ISTA 3A

ISTA 3A is a general-simulation test programme that simulates the conditions individually handled parcel shipments encounter in the distribution chain. It includes atmospheric conditioning, random vibration, drop and, if required, compression phases; it defines different test sequences according to package type.

The purpose is to realistically predict whether products shipped by e-commerce and courier reach the consignee undamaged. Parcel shipments are subject to far more individual handling than palletised loads; this test represents that reality.

• E-commerce shipping boxes
• Electronic-product and accessory packaging
• Cosmetics and supplement-product shipments
• Fragile-product packaging
• Non-cold-chain food shipments

• ISTA 3Aparcel transport simulation in packaging test

Package type

Standard, small, narrow or flat package — the test sequence is chosen accordingly

Conditioning

Atmospheric conditioning stage

Vibration

Random vibration profiles; representing the mode of transport

Drop

Height dependent on package mass and defined drop orientations

• Climatic chamber
• Random-vibration table
• free fall tester
• Compression test machine
• Shock and vibration data loggers

• The product must be presented in its real shipping packaging
• The package type (standard, small, narrow, flat) must be determined
• More than one package is required; the test is destructive
• The shipment's mass and dimensions must be stated
• Internal fill and protective elements must be the same as in the real shipment

The programme, including conditioning, generally takes several working days. Duration extends if many packaging variants are to be compared.

1. 1The package type is determined and the appropriate test sequence is chosen.
2. 2The package is weighed, measured and photographed.
3. 3Atmospheric conditioning is applied.
4. 4The random-vibration phases are carried out.
5. 5The lowering phase is applied in a defined direction and order.
6. 6A compression phase is performed if required.
7. 7The packaging and product are inspected in detail.

The acceptance criterion is that the product retains its function and appearance, and that the packaging retains its integrity until it reaches the consignee. The extent to which cosmetic damage is permitted is determined by the specification.

When damage is found, recording at which phase it occurred is decisive for design improvement. Vibration-induced abrasion and drop-induced breakage require different packaging solutions.

• Sample description, serial number and configuration
• Applied standard and year of printing
• Selected intensity level and basis for the level
• Experimental setup and measurement points
• Functional checks performed during the experiment
• Observations, measurement results and photographs
• A statement that the result applies only to the specimen submitted for testing

EUROLAB holds internationally recognised accreditation obtained from accreditation bodies party to the IAF and ILAC multilateral recognition arrangements, under ISO/IEC 17025 for laboratory testing, ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection and surveillance, and ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065 for system and product certification. This chain ensures the reports and certificates issued are accepted worldwide.

Whether this test can be offered within accredited scope depends on your product and the standard applied; since accreditation is method-based, the scope is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• Freight and courier companies' packaging acceptance requirements
• Retailer shipping-packaging specifications
• EU 94/62/EC Packaging Directive

The section below describes the field that the ISTA 3A test belongs to; the conditions and acceptance criteria of this particular test are given in the sections above. The scope specific to your product is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• ISTA 1A
• ISTA 2A
• Change of Temperature
• UV Ageing
• IP Water Ingress
• IP Dust Ingress
• IP69K
• Free Fall
• Automotive Vibration
• Battery Vibration
• Aerospace Vibration
• UNECE R10 EMC