How to Implement RFID - Tag Specs and Locations

Updated 1 year ago ​by Merch Transformation Change Management

It is the supplier's responsibility to select an RFID tag for each product, encode the tag, and place it on the product packaging or hangtag. 

Packaging Provider Engagement

Many packaging companies currently offer RFID options. If your current packaging partner does offer RFID, they will be able to:

  • Select an ARC-approved inlay.
  • Follow proper tag placement.
  • Follow the RFID Playbook for printing and encoding tags.

If your packaging provider does not offer RFID or needs direction, please reach out to the Auburn University RFID team at https://rfidlab.org/walmartcontact/ for further assistance. 

We recommend working with a minimum of two RFID packaging resources and having their samples approved by Auburn.

Considerations for Tag Selection

For items that are metal, liquid, wax, ceramic, or glass: You may need to provide more information to Auburn University to determine best placement and functionality.

Here are other considerations when deciding which tag to use and where to place it:

  • Is the product packaging an adhesive label? Does it adhere to fabric? Does it adhere to metal, ceramic, glass, or liquid? Any of these situations can affect the ability to use an RFID tag.
  • Is there room to add a generic sticker on the product packaging that is visible to the customer? It is important that the RFID tagging process does not interfere with the packaging artwork.
  • Is there room to add a generic sticker that is hidden to the customer (e.g., a c-card, belly band, ribbon, or header card)?
  • Can the artwork for the product packaging be redesigned to accommodate an RFID sticker or placeholder for a sticker? If needed, the artwork may need to be redesigned to accommodate an RFID sticker.

RFID Encoding

With help from Auburn University, Walmart has gathered detailed technical guides for our suppliers here. Please share these files with your internal technical team for more details about RFID tag specs and encoding. These resources will help you decide which tags and encoding process are best for your business.

Once you have decided on an RFID tag with an approved inlay, the tag will need to be encoded for use. This process includes encoding the UPC + the unique Serial Number in the chip of an RFID tag.

You have two options for encoding RFID tags:

  1. Through a packaging resource (recommended option): Packaging providers/service bureaus use your GTIN or UPC and manage your serial numbers using cloud-based systems. This helps ensure that all RFID tags are unique (i.e., no duplicate numbers) and is useful if you have multiple manufacturers or contract manufacturer sites. Service bureaus can also help you with ARC-approved tag selection, placement, and approval. Many offer custom packaging services and other turnkey RFID solutions.
  2. In-house solution (advanced option): You can purchase RFID labels or hangtags in bulk and use an RFID printer to encode your own serialized data. This is a great solution to print on-demand vs. buying pre-encoded labels from a service bureau. We recommend suppliers use a service bureau to get started ASAP and transition as needed to print-on-demand solutions. Many RFID providers offer a range of printers from simple solutions to fully integrated systems.
Suppliers are responsible for the quality of the encoding.

RFID Tag Locations

With help from Auburn University, Walmart has gathered detailed placement guides for our suppliers here. Please share these files with your supply chain/manufacturing teams to help you decide the best placement for RFID on your product packaging.

There are specific requirements to ensure that RFID tags are placed correctly:

  • RFID tags must be removable by the customer. If sewn in, they must be easily torn off.
  • Each product should only have one RFID tag. For a multibox item that has multiple components/UPCs shipped to customers (e.g., a furniture set where the table is boxed separately from the chairs), the RFID tag should be placed on the item's primary UPC.
  • RFID inlay stickers should be placed on packaging, but they can go directly on the item if easily removable. 
  • RFID tags or inlays cannot cover any text or images.
  • If an item is being stickered, the domicile with the country of origin should not be covered up – it needs to be visible to the customer. The supplier can print the country of origin on the RFID sticker if needed.
  • No staples, perforations, swift tach, folding, or die cuts through the inlay as it will make the inlay unreadable.
  • No RFID inlay placement on the bottom of polybags or boxed items.
  • For glass, liquids, or metals/foils, contact Auburn University if you are unsure about tag placement.
  • RFID cannot overlap with an EAS tag.
The EPC logo example represents the bare minimum of information that should be shown on your packaging to identify RFID tagging. Remember the EPC logo must be visible to the customer.

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