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Development & maintenance
The following policies and forms are used for ISTA protocol development and maintenance.
Antitrust Policy Click here.
ISTA Standards Council Operating Guide Click here.
New Test Protocol Request Form Click here.
Protocol Maintenance Request Form Click here.
Test Series Group Request Form Click here.
Change history
Use the following table to view procedures by year:
Technical: These changes will affect the procedure in the way it is performed, in the levels of the test methods, or the types of test methods used. TECHNICAL changes require the review, discussion and approval of the ISTA Test Series Group (TSG) and ISTA Standards Council.
Editorial: These changes include errors in printing, format, spelling, and punctuation, as well as identified improvements in clarity of interpretation or to reduce or eliminate uncertainty, but may not include any changes that would, in any way, make a technical or substantive change in the Protocol causing re-testing to be necessary. Editorial changes made to text in regards to grammar, typographical errors or human errors in the creation of the document are approved by the ISTA Standards Council Steering Committee.
The following changes have been made in 2024:
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| 3L | Improved definitions for package types and fragile items to reduce confusion. | Editorial | July 2024 |
| 3L | Clarified single parcel size limitation of Length Plus Girth being equal to or less than 165 inches (4.19m). Length Plus Girth = Length + [(2 x Width) + (2 x Height)] where the length is a packaged-products longest dimension. | Editorial | June 2024 |
| 6-FedEx-A | Through ISTA’s consensus standards development and maintenance process it was resolved that the 6-FedEx-A test be withdrawn from ISTA’s 6-Series tests. Using a recent study of package handling within three major small parcel carrier systems in North America, the industry consensus body, and the ISTA Standards Council, determined that the FedEx small parcel delivery system was similar to other major small parcel delivery systems thus making it ineligible for the ISTA 6-Series of tests. | Technical | February 2024 |
The following changes have been made in 2022:
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1G, 1H, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3E, 3F, 3H, 3K, 7D | Removed the "Reporting an ISTA Test" section. | Editorial | July 2022 |
The following changes have been made in 2019:
The following change has been made to 6-Amazon.com-Over Boxing in October 2017.
The following changes have been made to Procedure 3E in April, 2017:
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| Procedure 3E | Per recommendations from the ANSI audit, the American National Standard (ANS) ISTA 3E will reflect English system first with the Metric system second and in parentheses on the temperature chart within page 5. Additionally, the ANSI standards logo and the words American National Standard are included on the title page of approved American National Standard ISTA 3E. | Editorial | September 2019 |
The following changes have been made in 2018.
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| Project 6-Amazon.com - Over Boxing | Compressive Vibration - The top load is no longer a required element of the random vibration test block. The over box is a static variable as the intent of this test is to understand the interactions of the products within the over box. Introducing a variable of box integrity when the product manufacturer does not have control or influence over this variable creates an unnecessary testing element within ISTA 6-Amazon.com-Over Boxing. Additionally, actual shipment evaluations show limited collapsed over boxes. Ensuring adequate exterior package integrity should be the independent element evaluated by Amazon and should not be the burden of the vendor (product manufacturer). This change will help deliver greater consistency with testing done at various laboratories by reducing false failures when over boxes collapse during testing. Another benefit to this change would be a significantly improve package testing through put for labs. Hazard Products - Clarification was added to the materials which could be used to fill the hazard producs. Identification of Over Box Faces, Edges and Corners - To deliver greater consistency with the testing, enhancement was made to the identification of the Over Box faces, edges and corners. | Technical | April 2018 |
| Project 6-Amazon.com - SIOC | New Package Types - Type G & H were added to address specific handling practices and common challenges experienced by the product category of TV's & Monitors. The wide variation in TV sizes create a packaged-product category which will benefit from having a testing sequence that addresses its specific needs and challenges. The specific testing sequences will help ensure that all TV‘s are subjected to the same hazards found in the real world and to the hazards which this product type is most susceptible to (i.e. rotational impacts, concentrated impact on the screen, etc). Unfortunately, due to the wide range of TV packaging sizes and weights, there are instances in which previous testing sequences could have TV‘s tested to two different package types i.e. Flat or Standard even though all TV‘s are susceptible to the same hazards. For example, a large TV might not qualify as a Flat package type such as the situation of a 75 LED TV which has packaging dimension of (L x W x H) 72.75x12.25x46.125. Because the smallest dimension is greater than 8, this package is classified andtested as a Standard package. The Standard package type is not subjected the TV to a concentrated impact or the rotational impacts. Additionally, there are attributes of TV‘s which are susceptible to hazards such as concentrated impacts to the screen. For example, the labeling of package faces, Standard or Flat, did not specify or call out what package face correlates to the TV screen to ensure that the intended concentrated impact is challenging the screen protection. Therefore these new package types have a specific package face identification method which will help deliver greater consistency with testing done at various laboratories by reducing inconsistencies with package labeling for this product type. Clamp Testing - Two changes occurred for Horizontal Compression (clamping simulation): 1. Inclusion of a non-equivalent alternative for clamp testing using a compression machine. 2. Two MINIMUM compression force calculations/limitations are incorporated to account for TV‘s being handled as individual items more frequently than other package types. Compression Test Block Order Changed - The order of testing sequences for vertical compression and clamping were changed to more closely align with packaging flow. Clamping simulation now occurs before vertical compression to account for packages being clamped coming off the truck at receipt prior to being stacked in the fulfillment center (FC) i.e. warehouse. | Technical | March 2018 |
| Procedure 3A | A new test block was added for those packaged-products which contain liquids. The test block is intended to evaluate the closure systems ability to contain the liquid after all other 3A testing elements have been completed i.e. "leak test." Definition of "liquid" was also included. | Technical | March 2018 |
| Procedure 3A | 1) One (1) sample is still required but an additional statement was added recommending an increased sample size for Fragile items. Definition of "Fragile" was also included. 2) Additional clarity was given to the "Most Damage Prone Orientation" of drop 16. | Editorial | March 2018 |
The following change has been made to 6-Amazon.com-Over Boxing in October 2017.
