 
• Permeability testing 
• Perpendicularity testing 
• Secure seal 
• Simulated palletising 
• Vibration resistance
• Vertical top load 

 

TÜV SÜD is a member of the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier (APASS) network. Our experts are authorised to perform assessment, testing and certification of packaging used by suppliers and intermediaries in the network according to international standards.