ISTA 1 Series Non-Simulation Integrity Performance Tests challenge the strength and robustness of the product and package combination. The test series is not designed to simulate environmental occurrences, while it is useful as screening tests, particularly when used as a consistent benchmark over time. 

ISTA 2 Series protocols are Partial Simulation Performance Tests that include tests with at least one element of a 3-Series type General Simulation performance test, such as atmospheric conditioning or mode-shaped random vibration, in addition to basic elements of a 1-Series type Non-Simulation Integrity test.

Transit test laboratories in SGS equip various test instruments, including environmental chambers, compression machine, rotary and random vibration table, free fall drop tester, incline impact tester and mechanical shock, allowing SGS to offer transit tests such as: 

• Atmosphere test to replicate environmental effects (temperature, humidity and pressure) 
• Shock test to simulate handling, drop and impact; 
• Compression test to evaluate warehousing stacking load hazard; 
• Vibration test to assess distribution hazard of vibration during transportation.  

ISTA intentionally does not specify what constitutes product damage and package degradation. These determinations are dependent upon the particular product, package, distribution system, market, customers, and other factors and can vary widely. Therefore product damage and allowable package degradation must be defined by the shipper, manufacturer, damage claim group, and/or other stakeholders and interested parties. In most cases, the shipper/manufacturer is in the best position to define product damage due to detailed familiarity with the product.  

SGS can assist our clients to establish acceptance criteria to allow the evaluation of packaged-product specimens after performing the transit tests, and assignment of pass or fail results.