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| 6-Amazon.com-OverBoxing | Corrected metric conversion errors on tape width used to secure Over Box as well as minor editorial changes. | Editorial | October 2017 |
The following changes have been made to Procedure 3E in April, 2017:
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| Procedure 3E | Compression - The vehicle and warehouse compression formulas were combined into one enhanced formula which now accounts for a broader range of real world warehouse and vehicle stacking scenarios. Compression - The exception for warehouse compression where if the unitized load was stacked for 48 hours or less then warehouse compression was to be omitted has been removed from the test procedure. All stacking durations are now evaluated. Compression - To more closely replicate real world conditions, a pallet is to be placed on top of the unitized load during the compression testing sequence. Shock - The rotational edge drop height was moved from a fixed height to variable based upon weight. This change references studies and industry test procedures, such as ISTA 3B, which have been conducted since 3E's inception. Shock - Incline Impact & Horizontal Impact speeds were increased from 42 in per second to 48 in per second. This change references studies and industry test procedures, such as ISTA 3B, which have been conducted since 3E's inception. | Technical | April 2017 |
| Procedure 3E | Title, Scope and Preface were enhanced to reduce confusion on intent of the testing procedure and improve consistency across ISTA test procedures & projects. | Editorial | April 2017 |
The following changes have been made to the 2017 Resource Book:
The following changes have been made to the 2016 Resource Book.
The following change has been made to the 2014 Resource Book.
ISTA PROCEDURES / PROJECTS TO BE DISCONTINUED IN 2013
The ISTA Technical Division, after a successful ballot from the appropriate ISTA Test Series Groups, has approved the discontinuation of seven (7) ISTA Procedures and Projects starting in January 2013. The following Procedures or Projects will NOT be published after 2012:
In addition, ISTA Procedure 7D, which was set for discontinuation in 2012, has been extended. You will find Procedure 7D, with editorial changes, included in the 2012 ISTA Resource Book. ISTA Members can download 7D through their Member Center account; non-members can order it through the ISTA E-Market.
The following change has been made to Project 3B. Members may LOGIN to download the most current versions of ISTA Procedures.
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| Procedure 3B | Orientation - The Identification of Faces, Edges and Corners section on page 12 of 35 was amended to account for the worst case scenario and "Most Stable Orientation" was made the primary means of identifying the faces, edges and corners of the packaged-product. The alternate option which was previously "Most Stable Orientation" became "Intended Shipping Orientation." Top-Load - On page 16 of 35 in the Before You Begin Vibration Testing section, the top-load maximum weight of 600lbs was eliminated. Shock - Clarification to the wording within Test Block 16 & 18 was added to ensure that the "largest face" receives the intended impact as face numberings can change based upon orientations determined at the beginning of the procedure - Most Stable or Intended Shipping. | Technical | March 2017 |
| Procedure 3B | Top-Load - Illustrations and enhanced verbiage were added to the Before You Begin Vibration Testing section to clarify how the top-load is to be applied on the test specimen as well as what the top-load is attempting to account for in the real world. Shock In - Test Block 16, on page 33 of 35, the wording for Package Type was amended to improve consistency across ISTA test procedures & projects (from Standard to Standard-Elongated & from Cylinder to Cylinder-Elongated). The same consistency was applied to Test Block 17. | Editorial | March 2017 |
| Procedure 3F | Compression - Machine Apply and Hold as well as Weight and Load Spreader were added as additional options for conducting the compression sequence, Test Block 2. Vibration - A height limitation on stacked vibration was incorporated into Test Block 4 to enhance the procedures ability to correlate to real world scenarios. | Technical | March 2017 |
| Procedure 3F | Title, Scope and Preface were enhanced to reduce confusion on intent of the testing procedure and improve consistency across ISTA test procedures & projects. | Editorial | March 2017 |
| Procedure 1C | Enhanced formatting of the "Test Sequence" table, specifically the Sequence #3, to reduce confusion on alternative methods and to improve consistency across ISTA test procedures & projects. | Editorial | January 2017 |
| Project 3K | Corrected typo on test duration in Test Block 9 (Vibration - Random), on page 17 of 20, Step 2. Incorrectly printed as 30 minutes when should have been as 40 minutes. | Editorial | January 2017 |
| Procedure 1E | In Test Block 2, on page 7 of 10, Step 1 was corrected to state "Go to TEST BLOCK 3 (Vibration - Random)" rather than Test Block 2 as previously printed. Test Block 2, on page 7 of 8, Step 9 was corrected to state "Go to TEST BLOCK 4 (Shock)" rather than Test Block 3 as previously printed. Test Block 3, on page 7 of 10, Step 5 was corrected to state "Go to TEST BLOCK 4 (Shock)" rather than Test Block 3 as previously printed. Test Block 4, on page 8 of 10, Step 5 was corrected to state "Go to TEST BLOCK 5 (Shock)" rather than Test Block 4 as previously printed. | Editorial | January 2017 |
| Project 6-Amazon.com - Over Boxing | NEW PROJECT: e-Commerce Fulfillment for Parcel Delivery Shipment | NEW PROJECT | November 2016 |
The following changes have been made to the 2016 Resource Book.
