WERCSmart Registration Service

wercsmart is a supply chain safety management system designed and developed by The WERCS (USA, later a subsidiary of UL). It is not a traditional product certification; rather, it functions as a product information registration and compliance review platform for medium and large retailers. Currently, major retail partners of The WERCS include Walmart, Sears, Costco, etc., all requiring their suppliers to register products on WERCSmart.

• Core Functions: Unified and effective management of extensive supplier networks and product portfolios, plus safety assessments for target and existing products to help retailers select compliant items.

• Operating Model: Suppliers register product information on the platform, which then conducts evaluations. This enables downstream retailers to promptly access product hazard information, compliance status, and sustainability data.

Products Requiring WERCSmart Registration

Products typically subject to WERCSmart registration mainly include:

• Battery Products: All types of batteries (lithium batteries, alkaline batteries, etc.) and battery-containing products (electric toys, power banks, Bluetooth speakers, etc.).

• Chemical-Related Products: Chemicals, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, personal care products, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements, etc.

• Electrical & Electronic Products: Products with circuit boards or electronic components, light bulbs, etc.

• Others: Handicrafts, automotive products, pet care supplies, home decorations, stationery, toys, and food or edible oil packaged in special containers (e.g., sprayers or bag-on-valve systems).

Note: Ordinary apparel and general food products do not require registration.

WERCSmar Registration Modes for Battery Products

WERCSmart registration for batteries is divided into two categories:

1. Battery Registration (Not for Direct Retail Sale)

Batteries that are only installed in other electronic products and sold under the final product’s brand. Such batteries do not have a UPC/GTIN code. The battery supplier must register them in the WERCSmart system so that electronic product suppliers can link the battery data during their own registration.

2. Battery Registration (For Direct Retail Sale)

Batteries with their own UPC/GTIN code are registered directly in WERCSmart. The system will transmit relevant information to the designated downstream retailers.

For electronic products containing batteries, registration usually involves two steps:

1. The battery supplier registers battery information.

2. The electronic product supplier links the pre-registered battery data when registering the finished product.

WERCSmar Registration Process & Required Documents

Brief Registration Process

1. Membership Application: Create an account on the WERCSmart platform.

2. Subscription Selection: Choose a subscription tier based on the number of products.

3. Subscription Fee Payment: Pay the corresponding subscription fee.

4. Submission: Complete product information forms and upload required documents.

5. Fee Confirmation & Review: Pay any applicable additional fees and wait for platform review.

6. Completion: Upon approval, a WERCS ID will be issued and verifiable on the official website.

Key Documents for Battery Registration

• Application form

• Product nameplate

• un38.3 test report (for lithium batteries)

• SDS (Safety Data Sheet, compliant with standards such as OSHA GHS)

• Product specification

• Product summary

Common Registration Errors & Notes

Common errors during WERCSmart registration include:

• Incorrect SDS Format: Non-compliance with GHS standards, inaccurate hazard classification, improper pictograms, etc.

• Inconsistent Chemical Composition: Mismatch between declared chemical ingredients and SDS data.

• Inconsistent Transportation Information: Discrepancy between registered transportation regulatory data and Section 14 (Transportation Information) of the SDS.

• Inconsistent Lithium Battery Test Summary: Mismatched basic battery data (voltage, weight, type), incomplete test items, missing manufacturer or laboratory contact information, etc.

Subscription Model Notes

• WERCSmart uses a subscription-based pricing model, charged by tier rather than per individual product.

• Unlimited product information edits are allowed during the subscription period. Products registered for one full year may be deleted and replaced by others at no extra cost.

• Registration validity is 1 year from the first subscription payment date, not from the product registration date.

• Subscriptions can be upgraded mid-term (with price difference paid) while keeping the same validity period; they can also be downgraded before expiration (after removing excess products).

• Subscriptions auto-renew if a payment method is linked. Unpaid accounts risk being blacklisted. Unsubscription must be processed in advance.

Why Retailers Prefer WERCSmart

Major retailers mandate WERCSmart registration primarily because it helps them:

• Ensure Compliance: Address complex federal, state, and local regulatory requirements by obtaining legally required product data.

• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential safety and environmental hazards.

• Optimize Operations: Support proper shipping classification, warehouse material placement (e.g., fire code segregation), and waste management.

• Informed Purchasing: Enable buyers to review product basics, performance, test status, and regulatory compliance.

How Much Does WERCSmart Registration Cost?

• WERCSmart registration fee: US$299

• Processing cycle:2 weeks

• Certificate validity: Long-term effective

For Walmart-listed products, adding a UPC code after registration costs 199 RMB per item, excluding official fees.

(Prices provided by JJR LAB; inquiries welcome)

Summary & Recommendations

WERCSmart registration is a common requirement imposed by major retailers on their suppliers. For batteries, battery-containing products, and chemical-related items, it is practically a prerequisite for entering these retail channels.

For enterprises:

• If your products fall into the above categories and you intend to cooperate with large retailers, early understanding and preparation for WERCSmart registration are essential.

• The registration process involves professional knowledge and detailed requirements. Working with a professional certification and testing agency (such as JJR LAB) improves efficiency and avoids common mistakes.

• Strict attention must be paid to SDS quality and compliance, as well as consistency and accuracy of all registered information.

FAQ

How to register a power bank?

First register the battery pack (including cells) with its un38.3 report and msds, then register the finished product.

Does Walmart mandate wercs registration?

Yes. All applicable products sold in Walmart stores must complete registration; otherwise, they cannot be listed.

Can I register by myself?

It is recommended to use a professional certification agency (e.g., JJR LAB) to ensure document compliance and speed up review.