Frequently Asked Questions
We are an import vendor but don't know our MVEN. Where do we find it?
Every import vendor has a THD Global Sourcing Import Operations Manager assigned to them. Ask your Import Manager for your MVEN.
Do all THD import vendors need to have their shipping cartons and labels certified?
The THD barcode requirements apply to all Home Depot vendors, with the exception of Lumber, Live Goods and Special Orders. Import vendors who ship through an RDC must also certify their carton barcodes and labels. Only items with conveyable shipping cartons need to be certified.
Are barcode samples required for every item we ship to Home Depot?
Import vendors need to provide samples of every item's conveyable shipping carton. THD logistic barcode certification is needed for every size carton (direct print) and every printed label that will be processed through the RDC supply chain.
We have multiple ship or production locations that use identical labels and direct-printed cartons. Do we need to send samples from every location?
Yes. Test samples are required from all ship and production locations, even if they use similar cartons and labels. Differences in materials, equipment, software and training commonly lead to differences in print quality and compliance. Certifying each ship location shows that your company can meet the THD barcode requirements everywhere it ships from.
Can we send in mockup test samples?
No. Actual live samples are mandatory. To evaluate compliance, we need the actual cartons and labels you ship with.
How long does it take to get test results?
You should receive results by email within 5 business days of your samples arriving at the Bar Code Graphics testing facility in Shenzhen, China.
How do I submit samples, and where do I send them?
Pre-register your items on this website before every sample submission. The testing facility address is on the submission form you receive after registration.
An invoice is generated at registration, and it must be paid in full before you ship labels for certification. Packages that are not pre-registered and pre-paid will not be processed.
Do we need to ship entire empty cartons for barcodes printed directly on corrugate?
No. You can cut out the carton panel as long as there is 2" of free space around all sides of the barcode. Make sure the barcode isn't affected by folds or other markings.
Do not ship boxes with merchandise.
What is evaluated for barcode certification?
THD logistic barcodes are tested for dimensional compliance, ANSI/ISO print quality and proper formatting. The GS1 Company Prefix is checked for proper positioning and ownership, but the accuracy of the GTIN data is not tested.
If a sample doesn't pass certification, how will I know what to fix?
Every failed evaluation includes an issue summary, an ANSI/ISO print quality scan report, a digital image, and the corrective actions needed to fix each compliance issue.
You'll need to resubmit samples until each carton or label size is certified.