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| Project 6-Amazon.com - SIOC | Clamp Testing - Greater clarity on which faces should have clamp testing conducted. Previous TEST Block indicated that two axes needed clamp testing and this was modified to indicate that Clamp Testing is only required when that dimension, either Length and/or Width, is within the given parameters. Previous Statement on Clamp Testing: Horizontal compression (clamping simulation) tests are only required in certain situations as follows: 1. Clamp testing is required in two axes where the dimension is 24 in (610 mm) or greater and less than 75 in (1905 mm) 2. No clamping tests are required for Type A and Type F. New Statement on Clamp Testing: Horizontal compression (clamping simulation) tests are only required in certain situations as follows: 1. Clamp testing is required on the Length when the distance between Face 2 and 4 is between 24 in (610 mm) and 75 in (1905 mm). 2. Clamp testing is required on the Width when the distance between Face 5 and 6 is between 24 in (610 mm) and 75 in (1905 mm). 3. No clamping tests are required for Type A and Type F. Leak Testing - TEST Block 25 was added to challenge the seal integrity of test specimens that contain liquids. | Technical | May 2016 |
| Project 6-Amazon.com - SIOC | Minor editorial changes occurred to improve consistency across ISTA test procedures & projects. | Editorial | May 2016 |
| Project 6-AMAZON.com-B | The original test was developed specifically to address Heavy & Bulky packaged-products greater than 70lbs. Since then the goal was amended to include all packaged-products that Ships-In-Own-Container (SIOC) from an Amazon.com fulliment center. For this reason, the title was changed from "Project 6-Amazon.com-B, Heavy/Bulky Packaged-Products for Amazon.com Distribution System Shipment" to "Project 6-Amazon.com, Ships in Own Container (SIOC) for Amazon.com Distribution System Shipment." Additionally the scope and preface were updated to provide greater clarity of the tests intent. | Editorial | March 2016 |
| Project 6-AMAZON.com-B | Due to the scope of the test being increased from Heavy/Bulky packaged-products over 70lbs to any packaged-product that will not be over packed by Amazon a.k.a. Ships in Own Container (SIOC), several elements of the protocol were changed. The test type selection criteria was redefined to align with the new SIOC protocol scope change. Other changes included ... * Normalizing the hazard sequences to drive consistency across the different packaged-product test types and more closely align with the Amazon supply chain * Clamp Testing was changed from "Optional" to "Required" for five of the six packaged-product test types * Clamp Testing method was modified from clamp and hold to a clamp, lift 12 inches & then hold. * Rotational Drops were standardized to 9" from varying heights based upon weight and test sequence * Maximum compression requirements was reduced from 7,500lbs to 5,000lbs * Tip Over Testing is required on all four sides * Vibration duration was moved from distance traveled to a set duration of 80 minutes per side. | Technical | March 2016 |
| Procedure 1A, 1B | In Test Block 2, on page 6 of 8, Step 13 was corrected to state "Go to TEST BLOCK 3 (Shock)" rather than Test Block 2 as previously printed. | Editorial | January 2016 |
| Procedure 1B, 1H | In Test Block 3, on page 7 of 8, Step 1 was corrected to state "If YES, then go to TEST BLOCK 4 (Shock - Rotational Edge Drop)" rather than Test Block 3 as previously printed. | Editorial | January 2016 |
| Procedure 3A | Enhanced NOTE to Step 1 of Identification of Faces, Edges and Corners on page 9 of 28, to clarify Most Stable Orientation. | Editorial | January 2016 |
| Procedure 3A | Added NOTE to Before You Begin Top-Load Apparatus on page 14 of 28, to clarify that dimensions used to calculate top-loads are taken when the packaged-product is in its Most Stable Orientation which could be different than the intended shipping orientation. | Editorial | January 2016 |
| 6-Sams Club | Corrected conversion error in example 2 on page 19 of 45 in the Before You Begin Vertical (Top-to-Bottom) Compression Testing. Wc = 260 lb (1118 kg) was changed to Wc = 260 lb (118 kg). | Editorial | January 2016 |
| Procedure 3B | In 2013 the ISTA Testing Council voted to move Project 3B to procedure status. When this change was made the version date of 3B was erroneously changed to 2013. This change should not have been made because a project moving to procedure status is not considered to be a change that's technical in nature. After review and vote from the Technical Steering Committee the version date of 3B has been changed back to 2012, the year of its most recent technical change. | Editorial | January 2016 |
The following change has been made to the 2014 Resource Book.
