What are the rules for using the ISTA Certification Mark?

09 Sep 2010

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	What are the rules for using the ISTA Certification Mark?

Solution The ISTA Transit Tested Certification Mark on a package is visible proof that the packaged-product has passed a valid ISTA preshipment test. It gives the highest level of credibility to the design, test, and packaged-product performance verification process.

For legal and management reasons, ISTA only offers this service when the lab which has done the testing is ISTA Certified, the shipper/product manufacturer is an ISTA Shipper member, and all other requirements set forth below are met. ISTA cannot stand behind use of the Mark unless it has appropriate control and oversight of all portions of the process.

Due to the way our procedures are written, taking into account both the package and the product, ISTA does NOT certify packages for a packaging or services Supplier. The ISTA Certification Mark is a benefit for the Shipper member only.

ISTA PACKAGED-PRODUCT CERTIFICATION POLICY:
In order for a package to be printed or labeled with the ISTA Transit Tested Certification Mark, or to make claims of ISTA packaged-product certification:

• The packaged-product must be tested in an ISTA Certified Lab (current with their lab certification).

• The testing must comply fully with all minimum requirements of a current ISTA testing procedure or project.

• All samples must pass the test(s).

• The results must be submitted to ISTA Headquarters (ISTA members can download our test report forms from the Member Center).

• The report must pass review and be approved by ISTA Headquarters. Certification comes from ISTA, not the laboratory.

• The shipper must be an ISTA member in good-standing.

• The shipper must sign a license agreement to use the Transit Tested Certification Mark, and will be assigned a Manufacturer's License Number.

• The Mark, with manufacturer's license number, may then be placed on the packaged-products.

ISTA Headquarters not only reviews the test report for completeness and correctness, but retains it and the resultant Certification letter on file for a minimum of 5 years for Shipper members. This third-party oversight and records-retention provides maximum credibility of results in the event of subsequent disputes or negotiations.

There is no additional charge to ISTA members for this service.

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11 Sep 2008 03:15 PM