Meet RFID Tag Mandate Requirements
At atlasRFIDstore, we can help!
RFID is complicated, and so are retail tag mandates. Our goal is to streamline RFID compliance and layout a simple process to help suppliers get the RFID tags they need, so they can get back to doing what they do best – providing exceptional quality items to everyday consumers through retailers.
We are able to do this because we know RFID - we’ve been in the RFID industry for nearly two decades. Not only that, but we’ve worked alongside the Auburn ARC Lab from its conception, and we’ve worked with retail giants like Walmart to understand their individual playbooks and unique systems.
Not every RFID tag mandate is the same, and neither is every retail supplier. Whether you are providing clothes for Nordstrom, electronics for Walmart, appliances for Lowe's, or specialty sports gear for Dick's Sporting Goods - we can help you.
If you are ready to get started, contact our team today, or give us a call at 205-490-8839!
Let us help you simplify the process - from start to finish.
We have a plan...
Retail Tag Mandate Process
We’ve helped dozens of retail suppliers with their RFID tag needs and created a simplified process that puts you and your customer's needs first. We work to eliminate stress points and keep the technical jargon to a minimum so we can guarantee success.
We Listen & Provide Options
First, we want to know about the products you supply to your retail customer(s). Please share details like department, department subcategory, packaging type, and estimated annual quantity. With this info, we'll recommend a product that fits within specs and is suitable for your product.
Provide ARC Approval Guidance
Once you receive the tag samples, you'll need to complete the ARC Approval Submission form found in the retailer's RFID playbook. Thoroughly complete the form, print it, and send it with at least 5 sample tags to the Auburn RFID Lab. If this step feels daunting, don't fret—we're here to guide you!
Send You Custom Samples
Once we've settled on a tag that fits the spec and your product, we can encode and print the chosen tag to meet the requirements provided by the retailer. We'll then send these samples out to you for the next step in the process.
Set You Up for Success
While we await tag approval, we'll discuss your ongoing RFID tag needs. This includes assessing your quantity and delivery requirements and deciding whether Atlas's team should handle printing and encoding or if we can support you in setting up an in-house printing and encoding solution.
Let Us Help You With Retail Tag Mandates
Introductions aside, lets jump in and get started. Fill out this form below, or reach out to us directly via email at sales@atlasRFIDstore.com, chat with our team now, or give us a call at 205-490-8839. We also have a call booking page where you can specify the time that works best for you!
Designed for retail product suppliers, this custom sample pack offers up to 20 individual RFID tags that comply with the current RFID tag mandates from Walmart. Customized to offer inlays certified across a variety of ARC Specs, this sample pack is ideal for home goods, sporting goods, toys, and electronics manufacturers/suppliers. Upon order completion, you will be contacted by a highly-experienced Atlas Account Manager to determine the exact variety of tags that best fits your application based on your product type, department, packaging, and size requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions about RFID Mandates
- General: RFID Mandates
- How to Comply With An RFID Mandate
What is an RFID mandate?
RFID mandates are requirements that compel companies to use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for tracking and managing inventory, assets, or other items. These mandates aim to improve efficiency, transparency, and security in supply chain processes.
Are RFID mandates only in the retail industry?
No, RFID mandates are used in a variety of different industries like healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and government agencies.
Who imposes an RFID mandate?
RFID mandates are typically created by organizations with significant influence in a supply chain, such as large retailers, government agencies, or regulatory bodies. These mandates establish requirements for suppliers to use RFID technology to streamline operations like inventory management, compliance, or traceability. Examples include:
- Retailers: Walmart, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Lowe's, Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Government Agencies: U.S. Department of Defense
- Industry Regulatory Bodies: GS1, FDA
- Corporations: Amazon, Cardinal Health, McKesson
Who must comply with an RFID mandate?
Suppliers of goods or product manufacturers are typically required to comply with RFID mandates, but the scope depends on the size of the company and the specific mandate. Other entities that might need to comply include:
- Tier 2 or sub-suppliers
- Logistics providers
- Freight forwarders
- Other retailers
- Distributors
- Contract packagers/label printers
- Vendors in regulated industries (e.g., healthcare)
- Importers/exporters
Why do companies implement RFID mandates?
Companies implement RFID mandates to improve efficiency, accuracy, and visibility in their supply chains and operations. By requiring suppliers and partners to adopt RFID technology, they can streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Which industries are most affected by RFID mandates?
Industries most impacted by RFID mandates include retail, logistics, pharmaceuticals, defense, and automotive sectors. These mandates aim to enhance supply chain management and product tracking in these fields.
What are the benefits of complying with RFID mandates?
Complying with RFID mandates offers numerous benefits, such as increased efficiency, reduced operational costs, improved inventory management, enhanced product visibility, and faster processing times. It also ensures compliance with industry standards and improves data accuracy.
Are there any challenges associated with RFID mandates?
Challenges of RFID mandates include the selecting the right RFID tag for each product, going through the Auburn RFID Lab approval process, printing and encoding the approved RFID tags, verifying each RFID tag, and the cost of the implementation. To learn about our available services, take a look at RFID Tag Supplier Mandate Available Services.
Which companies have initiated RFID mandates?
Major retailers like Walmart and Target have introduced RFID mandates for their suppliers to enhance supply chain efficiency. Additionally, organizations in industries such as defense, pharmaceuticals, and logistics have adopted mandates to ensure compliance and improve operational capabilities.
