Thermal Standards

Standard 20, Test Standard 7E and Thermal Lane Data Package
The First Global Method for Standardizing the Establishment of Insulated Shipping Container Performance.

They’re All About:
Data and Processes
Processes that are Science Based
Processes that are Industry Standards
         

 
 
The following provides guidance for the practical application of ISTA Standard 20, “Design and Qualification of Insulated Shipping Containers (ISC), ”7E, “Thermal Controlled Transport Packaging for Parcel Delivery System Shipment”, and Standard 14, “Thermal Transport Lab Certification”.
 
Applicability and Use:
Applicability: The ISTA documents outlined here, Standard 20, 7E, and Standard 14 are recommended for use in supporting an FDA regulated organization’s compliance activities relative to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) guidelines on process validation as applied to an insulated shipping container (ISC) thermal performance. Reference the following compliance documents:
   
Use: ISTA documents provide the means to comply with both internal and external quality system requirements through individual (Certified Thermal Professional) certification, laboratory certification (Standard 14), and ISC design qualification (Standard 20).
 
The documents provide the user with a standardized methodology for demonstrating the performance of an insulated shipping container against a real world set of shipping lane temperature data, which has been statistically analyzed to create a robust thermal profile.
 
Benefits to Industry of a the 7E thermal profile and Standard 20 ISC qualification process:    
End user, purchaser of ISC designs and products
     

Thermal Lane Data Package: Experimental data was collected during summer and winter test campaigns for the development of ISTA 7E Heat and Cold Profiles. Data were collected during round-trip shipments over 82 different lanes using a parcel service company.
Price: $10,000
 
Package includes:     Benefits:    
Experimental data was collected during summer and winter test campaigns using Temperature Acquisition Shippers (TASHs). Data were collected during round-trip shipments over 82 different lanes using a parcel service company.
 
 

Standard 7E - Testing Standard for Thermal Transport Packaging Used in Parcel Delivery System Shipment. The 7E Profiles are the new standard for thermal transport testing. The standard includes heat and cold profiles developed from data gathered in real world transport. All the lane data gathered are available for purchase through ISTA.
ISTA Member Price: $1,000.00 Non-Member Price: $1,500.00 Click here to purchase
Standard 20 is a design and qualification process for insulated shipping containers. It is a comprehensive set of requirements to achieve a certified package according to ISTA 7E. The companion document, STD-0014, details specifics of audit requirements for thermal transport lab certification. Includes ISTA 7E Temperature Profiles. Contact ISTA Headquarters to purchase.
Price: $10,000
Each lab seeking certification based on ISTA 7E shall have a Certified Thermal Professional Level I. Lab personnel can achieve Level I certification by passing an online test. Each lab shall have at least one CTP Level I.
Price: $425 
Each lab seeking certification based on ISTA 7E shall have a Certified Thermal Professional Level II. Level II status is a two step process, including an online “pre-test” and an in-person training session with a Certified ISTA Thermal Transport Auditor. The CTP Level I and II can be the same person.
Price: $450
Each lab seeking to become an ISTA Certified Thermal Transport Lab must make application to ISTA.
Price: $500 
Each lab seeking to become an ISTA Certified Thermal Transport Lab must then apply for an audit. Submission of a pre-audit checklist is required to schedule an audit. After successful review, an on-site audit is scheduled.
Price: No Charge
The Certified ISTA Thermal Transport Auditor conducts the audit based on the requirements of STD-0014. The possible audit results are: (1) Certified, (2) Not Certified – pending remedial actions, or (3) Not Certified.
Price: $2,500 + Auditor Travel Expenses
Thermal Transport Package Certification requires an application filing. A certified package signified that the shipper has been qualified to all the requirements of ISTA 7E. The ISTA Thermal Transport certification mark can then be applied to the shipper and marketed as an ISTA 7E certified package.
Price: $500
 ISTA Certified Auditors
To ensure compliance to ISTA Standard 20, ISTA has appointed independent ISTA-certified auditors. They will not only provide training and auditing services for laboratories wanting to become an ISTA-Certified Thermal-Transport Laboratory so they can qualify ISCs under Standard 20, but they will also review the ISC qualification packages that are submitted to ISTA to be certified as ISTA 7E performance certified. Only ISTA members may receive ISTA certification.
 
Independent ISTA Certified Auditors:

Paul Harber
317-413-5036
harber.pj@sbcglobal.net
 
Dan Littlefield
281-797-7614
dlittlefield@modality-solutions.com
 
Karen Greene
VP Sales & Technology, Life Packaging Technology, LLC
760-835-2260
karen@lifepacktech.com
 
Stuart Long
President, Life Packaging Technology, LLC
949-395-8145
stu@lifepacktech.com