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| Procedure 3A | In Test Block 8, page 23 the reference to an Air spectra was corrected to was corrected to Optional Random Vibration Under Low Pressure spectra. Step 5 was also corrected to reference the Over-the-Road random vibration instead of Optional Vibration Under Low Pressure. This error was the result of a copying issue during procedure maintenance. | Editorial | January 2014 |
| Procedures 3E, 3F | The Testing Council voted to remove the compression note from the before you begin compression testing sections of 3E and 3F due to several comments received by ISTA stating the note created confusion. | Editorial | January 2014 |
| Procedures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1G, 1H | Pre-Conditioning added to 1-Series Test Procedures: The 1-Series TSG and Technical Division Board have voted to approve adding a required 12-hour pre-conditioning sequence to all 1-Series Test Procedures. The 12 hour pre-conditioning sequence calls for the packaged-product to be stored at laboratory ambient temperature and humidity. | Technical | March 2014 |
ISTA PROCEDURES / PROJECTS TO BE DISCONTINUED IN 2013
The ISTA Technical Division, after a successful ballot from the appropriate ISTA Test Series Groups, has approved the discontinuation of seven (7) ISTA Procedures and Projects starting in January 2013. The following Procedures or Projects will NOT be published after 2012:
- ISTA Procedure 2D (use ISTA Procedure 3A-flat)
- ISTA Procedure 2E (use ISTA Procedure 3A-elongated)
- ISTA Procedure 2F (use NCC LTL Item 180, available from National Motor Freight Traffic Association www.nmfta.org)
- ISTA Procedure 3F
- ISTA Project 7A*
- ISTA Procedure 7B*
- ISTA Procedure 7C*
In addition, ISTA Procedure 7D, which was set for discontinuation in 2012, has been extended. You will find Procedure 7D, with editorial changes, included in the 2012 ISTA Resource Book. ISTA Members can download 7D through their Member Center account; non-members can order it through the ISTA E-Market.
The following change has been made to Project 3B. Members may LOGIN to download the most current versions of ISTA Procedures.
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| Project 3B | Revised the fork lift handling course requirements to allow for the course to be installed in any manner that prevents movement for the duration of the testing sequence: Page 11 of 35 | Technical | November 2012 |
The following changes have been made to ISTA Procedures in the 2012 Resource Book. Members may LOGIN to download the most current versions of ISTA Procedures.
ISTA PROCEDURES / PROJECTS TO BE DISCONTINUED IN 2013
The ISTA Technical Division, after a successful ballot from the appropriate ISTA Test Series Groups, has approved the discontinuation of seven (7) ISTA Procedures and Projects starting in January 2013. The following Procedures or Projects will NOT be published after 2012:
In addition, ISTA Procedure 7D, which was set for discontinuation in 2012, has been extended. You will find Procedure 7D, with editorial changes, included in the 2012 ISTA Resource Book. ISTA Members can download 7D through their Member Center account; non-members can order it through the ISTA E-Market.
ISTA RELEASES PROJECT 6-SAMSCLUB; PROJECT 3J DISCONTINUED FOR 2011
ISTA released Project 6-SAMSCLUB in 2010 (Packaged-Products for Sam's Club® Distribution System Shipment). Project 3J has been discontinued for 2011.
6-SAMSCLUB covers 4 main types of shipments received by Sam‘s Club:
Sam‘s Club Suppliers and ISTA Certified Testing Labs are encouraged to use 6-SAMSCLUB in lieu of Project 3J. ISTA Members may download the full project, and test report form templates, through their ISTA Member Center account. Non-members can purchase the full project through the E-Market
ISTA® 6-SAMSCLUB is essentially an enhancement of ISTA® Project 3J, which was released early in 2010. After initial release of 3J, several requests for changes were made, prompting ISTA Staff to work with the packaging department at Sam‘s Club to revise and re-classify this test project within our 6-Series (Member Performance Tests). 6-SAMSCLUB is more focused on the specific environment of the Sam‘s Club store and less on generic club store distribution systems.
Project 3J will not be published in 2011. ISTA will be revising this project to make it more general for club store distribution. A re-release date of late 2011 or early 2012 is expected. All Sam‘s Club suppliers should now use 6-SAMSCLUB.
The following changes have been made to ISTA Procedures in the 2011 Resource Book. Members may LOGIN to download the most current versions of ISTA Procedures.
The following changes have been made to ISTA Procedures since the release of the 2010 Resource Book. Members may LOGIN to download the most current versions of ISTA Procedures.
The following changes have been made to ISTA Procedures since the release of the 2009 Resource Book.
The following changes have been made to ISTA Procedures in the 2009 Resource Book. Members may LOGIN to download the most current versions of ISTA Procedures.
The following changes have been made to ISTA Procedures since the release of the 2008 Resource Book. Members may LOGIN to download the most current versions of ISTA Procedures.
Below is a list of the changes that were effective for 2008.
Please note that a majority of the ISTA Procedures have had one or more technical change for 2008. All procedures have gone through formatting changes in the 2008 versions, to make them more consistent with each other and easier to use. Please be sure you are using the correct procedure version - VERSION DATES are listed at the top of this page.
