Walmart® Requirements for Case & Shipping Labeling, Coding, & Marking

WALMART® CASE MARKING & LABELING GUIDELINES

When it comes to large companies who set the industry standards for labeling and marking, few have more clout than Walmart. The retail giant has specific needs and guidelines that set the bar for labeling and marking standards, and which must be adhered to by the more than 100,000 suppliers that cater to the retail market leader. A brief overview of Walmart’s regulations can be an informative and helpful guide for all standards of practices for potential product suppliers. Two of the most common types of labeling / marking with specific guidelines from Walmart are case markings and shipping label requirements.

CASE MARKING

Walmart’s general case marking guidelines require that at least two sides of all standard shipping cases contain required information. Applied markings can be printed directly on cartons, applied by labels, or a combination of both application methods.

Standard required information for case marking:

• 14 Digit Supplier Pack (Orderable) GTIN Barcode in ITF-14 format: Black ink only
• Brand/Sub-Brand
• Item Description
• Case Pack Quantity
• Color, Size, or Style (when available)
• Supplier Stock Number: Must match supplier stock number field published to item 360.
• Walmart Item Number: Assortments, shoes, and apparel only
• Lot Code/Best if used by date: (when available)
• Department Number: Private brand general merchandise items only

Case markings should not be confused with shipping labels. Case markings identify all information that is specific to the shipping case, while the shipping label identifies information that is specific to the PO. General case markings and shipping/pallet labels are 2 separate and unique sets of requirements which must both be met.

Automated Marking Inc. specializes in the high-resolution printing technology, as well as the print & apply labeling that meets all of the top retailers’ demands when it comes to labeling and marking.

CASE SHIPPING LABELS

As for the case shipping label requirements for Walmart- here are a few regulations and standards of practice to adhere to:

• SSCC-18 Barcode in GS1-128 Format (required)
• Ship from Address
• Ship to Address
• Department Number
• Walmart Item Number
• Department Number
• PO Type
• PO Number

The recommended size for case shipping labels is 4″ x 6″ when including the barcode information but can vary with different sized boxes as needed.

Shipping label placement is key to having easily identifiable package destinations and Walmart has specific requirements for shipping label placement. On individual cases place case shipping labels left of center on the longest side of the case if possible. If the height of the case does not allow, place the shipping label on top of the case.

Walmart’s barcode & labeling division offers full support for specific questions regarding labeling and marking guidelines and Automated Marking Inc., supplies a wide array of products that can help your organization meet and exceed the most stringent demands for product identification, marking and labeling. To speak to one of our professionals, fill out the form on this page.