Retail Packaging Testing for Big-Box Compliance
Ensure your products meet the rigorous packaging standards of major retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, Costco, and QVC. Our ISTA-certified labs provide comprehensive testing to protect your products and your brand.
Why Retail Packaging Testing Matters
- Prevent costly damage and returns in complex retail supply chains
- Avoid chargebacks and penalties for non-compliance
- Improve shelf readiness and customer experience
- Support sustainability and reduce packaging waste
Retailer-Specific Requirements
Walmart
- Requires ISTA 3 Series tests for parcel and LTL shipments:
- ISTA 3A – Parcel Delivery System Shipments
- ISTA 3B – Less-Than-Truckload Shipments
- Emphasis on transit durability and quality control to reduce returns
Home Depot
- Mandates ISTA 2A testing for packages under 150 lbs:
- Includes conditioning, compression, vibration, and shock tests
- Dropship suppliers must meet ISTA standards or use outer cartons
Costco
- Focus on pallet integrity and display readiness:
- Packaging must withstand double-stacking, forklift handling, and high humidity
- Recommended tests: ISTA 1A and ISTA 1E for unitized loads
- Display-ready packaging is mandatory for efficiency
QVC
- Requires packaging that survives multi-touch handling and long-distance shipping
- Emphasis on presentation and customer unboxing experience
- Often uses ISTA protocols similar to parcel delivery standards
Our Testing Capabilities
- ISTA 1, 2, and 3 Series Testing
- ASTM D7386 for Retail-Ready Packaging
- Drop, Vibration, and Compression Testing
- Environmental Conditioning (temperature, humidity)
- Palletized Load Testing for Club Stores
You may be interested in...
Intertek provides consumer product assurance, testing, inspection and certification services to ensure safety and regulatory compliance, as well as to uphold quality and performance standards, so global retailers and brands can mitigate risk, gain consumer trust and foster brand loyalty.
Learn More