The following changes were included in the 2007 edition of the Resource Book.
The following changes were included in the 2007 edition of the ISTA Resource Book.
The changes listed below were made to ISTA Procedures between 2005 and 2006.
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| 6-SAMSCLUB | Added definition for "slip sheet" on Page 2 of 45 | Editorial | January 2012 |
| 6-SAMSCLUB | Revised first bullet in Notes on Page 7 of 45 (Use this test for packaged-product defined as Small according to the Definitions section on page 2.) | Editorial | January 2012 |
| 6-SAMSCLUB | Added Note to Overview on Page 15 of 45 to clarify the use of different formulas in calculating vertical compression (NOTE: The trial calculation that follows is intended to determine which required formula will be used to calculate the compression testing value. Calculating the trial formula first assures that the required compression minimum will be met.) | Editorial | January 2012 |
| 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1G, 1H, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 3E, 3F, 3H, 7C | Added "Package" to PDA/PDT header. | Editorial | January 2012 |
| 2B | Added "warehoused" to table on Page 7 of 15 - in explanation of Compensating Factor (Typical range is 3-6, ISTA recommends a minimum of 5 if the packaged-product may be warehoused during distribution; otherwise a minimum of 4 is recommended.) | Editorial | January 2012 |
| 3E | Revised text on Page 6 of 13, under table (Formula Term Definitions for calculations) | Editorial | January 2012 |
| 3E | Revised text on Page 6 of 13, under table (The following are definitions of terms used in the Warehouse Compression and Vehicle Compression calculation sections that follow) | Editorial | January 2012 |
| 3E | Revised text on Page 6 of 13, under table (The Factor values given in the sections that follow are typical, but other F values may be used in certain situations including reduced factors.) | Editorial | January 2012 |
| 3E | Revised text on Page 6 of 13, under table (If the Compensating Factor values given in the sections that follow are not used, sufficient justification must be included in the Test Report.) | Editorial | January 2012 |
| 3E | Added bold and underline to text in Note in first table on Page 7 of 13 (and no compression test will be required by this section - continue onto Vehicle Compression section.) | Editorial | January 2012 |
| 3B | Revised two portion Top Load division to be perpendicular, not parallel: Page 16 of 35 (A two portion Top Load apparatus, with the two portions of equal size and weight and divided | Editorial | January 2012 |
ISTA PROCEDURES / PROJECTS TO BE DISCONTINUED IN 2013
The ISTA Technical Division, after a successful ballot from the appropriate ISTA Test Series Groups, has approved the discontinuation of seven (7) ISTA Procedures and Projects starting in January 2013. The following Procedures or Projects will NOT be published after 2012:
- ISTA Procedure 2D (use ISTA Procedure 3A-flat)
- ISTA Procedure 2E (use ISTA Procedure 3A-elongated)
- ISTA Procedure 2F (use NCC LTL Item 180, available from National Motor Freight Traffic Association www.nmfta.org)
- ISTA Procedure 3F (ISTA will release Project 3J in mid-2012 as a replacement to 3F)
- ISTA Project 7A*
- ISTA Procedure 7B*
- ISTA Procedure 7C*
In addition, ISTA Procedure 7D, which was set for discontinuation in 2012, has been extended. You will find Procedure 7D, with editorial changes, included in the 2012 ISTA Resource Book. ISTA Members can download 7D through their Member Center account; non-members can order it through the ISTA E-Market.
ISTA RELEASES PROJECT 6-SAMSCLUB; PROJECT 3J DISCONTINUED FOR 2011
ISTA released Project 6-SAMSCLUB in 2010 (Packaged-Products for Sam's Club® Distribution System Shipment). Project 3J has been discontinued for 2011.
6-SAMSCLUB covers 4 main types of shipments received by Sam‘s Club:
- Type A: Non-Perishable, initially shipped palletized (on standard or custom pallet)
- Type B: Non-Perishable, initially shipped floor-loaded, defined as Large
- Type C: Non-Perishable, initially shipped floor-loaded, defined as Small
- Type D: Perishable
Sam‘s Club Suppliers and ISTA Certified Testing Labs are encouraged to use 6-SAMSCLUB in lieu of Project 3J. ISTA Members may download the full project, and test report form templates, through their ISTA Member Center account. Non-members can purchase the full project through the E-Market
ISTA® 6-SAMSCLUB is essentially an enhancement of ISTA® Project 3J, which was released early in 2010. After initial release of 3J, several requests for changes were made, prompting ISTA Staff to work with the packaging department at Sam‘s Club to revise and re-classify this test project within our 6-Series (Member Performance Tests). 6-SAMSCLUB is more focused on the specific environment of the Sam‘s Club store and less on generic club store distribution systems.
Project 3J will not be published in 2011. ISTA will be revising this project to make it more general for club store distribution. A re-release date of late 2011 or early 2012 is expected. All Sam‘s Club suppliers should now use 6-SAMSCLUB.
The following changes have been made to ISTA Procedures in the 2011 Resource Book. Members may LOGIN to download the most current versions of ISTA Procedures.
