In Series 1 of ISTA there is a pair of almost “twin” procedures: same mass group, same number of steps, same shock category — but different in exactly one point: vibration type. ISTA 1G is half used vibrate randomly for packages up to 150 lb (68 kg); The other half is ISTA 1A with fixed displacement vibration.
This article analyzes ISTA 1G in the way the standard positions itself: what it tests, how it differs from 1A, and when random vibration selection actually adds value.
1. What is ISTA 1G?
ISTA 1G is a test procedure that belongs to Series 1 — Non-Simulation Integrity Performance Test, applies to Individual packages weighing up to 150 lb (68 kg) when prepared for shipping.
Full name in document: Packaged-Products 150 lb (68 kg) or Less (Random Vibration) — The word “Random Vibration” in brackets is what distinguishes 1G from 1A.
Right in the scope section, the standard states a exception Remember: individual packages located on a visible skid or pallet and weighing more than 100 lb (45 kg) can be tried accordingly 1E or 1H instead of 1G.
Three foundational points apply to every Series 1 procedure—with 1G, read them in the context of random vibration:
- This is the article durability test, does not simulate transportation hazards: the results indicate that the packaging survives the test sequence, does not predict a specific journey.
- 1G no replacement Individual packaging requirements of the carrier or end customer.
- Products and packaging are evaluated together; changing either means having to try again.
Current version: ISTA 1G 2014 (latest technical change March 2014, editorial change January 2012).
2. Most common misunderstanding about ISTA 1G
The following three misunderstandings explain much of the misguided conversation about 1G:
- “Random vibration is more ‘real’, so 1G is always better than 1A.” — No. Vibration randomly generates value when you need multi-frequency energy spectrum (or when the enterprise has standardized to random vibration internally). If the goal is just a cheap, stable, and repeatable measurement to benchmark over time, a fixed displacement vibration of 1A is more appropriate.
- “1G includes compression.” — No. 1G includes atmospheric conditioning → random vibration → shock (drop/incline/horizontal). There are no compression categories; want to verify the minimum stacking load, the correct procedure is 1C.
- “For light goods, it’s 1A or 1G, whatever you choose.” — Do not choose arbitrarily. These are two different tests in terms of the nature of the excitation: single-frequency/specified-displacement harmonic vibration (1A) versus band-pass simultaneous vibration with total Grms level (1G). Goods with specific frequency-sensitive structures may “hit 1A” but fail at 1G — and vice versa.
3. What does ISTA 1G test? — 3-step sequence
| Step | Test item | Select method | Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atmospheric preconditioning | Ambient temperature and humidity | Required |
| 2 | Vibration | Random vibration only — no fixed displacement option | Required |
| 3 | Shock | Choose 1: drop or incline impact or horizontal impact | Required |
Important note: in step 3, The test level depends on the weight of the package — Drop height and impact velocity (incline/horizontal) vary with weight, not the same level for all packages. The specific level table is in the original ISTA document.
Step 1 — Atmospheric conditioning
The package is brought to ambient temperature/humidity conditions before testing. For cardboard/paper/wood products, this step determines the stiffness and moisture content of the packaging at the time of testing – factors that directly affect the vibration results.
Step 2 — Random vibration
The package is randomly vibrated according to the total Grms level specified in the standard lookup table. Unlike harmonic vibration, random vibration simultaneously stimulates multiple frequencies in a range, closer to the vibration nature of the vehicle floor and road surface.
This is also the most common trap of expectations: Random vibration doesn’t automatically mean “more real” — it is a different type of excitation, has its own set of parameters, and does not simulate any specific stroke.
Step 3 — Shock (impact)
Choose one of three methods: drop, incline impact or horizontal impact. For light packages, drop is the most popular choice; The remaining two methods are suitable when the line is long, flat or difficult to create a stable falling position.