How do RFID mandates impact small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)?
RFID mandates can be challenging for SMBs due to the costs associated with technology adoption and infrastructure upgrades. However, these mandates also offer long-term benefits, such as improved efficiency, better inventory management, and potential competitive advantages.
How do you comply with an RFID mandate?
When an RFID mandate is announced, the retailer or agency typically contacts the affected companies (e.g., suppliers, distributors, manufacturers) with details about the mandate and its requirements. They often provide a list of approved RFID tags or specific RFID specifications. After receiving this information, companies can contact an RFID supplier to order a sample pack of the approved tags to test on their products.
For a step-by-step guide, check out our RFID Tag Mandates Infographic!
How do you choose a tag for an RFID mandate?
Typically, the retailer mandating RFID will provide a list of approved tags or an ARC Spec that works for your specific items. If you are assigned an ARC Spec, simply contact an RFID provider and review the RFID tags approved for that Spec.
Most ARC Specs offer a variety of RFID tags to choose from. The best way to decide is by considering cost, size, and availability:
- Cost: Review inlays approved for your Spec and evaluate the cost per tag at both low and high quantities. Buying RFID tags in bulk often results in significant savings over time.
- Size: Consider the size of your product or its packaging when purchasing an RFID tag. Avoid bending or wrapping the tag around packaging or a product. Make sure the RFID tag fits comfortably in the designated space.
- Availability: Some RFID tags may be difficult to source depending on the country of origin, manufacturer, and stock levels at various supply chain points (manufacturer, distributor, or reseller). Choose an RFID tag that is readily available whenever your comany needs to reorder.
Where do you place RFID tags for an RFID mandate?
The placement of RFID tags on a product depends largely on the retailer's instructions, but it’s also crucial to consider your item's characteristics and packaging. There’s no universal method for tagging a product, but here are a few guidelines:
- Follow retailer-specific instructions: Determine whether the retailer you supply has specific placement guidelines for your product or packaging. For example, Walmart has strict requirements for where RFID tags are placed on TVs and computers due to the metal components that can affect tag readability.
- Check the retailer’s RFID playbook: Refer to the “Tagging Requirements” section for broad guidelines. These often include rules like:
- No staples or perforations.
- RFID tags must not cover any text or images on the product.
- More examples are available on the Auburn RFID Lab website.
- Assess your product and packaging: Identify the best placement for the tag by considering available free space on the product or packaging that doesn’t obstruct text, images, or barcodes.
Are there any global standards related to RFID mandates?
Yes, global standards for RFID technology exist, such as those developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and GS1. These standards promote interoperability and consistency across supply chains worldwide.
Are there any penalties for not complying with an RFID mandate?
Non-compliance with an RFID mandate can result in penalties, contract cancellations, or restricted business opportunities for the affected company.
For more resources on complying with RFID mandates, scroll to the bottom to our resources section. For any questions about these guidelines, feel free to contact us!
Let's work together
Why Work With atlasRFIDstore?
At atlasRFIDstore, the customer experience is our top priority. We’ve worked with over 50% of the Fortune 100 and served over 75,000 customers in 100+ countries. We offer end-to-end service, from the first point of contact, through the entire ordering process, and beyond.
We have a top-notch, in-house professional services team that can help you print and program many different RFID labels and tags. After nearly two decades in the industry, we strive to be good, honest ambassadors of RFID, barcode, and IoT technology.
RFID Tag Mandate Partners
Retailers We Have Worked With
Here at atlasRFIDstore, we have worked with retail suppliers that ship items to Walmart, Nordstrom, Macy's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Dillard's, BJ's Wholesale, and Lowe's. While Walmart was significantly ahead of the curve, these other retailers aren't far behind, and more will be jumping on board.
We help Lowe's suppliers meet RFID tag mandates with hundreds of ARC-certified tags and no nonsense quotes in 24 hours!
Learn more
Retail Tag Mandate Resources
Take a look at some of our most popular resources that shed light on both the Retail Tag Mandates and the Auburn ARC RFID Lab. If you have any questions about these, contact us at any time.
Checklist: ARC Approval Process
This checklist contains information about the ARC Approval Process, including required information so that you have all the details before the submission process.
Infographic: What Should You Know About RFID Retail Mandates?
In this infographic we walk suppliers through what they need to know about these mandates and the easiest way to meet the requirements in 7 easy steps.
atlasRFIDstore's Available RFID Services
At atlasRFIDstore, we provide a variety of services for retail suppliers that must conform with an RFID Tag Mandate. Check out all of our available services below.
RFID in Retail Articles
Below is a list of articles about RFID retail mandates, the Auburn RFID Lab, the ARC submission process, and companies currently mandating RFID.
- Revolutionizing Retail: The Implementation of RFID in Target Stores
- Nordstrom & Macy's RFID Tag Mandates for Suppliers
- Lowe's RFID Mandate for Retail Inventory Management
- Walmart & RFID: The Relationship that put RFID on the Map
- RFID in Retail: How is it Used & Retail RFID Examples
- Retail Inventory Management with RFID
- RFID vs. EAS
- 7 Steps for Supplier RFID Tagging: RFID Tag Mandates
- RFID Loss Prevention: What Should You Expect?