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| 3J | -NO LONGER PUBLISHED- 6-SAMSCLUB is now the appropriate procedure for Sam‘s Club suppliers. | - | January 2011 |
| 5B | -NO LONGER PUBLISHED- Refer to ISTA 7E and Standard 20 for the testing of insulated shipping containers | - | January 2011 |
| 7D | -LAST YEAR OF PUBLICATION- 2011 will be the last year Procedure 7D is published. Refer to ISTA 7E for the testing of insulated shipping containers | - | January 2011 |
| 3K | NEW PROJECT: Fast Moving Consumer Goods in the European Retail Supply Chain | NEW PROJECT | January 2011 |
| 2A, 2B | Change made to the formula used to determine the S value for compression testing | Technical | January 2011 |
| 2C, 3H | Change made to the Air Ride vibration spectrum Click here for document. | Technical | January 2011 |
| 2F | Correction to directions in Test Block 6 | Editorial | January 2011 |
| 2F | Corrected formula used for Large/Heavy packaged-products | Technical | January 2011 |
| 3B | Change made to the concentrated impact equipment used (similar to ASTM D6344) | Technical | January 2011 |
| 3B | Fork Handling Course revised in an effort to loosen restrictions, making the course easier to create | Technical | January 2011 |
| 3B | Now allows for no vibration top-load of packaged-products over 72 in tall (1.8 m) | Technical | January 2011 |
| 3B | Now includes a maximum top load value | Technical | January 2011 |
| 3B | Revised Before You Begin for a clearer description of the top load apparatus | Editorial | January 2011 |
| 3E, 3H | Before You Begin Compression revised for clarification when using the Apply & Release method | Editorial | January 2011 |
| 3H | Before You Begin Compression Testing re-written for easier interpretation of the requirements. | Editorial | January 2011 |
| 1C, 1D, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3E, 3F, 3,H | Compression testing equipment requirements changed to allow fixed or floating platens | Editorial | January 2011 |
| 6-Series | Description revised to allow for additional uses of the 6-Series | Editorial | January 2011 |
| GUIDELINES | The Guidelines have been updated to reflect changes made to the procedure line-up; also added 2 new sections on using engineering judgments and non-ISTA certifications | Editorial | January 2011 |
The following changes have been made to ISTA Procedures since the release of the 2010 Resource Book. Members may LOGIN to download the most current versions of ISTA Procedures.
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| 1C, 1D | Before You Begin Compression Conditioning: Revised tables used to calculate test force or load with better explanation and accurate minimum/maximum values | Editorial | May 2010 |
| Project 3J | Added a definition for standard and custom pallets; Corrected Overview paragraph on page 13 to indicate the 30-second compression test for Perishables; Revisions made to correct formatting issues | Editorial | May 2010 |
| 3A | Identification of Faces, Edges and Corners for Express Mailers revised to better reflect orientations for a two-dimensional mailer/envelope. | Editorial | April 2010 |
| All Procedures and Projects | The Reporting an ISTA Test section in each ISTA testing protocol has been revised to list more details on completing and submitting a test report form. Information previously on this page is in the Guidelines for Selecting and Using ISTA Procedures and Projects. | Editorial | January 2010 |
| 2E | Test Block 4, Step 4 was re-written for better interpretation of the test method. | Editorial | January 2010 |
| 3A | Test Block 9, Step 17: the set-up for smalls was revised to show the proper positioning of the sample bag. | Editorial | January 2010 |
| 3B | A number of editorial revisions, particularly in TEST BLOCK 15, Fork Lift Handling, to help with interpretation of requirements. | Editorial | January 2010 |
| 3B | Test Block 15: Flat Push tests now require just one fork blade tip in contact with the pallet‘s center block/stringer. | Editorial | January 2010 |
| 3E | Test Block 4 has been re-written for better interpretation of the required method. | Editorial | January 2010 |
| 3E | Before You Begin Shock Testing: re-written to include proper terms (impact velocity for incline-impact and velocity change for horizontal impact) | Editorial | January 2010 |
| 3E | Test Block 5, Step 3: re-written to identify proper determination of vibration test time. | Editorial | January 2010 |
| 3E | Before You Begin Compression: re-written for easier interpretation of the requirements. | Editorial | January 2010 |
| 3F | Before You Begin Compression: Test Load changed to Test Force | Editorial | January 2010 |
| 3H | Test Block 7, Step 3: re-written to identify proper determination of vibration test time. | Editorial | January 2010 |
| 7D | Added a last year of publication notice to first page. Procedure 7D will not be published after 2010; a new project will supersede 7D later in the year. | January 2010 |
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2A, 2B, 2D, 2E, 2F | Instructions for the second portion of the fixed displacement test have been clarified to instruct the user to begin at a low frequency and increase the frequency until the shim can be properly inserted. | Editorial | June, 2009 |
The following changes have been made to ISTA Procedures in the 2009 Resource Book. Members may LOGIN to download the most current versions of ISTA Procedures.