4. Accompanying equipment and method standards
| Test item | Equipment | Method reference |
|---|---|---|
| Random vibration | Random vibration system | ASTM D4728 |
| Drop test | Free-fall drop tester | ASTM D5276 |
| Vertical shock | Vertical shock tester | ASTM D5487 |
| Incline impact | Conbur table (incline impact tester) | ASTM D880 |
| Horizontal impact | Horizontal impact test system | ASTM D4003 |
Compared to 1A, the difference in equipment lies in step 2: 1A requires a fixed moving vibration table with metal shim and frequency meter; 1G needed The random vibration system has the ability to control the spectrum — equipment is more expensive and fewer labs have it.
5. Sample number and sample preparation
In terms of sample quantity, 1G is no different from other Series 1 procedurees: Minimum 1 sample, and ISTA 5 or more repetitions recommended with new samples each time. What is worth paying attention to when preparing samples for 1G lies elsewhere: this is the article includes only random vibration and impact, there is no compression item, so any small deviations in the sample’s initial condition go straight into the results.
- Take samples from real production batches, correct configuration sold: same type of box, same insert material, same sealing method. Samples are “custom made” and are not representative of the lot.
- Allow packaging to stabilize before testing: The glue is still wet, the shrink film has not yet cooled, and the box has not yet recovered its folds, all making the sample less resistant to vibration than it actually is. You should wait according to the factory’s packaging process as when shipping.
- Record the initial condition: weight, size, six-sided photo, packaging condition. This is the only point of comparison to conclude damage after the test — without it, no one can prove that the dent occurred before or after the test.
- Transport samples to the lab: packages up to 68 kg (150 lb) can be delivered by delivery, but must be Excessive packaging or Repackage in new packaging at the lab.
The criteria for passing or failing are determined in advance by the business, the standards are not decided for you: see 4 criteria businesses must determine for themselves before testing.
6. When should ISTA 1G not be used?
If you fall into the following situations, 1G is not the right choice:
| Your situation | Should switch |
|---|---|
| Want to use vibration fixed displacement instead of random vibration | 1A |
| Need to add compression item to verify stacking ability | 1C |
| Packages exceeding 68 kg (150 lb) | 1B · 1D · 1H |
| Packages over 45 kg (100 lb) placed exposed on skids/pallets | 1E or 1H |
| Goods have been unitized into whole units | 1E (or 3E if simulation is needed) |
| The goal is to simulate international travel | 2A |
| Goods go through the parcel delivery system | 3A |
7. Common errors when implementing ISTA 1G
- 1G expectations “more realistic than 1A” — leads to ignoring damage criteria. 1G is still Non-Simulation Integrity; it does not forecast the journey.
- Using the wrong type of vibrating table — 1G forced random vibration; results from a fixed moving vibration table cannot be recorded as “reaching 1G”.
- Packaging humidity is not controlled — damp cardboard causes vibration results to vary markedly between iterations.
- Do not adjust the test level according to mass — step 3 is weight dependent; Using a single level for the entire product group is wrong.
- Compare results 1A and 1G as if they were substitutes — two different types of stimulation; Data is not redeemable.
8. What does the cost and testing time of ISTA 1G depend on?
In Series 1, 1G is generally in the lower cost category: packages up to 68 kg (150 lb) require no special lifting or handling equipment, and the process involves only random vibration and impact. Costs therefore boil down to three variables: the number of iterations (a minimum sample, or five as recommended), the impact plan chosen, and the time for climate control if the actual trip requires conditions other than the room environment.
One point about time: random vibrating tables are usually more expensive than fixed-displacement vibration tables, so the waiting time can be longer than the test itself. You should ask for the equipment schedule before finalizing the sampling plan. Summary of common factors: What does the cost and time of ISTA packaging testing depend on?
9. Frequently asked questions
How is ISTA 1G different from ISTA 1A?
Same weight group (up to 150 lb / 68 kg) and same 3 steps, but different vibration type: 1G uses random vibration (total Grms level), 1A uses fixed vertical displacement vibration. In addition, the test level at the shock step of 1G is regulated according to the weight of the package.
