Below is a summary of the main standards, the latest revision year, and comments discussing what changed since the previous revision.
ISTA 3A: GENERAL SIMULATION PERFORMANCE TEST PROCEDURE FOR PARCEL DELIVERY SYSTEM SHIPMENT 70 KG (150 LB) OR LESS
Two product definitions were added (Fragile Products and Liquids). A sample size of two (2) or more packaged-product samples is recommended for Fragile and Liquid product types. A leak test was added, to be conducted on products containing liquids.
ASTM F2825: STANDARD PRACTICE FOR CLIMATIC STRESSING OF PACKAGING SYSTEMS FOR SINGLE PARCEL DELIVERY
The changes include updating the scope which does not affect testing.
ISTA 3B: GENERAL SIMULATION PERFORMANCE TEST PROCEDURE FOR PACKAGED-PRODUCTS FOR LESS-THAN-TRUCKLOAD (LTL) SHIPMENT
Added identification of items related to Orientation of packaged-product. Max top-load weight of 600 lbs eliminated.
ASTM D4728: STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR RANDOM VIBRATION TESTING OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS
The changes include updating of references and appendices which do not affect testing.
ASTM D4169: STANDARD PRACTICE FOR PERFORMANCE TESTING OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS AND SYSTEMS
Previous Revision: 2014
This new revision updates the Truck vibration profile to better match real-world data. Affected are Distribution Cycles 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, & 13.
ASTM F88: STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR SEAL STRENGTH OF FLEXIBLE BARRIER MATERIALS
This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial.
ASTM F1929: DYE PENETRATION TEST METHODS
This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial.
ASTM F3039: STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR DETECTING LEAKS IN NONPOROUS PACKAGING OR FLEXIBLE BARRIER MATERIALS BY DYE PENETRATION
This new revision introduces a new method to test for holes or leaks in a flat surface.
ASTM D4332: STANDARD PRACTICE FOR CONDITIONING CONTAINERS, PACKAGES, OR PACKAGING COMPONENTS FOR TESTING
This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial.
ASTM F1140/F1140M: STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR INTERNAL PRESSURIZATION FAILURE RESISTANCE OF UNRESTRAINED PACKAGES
This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial to add “M” to the title of the standard.
ASTM F2054/F2054M: STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR BURST TESTING OF FLEXIBLE PACKAGE SEALS USING INTERNAL AIR PRESSURIZATION WITHIN RESTRAINING PLATES
This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial to add “M” to the title of the standard.
ASTM D6653/D6653M: STANDARD TEST METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE EFFECTS OF HIGH ALTITUDE ON PACKAGING SYSTEMS BY VACUUM METHOD
This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial.
ASTM D7386: STANDARD PRACTICE FOR PERFORMANCE TESTING OF PACKAGES FOR SINGLE PARCEL DELIVERY SYSTEMS
There are no changes that would affect testing. The changes are editorial in nature with several reference updates.