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| 3E, 3H | Method for determining Vibration Time changed to reflect a new formula for test time as it relates to distance traveled. | Technical | January 2009 |
| 6-Series | More detailed descriptions added, including basic testing requirements. | Editorial | January 2009 |
| 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1G, 1H, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 3A, 3E, 3F, 3H | Statements allowing inspections after a test method have been removed. Inspections will no longer be allowed if testing is being done for ISTA certification. | Editorial | January 2009 |
| 1C, 1D, 1E, 1G, 1H, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2F, 3E, 3F, 3H, 7B, 7D | Theoretical stroke added to vibration profiles. | Editorial | January 2009 |
| 1C, 1D, 2A, 2B, 2F, 3E, 3F, 3H, 4AB | Compression equipment requirements changed to clarify that a fixed platen should be used. | Editorial | January 2009 |
| 3A | Further explanation of how to calculate the top-load that is used. | Editorial | January 2009 |
| 3A | Random Vibration Under Vacuum changed to Random Vibration Under Low Pressure to better reflect testing that is done. | Editorial | January 2009 |
| 3A | Top-Load apparatus requirements changed to allow for a minimum of 1 and a maximum 3 overhang on all sides. | Editorial | January 2009 |
| 2A, 2B, 3E, 3F, 3H | Further explanation of compression compensating factors added. | Editorial | January 2009 |
The following changes have been made to ISTA Procedures since the release of the 2008 Resource Book. Members may LOGIN to download the most current versions of ISTA Procedures.
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| 2B | Test Sequence (page 3 of 15), Corrected Step 5 to show proper levels, added Rotational Edge Drop as Step 6, updated "Note" after table to show vibration sequences as #4 and #7 Corrected value used in formula for Fixed Displacement Vibration (page 8 of 15). Value should be 11,800 vibratory impacts. A note was added to the Before You Begin Compression section to clarify that when the S-value is 1 (or when the user knows nothing will be stacked on the unit), the formula will equal zero and therefore no compression is necessary. | Editorial | October 1, 2008 |
| 3H | Test Sequence (page 3 of 19), Sequence 10 corrected to 2 mph (0.9m/s) 15 ms Half Sine | Editorial | April 23, 2008 |
| 3A | Header/Footer date changed to FEBRUARY 2008; Last Editorial date changed to FEBRUARY 2008. | Editorial | Feb. 26, 2008 |
| 3A | Test Sequences: Test Blocks referenced for Vibration Testing now include all Test Blocks used. | Editorial | Feb. 26, 2008 |
| 3A | Top-Load Apparatus for Small description added to Page 13. | Editorial | Feb. 26, 2008 |
| 3A | Explanation for * in Top-Load Formulas table added to bottom of page. | Editorial | Feb. 26, 2008 |
| 3A | TEST BLOCK 1: redundant word removed from Step 4; Step 10 replaced with easier explanation of continued steps. | Editorial | Feb. 26, 2008 |
| 3A | TEST BLOCK 2: Further direction added to Step 5. | Editorial | Feb. 26, 2008 |
| 3A | TEST BLOCK 5: Step 16 corrected to show proper Test Block title. | Editorial | Feb. 26, 2008 |
| 3A | TEST BLOCK 8: Optional comment revised; Step 1 added to direct user to TEST BLOCK 2 prior to continuing; Test sequence re-numbered accordingly; direction in Step 7 corrected accordingly. | Editorial | Feb. 26, 2008 |
| 3A | Title for TEST BLOCK 11 corrected to read Full Rotational Flat Drop | Editorial | Feb. 26, 2008 |
Below is a list of the changes that were effective for 2008.
Please note that a majority of the ISTA Procedures have had one or more technical change for 2008. All procedures have gone through formatting changes in the 2008 versions, to make them more consistent with each other and easier to use. Please be sure you are using the correct procedure version - VERSION DATES are listed at the top of this page.
| PROCEDURE(S) AFFECTED | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3E, 3F, 3H, 7A, 7B, 7C | 2 additional temperature and humidity cycles added to Atmospheric Conditioning table | Technical | January 2008 |
| 2C, 3E, 3F, 7C | Replaced truck vibration spectrum with ISTA 3H Steel Spring vibration spectrum | Technical | January 2008 |
| 3A | Top Load round-up increments changed to 5 pound (from 25 pound) | Technical | January 2008 |
| 3A | Top Load orientation changed for irregulars, tubes and pails | Technical | January 2008 |
| 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3E, 3F, 3H, 7A, 7B, 7C | Corrected "Standard Conditions" (formerly Controlled temperature) Fahrenheit temperature value to 73F | Editorial | January 2008 |
| 7A | TEST BLOCK 2, Step 5, corrected missing words | Editorial | January 2008 |
| 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3E, 3F, 3H, 7A,7B, 7C | Changed titles of Atmospheric Conditioning sequences | Editorial | January 2008 |
| ALL | Version Dates added for both last Technical Change made and last Editiorial Change made | Editorial | January 2008 |
| ALL (except 3A, which saw this change in 2007) | Test Blocks numbered throughout procedure | Editorial | January 2008 |
| 2F, 3A | Test Block numbers added to test sequence tables | Editorial | January 2008 |