When should you choose random vibration instead of fixed vibration?
When the goal is to simultaneously excite a range of frequencies rather than a single harmonic frequency — often found in goods with specific frequency-sensitive components, or when a business has standardized internal processes around random vibration. If you just need a stable, well repeatable and low cost measurement to benchmark over time, 1A is more suitable.
Does ISTA 1G have a compression item?
No. 1G does not have compression item. If a minimum level of compression is needed, the correct procedure is 1C.
Does ISTA 1G have a Rotational Edge Drop step?
No. 1G has only 3 steps: atmospheric conditioning, random vibration and impact shock. The Rotational Edge Drop category appears in processes for heavy/block loads (e.g. 1B, 1D, 1E, 1H).
My 55 kg package is on a clearly visible pallet, what should I use?
Subject to exception within 1G: individual packages on skids/pallets that are clearly visible and weigh more than 100 lb (45 kg) possible tested according to 1E or 1H. If the row has been fixed into blocks, 1E is the process that correctly describes the object.
How is ISTA 1G different from ISTA 2A and 3A?
1G is the card Non-Simulated Integrity: only challenges endurance. 2A is Partial Simulation (add simulation element, suitable for products with international distribution) and 3A is General Simulation Let the goods go through the parcel delivery system. If you need to predict the risk of damage along the journey, 2A/3A is the right tool.
What does the result “pass ISTA 1G” mean?
This means that the package can withstand the specified test sequence, compared with the damage criteria you determine yourself before testing. It is not guaranteed that the goods will be intact on every journey.
10. Conclusion
ISTA 1G is the Series 1 procedure for Individual packages up to 150 lb (68 kg), where the only difference from 1A is vibrate randomly. The real value of 1G is that it allows simultaneous stimulation of a range of frequencies — useful when the row has dangerous natural frequencies or when you need to synchronize with an internal standard that already uses random vibration.
But don’t mistake 1G for a simulation. It has no compression, no rotational edge drop, and no travel reconstruction. When it is necessary to predict damage risk by cargo route, turn to the appropriate 2A, 3A or 3 Series process.
Bottom line: The 1G and 1A differ in exactly one category — vibration. If your product ever breaks down because of road vibrations, 1G is more suitable than 1A; If compression is also needed, 1C is the correct procedure.
References
The full standard should be searched and ordered directly from ISTA. Below are the public sources used for reference when compiling the article:
- ISTA — Test Procedures (list of current series and projects, accessed September 27, 2026)
- ISTA — Procedure 1G — Overview and equipment required (free overview published by ISTA; not enough to conduct testing)
- ISTA — Certify your Lab (testing laboratory certification program)
Original source: ISTA 1G 2014 – Packaged-Products 150 lb (68 kg) or Less (Random Vibration), © International Safe Transit Association.
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- What is ISTA 3L? E-commerce fulfillment process
- What is ISTA 3K? Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) packaging testing process in European retail chains
- What is ISTA Series 1? Overview of 7 packaging testing procedures (1A–1H)
- What is ISTA 1A? Detailed analysis of the most basic shipping packaging testing process
- What is ISTA 1C? Extensive packaging testing procedures for packages up to 150 lb (68 kg)
- What is ISTA 1H? Random Vibration Test Procedure for Packages Over 150 lb (68 kg)
- What is ISTA standard? Instructions for choosing the right shipping packaging test
- What is ISTA 2A? Partially simulated packaging test procedures for packages up to 150 lb (68 kg)
- What is ISTA 2B? Partially simulated packaging test procedures for packages over 150 lb (68 kg)
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This article is an explanatory content compiled by us for the purpose of introducing and disseminating knowledge. Article is not a translation, copy, abridgement or replacement of the parent standard, and is not evaluated, approved or sponsored by ISTA (International Safe Transit Association)..
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