Understanding ARC Certified RFID Tags

ARC certification refers to a standardized performance testing and certification program for RFID Labels. It is developed and maintained by the Auburn University RFID Lab, formally known as the Auburn RFID Lab Compliance (ARC) Program.

The goal of the ARC certification is to ensure that RFID inlays and Labels meet the performance and quality requirements for specific applications and industries. ARC Certified RFID Labels are tested against a set of benchmark scenarios, each referred to as a “Spec” or “Category,” to determine if they can function optimally in real-world deployment conditions.

ARC certification offers a benchmark of reliability, helping businesses select RFID Labels that will perform well in their specific use cases. The key reasons why ARC certification is crucial:

• Ensures Interoperability: ARC Certified Labels work seamlessly with common RFID readers and software.
• Reduces Risk: Using certified Labels minimizes deployment failures and Label performance variability.
• Vendor Confidence: It assures end-users and solution providers that the Label has been validated by an unbiased third party.
• Saves Time and Cost: Helps eliminate guesswork in choosing Labels and reduces trial-and-error during pilots.

The Auburn University RFID Lab, located in Alabama, USA, is one of the most authoritative research and testing centers for RFID technologies. The lab collaborates with major retailers (like Walmart, Nordstrom, and Target), manufacturers, and RFID solution providers to test and certify RFID inlays and Labels.

The ARC Lab:

• Conducts performance testing under controlled conditions.
• Defines RFID use-case specifications for specific industries.
• Issues certifications and maintains an open database of certified Labels.

Each ARC category or “Spec” represents a distinct use case. Some of the most recognized specifications include:

Proven Performance

Labels are certified against real-world use cases with quantifiable benchmarks.

Faster Deployment

Certified Labels reduce time in system tuning and selection.

Retail and Partner Compliance

Many retailers require vendors to use ARC-certified Labels, especially in RFID source Labelging programs.

Improved ROI

Fewer read errors, better visibility, and consistent performance improve overall system efficiency.

• Retail: Apparel, footwear, electronics.
• Logistics: Warehouse and supply chain visibility.
• Healthcare: Patient tracking, medication inventory.
• Manufacturing: Work-in-progress tracking.
• Food & Beverage: Perishable item Labelging.
• Aviation: Baggage and cargo tracking.

Here are a few real-world examples of ARC Certified UHF RFID Labels:

Hana RFID is a manufacturer of ARC-certified RAIN RFID inlays and tags. ARC (ARC Quality Certification) is a certification program for RFID inlays and tags, and Hana has received this certification for both its USA and China manufacturing locations. Hana’s ARC-certified inlays are designed for various applications, including apparel, electronics, sporting goods, and home goodHana RFID is a manufacturer of ARC-certified RAIN RFID inlays and tags. ARC (ARC Quality Certification) is a certification program for RFID inlays and tags, and Hana has received this certification for both its USA and China manufacturing locations. Hana’s ARC-certified inlays are designed for various applications, including apparel, electronics, sporting goods, and home good.

Tageos arc labels refer to RFID inlays and tags that are certified by the Auburn University RFID Lab’s ARC (Avery Research Center) program. These certifications, particularly for “Spec C2” and other specifications like “Spec U” and “Spec T”, indicate that the products meet specific performance and quality standards for use in various applications, such as retail, logistics, and tire identification. Tageos is a leading manufacturer of these ARC-certified RFID products.

The ARC Database at Auburn’s RFID Lab website lists all certified Labels along with their specifications and approved use cases.

1. Identify Your Use Case

Are you Labelging garments, electronics, boxes, or liquids?

2. Check ARC Spec Requirements

Use the ARC program spec that aligns with your application.

3. Select from Certified Labels

Browse the official ARC Lab database and compare certified Labels.

4. Consult Vendors or Integrators

Label manufacturers often guide on best Label selections for ARC compliance.

Myth: ARC-certified Labels work for all applications.

No, each Label is certified for a specific category or use case.

Myth: Certification means top performance in every scenario.

Certification ensures minimum acceptable performance, not necessarily the highest.

Myth: Any Label can be used if it looks similar.

Non-certified Labels may cause poor read rates or compliance issues.

• Cost: ARC-certified labels may be slightly more expensive due to testing and compliance costs.
• Availability: Not all manufacturers may offer ARC-certified versions of all their products.
• Specification Updates: ARC specs can evolve; labels may need re-certification.
• Label Placement: Even ARC-certified labels need correct placement and orientation for optimal performance.

ARC Certified RFID Labels are more than just products—they are a standard of quality, reliability, and performance in the RFID industry. Whether you are labeling boxes in a warehouse, apparel in a store, or equipment in a hospital, choosing an ARC Certified Label ensures that you are building your system on a foundation of proven, benchmarked performance.

For any enterprise planning to deploy RFID, especially in sectors like retail or logistics, investing in ARC Certified Labels is a strategic choice that can significantly reduce risk, improve read rates, and enhance the overall success of your RFID initiative.