What is an ARC Certified UHF RFID Tag?
ARC certified UHF RFID tags are Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) labels, UHF RFID inlays, or on-metal UHF RFID labels that meet the performance standards established by the Auburn RFID Lab Certification (ARC) program and approved for use in retail RFID compliance programs. Major retailers like Walmart and Nordstrom require ARC certified tags for item-level tracking to ensure reliable performance across packaging types and supply chain conditions. These tags undergo rigorous testing, including evaluation on real products and packaging. To certify a new tag or configuration, customers must submit product and packaging samples along with the proposed tag. Compared to non-certified UHF RFID tags, ARC certified tags provide verified compatibility and reduce compliance risk.
ARC certified UHF RFID tags are used by suppliers and manufacturers participating in retailer RFID programs. These UHF RFID tags serve as machine-readable identifiers applied to individual items, enabling automated tracking and inventory visibility throughout the supply chain.
How to Choose an ARC Certified UHF RFID Tag
- ARC Category: Retailers assign ARC categories (A-M) based on the product material. Category G suits most general merchandise, while categories like F and I address challenging materials like liquids and metals. Always match your tag selection to the retailer’s required certification.
- Tag Format: Available as paper UHF RFID labels, clear UHF RFID inlays, or on-metal UHF RFID tags. Choose based on surface type and label placement.
- Retailer Compliance: Verify your retail partner's specific requirements, as some mandate particular inlay types or encoding formats beyond general ARC specifications.
- UHF RFID Chip Type: ARC categories define compatible UHF RFID chip models. Select tags with supported chips to ensure system compatibility.
Customizing an ARC Certified UHF RFID Tag
- Printing Requirements: ARC certified UHF RFID tags must display the EPC Global Gen2 logo, human-readable Electronic Product Code (EPC) data, and barcodes. GoToTags provides compliant thermal transfer printing for in-stock certified UHF RFID tags.
- Certification Timeline: ARC certification typically takes 3 to 6 weeks. Customers must submit physical samples of their product, packaging, and UHF RFID label for testing.
- Encoding: EPCs can be encoded by GoToTags during purchase or by the customer using the GoToTags Desktop App. Data formatting must follow ARC category requirements.
Recommendations
- Use ARC certified UHF RFID tags for retailer compliance. Do not substitute uncertified UHF RFID tags.
- Allow 3 to 6 weeks for ARC certification if a custom UHF RFID tag or packaging layout is required.
- Test UHF RFID tags with your actual products before mass deployment, as packaging variations can affect performance.
- Implement a formal testing protocol to document compliance with retailer requirements.
- Order sufficient quantities to account for programming losses during implementation.
- Consider dual-frequency options when consumer interaction is needed alongside supply chain visibility.
