“As more products move to outside manufacturing, ISTA standards will be key as an independent

3rd party specification that everyone can use.” Packaging Manager, Hewlett-Packard

Understanding BENEFITS OF PACKAGED-PRODUCT

CERTIFICATION How to
ISTA Testing The ISTA® Certification Mark is visible proof to carriers and
customers that performance testing has been completed on
Get Involved
your packaged-product. Many carriers require ISTA testing as
part of their rules for transporting your packaged-products.
Imprinting the ISTA® Certification Mark creates an avenue for BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
you to pursue should damage occur in transit.
Tangible benefits of membership
ISTA members have a leading advantage in negotiations for
include:
damage claims: inadequate packaging, which is a primary
carrier assumption if damage occurs, becomes a non-issue • ISTA® Resource Book - an
when testing has been done to meet existing requirements. annual publication that
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TESTING PROCEDURES
includes all ISTA® Testing
There are many different options for someone looking to ISTA stands behind the testing procedures we publish, and Procedures, a Laboratory
have ISTA testing done. The ISTA® Testing Procedures are we will stand behind our members in the event of a claims Directory, information on ISTA
broken into categories called Series. Each Series contains dispute. and a directory of the Board
procedures, projects and/or guides that contain test levels for of Directors and Staff.
specific hazards. Some examples for selecting the proper test GETTING MY PRODUCT TESTED (Each company member receives both printed and
are listed below. Further details can be found in the ISTA CD-ROM versions).
Guidelines for Using & Selecting Procedures and Projects. ISTA currently certifies nearly 400 laboratories worldwide. • Subscription to monthly electronic newsletter (iNews).
You can search for a lab geographically or by procedure
Trying to satisfy carrier or vendor requirements? capability on the ISTA® website at www.ista.org - Find A Lab. • Subscription to quarterly printed newsletter
Check with your carriers and vendors to be sure you are (PreShipment Testing).
• Make arrangements with a testing facility to ship your
up-to-date with what they require. Examples: UPS requires • Participation in new procedure development.
product to them for testing.
ISTA Procedure 3A; FedEx has their own testing standard but
may accept Procedure 3A if done; LTL shipments may require • After testing, request that a test report form be sent to • Exclusive and Unlimited access to the Members Only
compliance with NCC rules. Vendors should be contacted ISTA Headquarters. section on the ISTA® website - review and download all
directly to determine their requirements. testing procedures, maintain contact information,
• ISTA Members will be notified of the product certification participate on message boards, complete the CPLP online
shortly after the test report is submitted. The laboratory program (a program exclusive to member
Trying to simulate your distribution and handling
will receive a copy of the certification letter and the test representatives).
environment and be sure your package will still afford
report will stay on file for a minimum of five years.
adequate protection?
First, know everything there is to know about your • Non-members do not receive certification or notification JOINING
MEMBERSHIP
environment then test accordingly. Examples: Procedure 3A from ISTA, nor do they receive advantages of
DUES ISTA
for the small parcel delivery environment; Procedure 2C for certification. Certification is possible retroactively after a
furniture; Procedure 3E for loads that are palletized during product manufacturer joins ISTA. Membership for a Shipper Joining ISTA is a
shipment. or Product Manufacturer simple process.
member is $525 per year.
COST OF ISTA TESTING
Trying to simply challenge the strength of your packaging to This fee includes all • Go online (www.ista.org)
be sure it can maintain product protection during "normal ISTA follows strict Anti-Trust the member advantages and click the Join Us Now!
hazards"? laws with regards to the and benefits, including button OR
Try using an ISTA 1-Series procedure, like Procedure 1A or 1C. specific business practices of unlimited use of the ISTA®
our Certified Laboratories. Certification Mark. • Contact ISTA Headquarters
Have a flat or long package? All fees and rates for testing by email or telephone OR
Use Procedure 2D for Flats, Procedure 2E for elongated, or must be obtained directly
Procedure 3A for flats and longs that are shipped through the from the testing facility. • Ask your testing facility
small parcel system. for the proper forms and
membership application.
 Who We Are &
What We do
Answers to
the questions
INTERNATIONAL SAFE TRANSIT ASSOCIATION MORE QUESTIONS?
most frequently
ISTA is a not-for-profit association dedicated to helping our Contact us! We are available by telephone, fax, email or
members reduce damage, costs and resources used in the
distribution of packaged-products. We accomplish this with
by visiting our website. The ISTA Staff prides itself on
being available for members when they need it, whether
asked by:
our TRANSIT TESTED® program: a proven plan of action that it's a question on membership, a problem with a damage
combines our testing procedures and educational claim, or a concern about testing.
opportunities with the certification of laboratories, people PRODUCT
and packaged-products. Having a third-party organization Phone: 888-FOR ISTA (367-4782)
certify your packaged-product lends credibility to your own
MANUFACTURERS
Fax: 517-333-3813
dedication of product and package damage reduction.
Email: [email protected]

Website: www.ista.org

PRESHIPMENT PERFORMANCE TESTING

PROCEDURES

ISTA® Testing Procedures were first established in1948, with

the publishing of Project 1/1A. Since that time, ISTA has
continued on the path of technical excellence, growing with
the needs of the industry. We currently publish over 20
procedures, projects and guides for performance and
developmental testing. These protocols allow a user to
determine where problem areas lie in regards to packaging
and the distribution environment. Identifying and then
solving these issues before they become a drain on resources
adds value to the bottom line.
Discover the advantages of ISTA membership
and how testing to our procedures will help your
bottom line.