What You Should Know About Walmart’s New RFID Policies
Walmart’s RFID initiative is growing. Are you ready for it?
Walmart is requiring vendors in the electronics and home departments to include an RFID inlay on their items. We’ve prepared some essential information to assist you in your preparation.
Which departments will benefit from UHF RFID?
The following departments are the most recent to require RFID technology:
- Entertainment departments
- Home departments
- Tires and batteries (Hardlines departments)
In these categories, Walmart wants all participating national, proprietary, supplier, and private brands to adhere to the mandate.
Specifications for RFID
Walmart requires its suppliers to use a Gen 2 UF RFID tag with a frequency of 902-928 megahertz to tag their products. The dimensions of your tags will vary based on the products you sell. Visit Auburn University’s lists to learn more:
- Specifications for household products
- Specifications for electronics
- Specifications for the toy
- Specifications for sporting goods
Please visit our RFID products which receive ARC certification from Auburn University’s RFID Lab.
What is the Best Way to Encode the Tags?
Suppliers must use GS1’s Electronic Product Code (EPC) standards to encode the tags. Your product’s UPC barcode is combined with a unique serial number to create an EPC. This is a 12-digit barcode that identifies your company, product, and kind of product.
A standardized label language was created by GS1, which means that an RFID label may be read anywhere, by any company. This allows large shops to receive your products in a more seamless manner and get them out on the floor sooner.
RFID Market is ready to assist you in meeting Walmart’s new standards as seasoned RFID system integrator. We can either encode your tags for you or help you discover the proper equipment to do it yourself. To get started, call us at +90-850-885 0950 or fill out the form here.
Important Deadlines
Walmart’s implementation schedule is rapidly approaching. These are the important dates to keep in mind.
THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT RFID SAMPLES TO AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS JUNE 3RD
By June 3, send at least five RFID label samples to the Auburn University. Your product should not be included with your samples.
AUGUST 17: DELIVERY TO THE DISTRIBUTION CENTER IS REQUIRED (MABD)
By August 17, all RFID-tagged products must be delivered to the appropriate distribution center or facility. This suggests that the dates of August 13 to 17 are permissible.
SEPTEMBER 2: ALL PRODUCTS MUST BE TAGGED WHEN THEY ARRIVE AT THE STORE
All products heading into retailers must be marked starting September 2. Walmart will commence in-store testing after that, followed by rollout and implementation.
Additional Information About wmrfid
Visit Walmart’s Supplier Academy Page and download the RFID Playbook for additional information on Walmart’s new RFID mandate.
Steps to Follow
Please contact us if you have any concerns or would want to discuss your RFID requirements. We’re here to assist you in achieving your goals.
