ISTA 3A tests packaged products for parcel delivery system shipment weighing 150 lbs or less. This test is used to simulate courier companies shipping environments. ISTA 3A is often required by .COM retailers. Micom offers ISTA 3A testing as part of its Package testing services. Alternatively, the ASTM D4169 can also be considered.

1. ISTA 3A
ISTA 3A tests packaged products for parcel delivery system shipment
weighing 150 lbs or less. This test is used to simulate courier companies
shipping environments. ISTA 3A is often required by .COM retailers.
Micom offers ISTA 3A testing as part of its Package testing services.
Alternatively, the ASTM D4169 can also be considered.
ISTA 3A use and factors to be considered
ISTA 3A is a general simulation test for individual packaged products that
will challenge the capability of the package and products to withstand
distribution hazards in the small parcel delivery system. Packages to be
tested to that standard must weigh less than 150 lbs. This test separates
packages by shape into four categories. The four shapes are: standard, small,
flat and elongated. The tests and the test conditions change as a function of
the package shape. While testing to ISTA 3A, the package and product are
considered together and not separately, i.e.: they both need to be tested
together. When specified test samples can be tested under specific
atmospheric transit conditions such as moisture, low temperature or low
pressure (altitude). Should you have any question or need help please contact
our material testing lab. Our test experts will be happy to work with you to
tailor the best possible packaging test plan for your needs.
ISTA 3A requires a minimum of 1 sample to be tested. For final packaging
design purposes a higher number of samples is recommended; ideally 5 or
more. However only testing one is mandatory to establish compliance.
Test sequence
The tests shall be performed on each test sample in the sequence indicated in
the following table:

2. ISTA 3A – standard packaged product test
The table above is for standard size packages. As outlined above, it will
change as a function of the package shape.
Typical Experimental parameters:
Sequence
#
Test Category Test Type Test Level
1
Atmospheric
Preconditioning
TEST BLOCK 1
Temperature and
humidity
Ambient
2
Atmospheric
Conditioning
TEST BLOCK 1
Controlled temperature
and humidity
Temperature and
humidity chosen
from chart
3
Shock
TEST BLOCK 3
Drop 9 drops – height
varies with
packaged-
product weight
4
Vibration
TEST BLOCKS
4 & 7 for
Standard
TEST BLOCKS
5 & 7 for Pails
and Short
Cylinders
Random with and
without top load
Overall Gmrs
levels of 0.53
and 0.46
5
Vibration
TEST BLOCKS
2 & 6
Random Vibration
Under Low Pressure
Truck or Truck &
Air dependent
6
Shock
TEST BLOCK 9
Drop 8 drops – height
varies with
packaged-
product weight.
Includes drop on
hazard

3. Number of specimens/product: 1 (min.)
Maximum sample weight: 150 lbs
Other related test methods:
For additional related test methods please see; ISTA Testing, Package
Testing or ASTM Packaging.
We hope that you found the information above about the ISTA 3A test
valuable. If you have any questions about packaging testing or if you would
like to discuss a custom package test for your products, we invite you to
contact us today. It will be our pleasure to answer your questions.
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