Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Kohl's suppliers need to have their GS1-128 labels certified?
Yes. Kohl's barcode requirements apply to all suppliers.
Which formats do Kohl's suppliers need to certify?
Certify each GS1-128 shipping label format you plan to use when shipping merchandise to Kohl's, for example Bulk, Prepack, Pack by Store and Landed Shipment.
We ship from multiple locations that print identical labels. Do we need to send samples from every location?
Yes. Samples are required from every ship and production location. 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 Kohl's barcode requirements everywhere it ships from.
If we use a third-party provider, does my company still need to certify?
Yes. Several elements of each label sample are tested, including print quality and data encoding. Suppliers using a third-party provider still have to meet Kohl's requirements and have a certified sample on file with Bar Code Graphics.
Can we send in mockup test samples?
No. Only live samples are accepted. To evaluate compliance, we need the actual carton labels you ship with.
How long does it take to get test results?
You should receive results by email within 3 business days of Bar Code Graphics receiving your samples. Paying by check may delay results by 24 hours.
How do I know if my samples were received?
We recommend shipping your samples with a method that includes tracking and delivery confirmation.
Why do you ask for multiple contacts?
Besides certification, Bar Code Graphics, Inc. also reviews any GS1-128 compliance issues that come up later. Having the right contacts at your company lets us reach the people who can correct a problem quickly.
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 (for barcode issues), a digital image, and the corrective actions needed to fix each compliance issue.
You'll need to resubmit samples until each label format is certified.