Summary

ISTA 3P is a general simulation test for individual packaged-products shipped through the India small parcel delivery system by air or ground. The procedure is designed for packages weighing 70kg (150 lb) or less and evaluates how packaged-products perform when exposed to hazards commonly encountered during parcel distribution.

The test is suitable for a range of package formats, including standard, flat and elongated packaged-products distributed as single parcel shipments.

Test Details

Packages will be subjected to the following tests, depending on package type and product characteristics:
  1. Atmospheric preconditioning using controlled temperature and humidity conditions for 72 hours
  2. Drop testing with 10 free-fall drops, with drop height based on packaged-product weight
  3. Random vibration testing with top load at an overall Grms level of 0.258
  4. Random vibration testing without top load at an overall Grms level of 0.232
  5. Additional drop testing including drops on package hazards
  6. Rotational edge drop testing for flat and elongated packages
  7. Full rotational flat drop testing for flat and elongated packages
  8. Concentrated impact testing for flat packages
  9. Bridge impact testing for elongated packages
  10. Leak testing for liquid products over an 8-hour period
Types of packaging tested under this method
  • ISTA 3P applies to individual packaged-products shipped through India parcel delivery systems.
  • The method covers standard packaged-products, flat packaged-products, elongated packaged-products, fragile products and liquid-containing packages. Examples may include fibreboard cartons, plastic containers, cylindrical packs and other commonly distributed parcel formats.
  • Packages tested under ISTA 3P must weigh 70kg (150 lb) or less, with a maximum length of 2.743m (108 inches) and a combined length plus girth not exceeding 4.191m (165 inches).

Please Note: The information outlined above is to be used as reference for ISTA 3P. Please refer to ISTA's website for full details. 

Support for ISTA Distribution Testing

If you are considering testing to ISTA 3P, or would like support selecting the most appropriate distribution testing approach, Smithers can help. Our experts support organisations with transit simulation, packaging validation, and distribution testing programmes aligned with real-world supply chain conditions. Speak with a distribution testing specialist.
 

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