| PROCEDURE | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| 3H | Test Sequence was corrected to show test level in Sequence #10; also corrected to show that sequence as "Required" (not just for rail shipments) | Technical | October 2007 |
| 2A, 2B, 3E, 3H | A note was added to the Before You Begin Compression section to clarify that when the S-value is 1 (or when the user knows nothing will be stacked on the unit), the formula will equal zero and therefore no compression is necessary. | Editorial | May 2007 |
| 3H | The term "unitized load" was changed to "bulk container" where appropriate. | Editorial | May 2007 |
| 2C | Shock Test Blocks A, B, C, D: Edited to include qualifiers for Exception One and Two testing. | Technical | May 2007 |
| 2C | Shock Test Block C: Corrected the face orientations that are impacted to small, opposite small, large and opposite large. | Editorial | May 2007 |
| 3A | Added a second series of free fall drops for FLAT and ELONGATED packaged-products. Click here for details on this addition. | Technical | March 2007 |
| 3A | Page 2 (Preface): picture graphics added to help with identifying the different package types. | Editorial | March 2007 |
| 3A | Page 16 (Before You Begin OPTIONAL Vibration Under Vacuum):Changed unit "mm HG/torr" to "mm Hg (torr)", in order to avoid confusion. Some vacuum chambers use torr instead of mm Hg as the measured value. | Editorial | March 2007 |
| 7D | Correction made to last Cycle Period listed on Page 6 (Cold/Hot and Hot/Cold). Due to a copy and paste error, this table is incorrect in the 2007 Resource Book. Correct table is listed in the 2006 version. | Editorial | March 2007 |
| PROCEDURE | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| 3A | Test Block 7: SMALLS changed to "do NOT test in bag" | Editorial | January 2007 |
| 3A | Test Block 6: SMALLS changed to "do NOT test in bag" | Editorial | January 2007 |
| 3A | Test Block 8 for SMALLS: orientations listed corrected to correspond with ID of faces/corners/edges | Editorial | January 2007 |
| 3A | Equipment Required for SMALLS: added statement to fill internal dunnage packages | Editorial | January 2007 |
| 3A | Before You Begin Optional Vibration Under Vacuum: In the unit table, "torr" was added to metric units for barometric pressure | Editorial | January 2007 |
| 3A | Test Blocks 4, 5, 6 and 7: added random vibration spectrum being used | Editorial | January 2007 |
| 3A | Identification of Orientations: NOTE added that most stable orientation may be different than intended shipping orientation. | Editorial | January 2007 |
| 3A | Equipment Required Additional: For SMALLS, added approximate sizes for overnight envelope, #5 and #6 mailers | Editorial | January 2007 |
| 7A | Equipment Required Shock: text change from "potatoes" to "simulated product" | Editorial | January 2007 |
| 7A | Before You Begin Atmospheric: text change from "potatoes" to "simulated product" | Editorial | January 2007 |
| 7A | Shock Testing: text change from "potatoes" to "simulated product" | Editorial | January 2007 |
| 7D | Many editorial changes were made throughout the document to clarify the testing procedure. | Editorial | January 2007 |
| PROCEDURE | CHANGE MADE | TYPE OF CHANGE* | DATE OF CHANGE |
| 2A | In the Random Vibration test block, Page 14, Step 11 was corrected to show the end of testing. | Editorial | September 2006 |
| 3A | In Test Block 10, Page 22, Step 5 was removed for redundancy. | Editorial | May 2006 |
| 7D | In the Before You Begin Atmospheric Temperature Testing section, Page 6, the 72-hour international expedited airfreight transport profiles listed an incorrect time for the 4th sequence. The Cycle Period Hours should be 24, not 14. | Technical | October 2005 |
| 3A, 3C | In the Before You Begin Vibration Under Dynamic Load section, the units for top-loads have been corrected to read Kilograms and Pounds. | Editorial | June 2005 |
| 2A, 2B, 2C, 3E, 3H | In the Before You Begin Compression section of Procedures 2A, 2B, 3E and 3H the formulas have been corrected. The formula for the dead weight test should be: Wt x (S-1) x F In the Before You Begin Vibration Under Dynamic Load section of Procedure 2C, the 9.8 metric conversion factor has been removed from the dead weight formula. | Technical | June 2005 |
| 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3C, 3E, 3F, 3H, 7A, 7B and 7C | In the Before You Begin Atmospheric Conditioning blocks in the referenced Procedures, the humidity for the Controlled temperature sequence should be 50% RH 5%. | Technical | May 2005 |
| 2B | In the Identification of Faces, Edges and Corners section, the Edge is mislabeled. It should be Edge 1-2. | Editorial | May 2005 |
| 3A | In the Second Shock Test Block for STANDARD and SMALL, the drop heights listed in the Small (in a bag) column were incorrect. The proper drop height is 610 mm (24 in.) | Technical | April 2005 |
| 7D | The Cycle Period Hours numbers are inconsistent with the Total Time Hours in two of the tables. At the bottom of page 5 of 13, the 8s in the Cycle Period Hours columns should be 12s (2 places). On the top of page 6 of 13, the 12s in the Cycle Period Hours columns should be 6s (2 places). | Technical | April 2005 |
| 1B, 1E, 1H, 2B | Under the Caution statement in the Before You Begin Shock Testing section, the last bullet point should read: you may conduct the Rotational Edge Drop test on both of the shortest edges. | Editorial | January 2005 |
This section under construction.