Electronic Product Codes (EPC) Frequently Asked Questions
For more than a year, we’ve been working to enhance merchandise availability through the use of electronic product codes (EPC) in selected stores and clubs. For more information, please read the FAQ below.
What is EPC?
An electronic product code or EPC is a lot like a bar code. It simply contains information about a product. However, unlike bar codes which can tell you that a box contains product XYZ, EPCs can identify one box of XYZ from another box of XYZ. This helps monitor product expiration dates and allows retailers to act quickly should there be a recall. EPCs also help suppliers and retailers improve their supply chain process so that they have the right products in the right places at the right time.
What is RFID?
RFID is the acronym for radio frequency identification. This technology has been around since the 1940s. If you have a toll way tag or a remote keyless entry device for your car, you’re already using RFID. In retail, RFID allows us to read electronic product codes from tags as product cases or pallets move through our distribution centers and into our stores. We then have a better understanding of where products are in our supply chain.
How does EPC benefit me?
The biggest benefit will be better merchandise availability. We want to ensure our products are available for you to purchase when you need them. Longer term, as usage of this technology expands; EPC will help us keep our costs down — which translates into our purpose of saving people money so they can live better.
What about my privacy?
Wal-Mart is committed to protecting the privacy of its customers. We’re a charter member of EPCglobal, an organization that champions the highest standards for the use of EPC. EPCglobal has created Guidelines on EPC for Consumer Products. EPC tags do not contain, collect, or link to any consumer information. When an item is tagged, the EPC tag is part of the product packaging; therefore, the choice of keeping the tag or throwing it away after you make a purchase is completely up to you.
Will I be able to know if a product is tagged?
Yes, we’ll tell you. We have asked our suppliers to display the EPCglobal symbol on every label, package or product that contains an EPC tag. In addition, stores containing tagged products display an EPCglobal symbol at customer entrances.
Is the technology safe?
Yes. The EPC tags used in retail are called passive tags. This means they don't emit any signal on their own. Tags must pass through a special reader in order to prompt the tag to send its electronic product code back to the reader. The readers being used at Wal-Mart have an average range of 15 feet. During this process, the information travels on the same frequency band as a cordless phone.
Can I remove the tag?
Yes. Once you’ve purchased the product, you can choose to keep the tag or remove it.
Why don't you just remove the tag before putting the product on your shelf?
If the product doesn't sell, or needs to be returned through our supply chain for any reason, the tag will help us gather that information.
Where can I find out more about EPC?
We encourage you to visit the EPCglobal Inc. Web site at www.aboutepc.org or the National Consumers League Web site at www.nclnet.org.
EPCglobal Inc. is an international, nonprofit group focused on developing industry-driven EPC standards. Its members are comprised of manufacturers, technology providers, and major retailers.
National Consumers League is a private, nonprofit advocacy group representing consumers on marketplace and workplace issues.
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