When you prepare to export consumer goods such as batteries and electronic products to the North American market—especially planning to enter major retail channels like Walmart and Costco—WERCS certification is an unavoidable key threshold. This certification is not issued by official authorities but is a supply chain safety management system collectively recognized by North American retail giants, serving as an essential pass for your products to access large retailers.

I. What Is WERCS Certification?

WERCS (full name: The WERCS) is a US-based database company whose core business is to provide product regulatory services for retailers in the United States and Canada. WERCS certification—more accurately referred to as WERCS registration—is the process by which suppliers enter product information into the WERCSmart supply chain safety management system developed by the company.

This system is designed to help retailers comply with increasingly complex federal, state, and local regulations, and to uniformly and effectively manage their extensive supplier networks and product portfolios. Suppliers submit detailed data (e.g., product ingredients, hazard information) through the system, which is then evaluated and standardized to ensure retailers fully comply with laws when selling, storing, transporting, and disposing of products.

In simple terms, WERCS registration acts as a data bridge and trust foundation connecting suppliers with major North American retailers. Current retail partners of WERCS include well-known chain giants such as Walmart, Costco, Sears/K-Mart, and Rite Aid.

II. Why Must Your Products Complete WERCS Registration?

For enterprises targeting the North American market, WERCS registration is not only a market requirement but also a strategic choice to boost competitiveness:

1. Mandatory Requirement for Market Access

It is a hard prerequisite for entering partner retailers like Walmart. Products without completed WERCS registration cannot be sold on the shelves of these retailers.

2. Simplify Compliance & Reduce Risks

North America’s chemical and product regulations are highly intricate. The WERCS system helps suppliers review, translate, and even compile Safety Data Sheets (SDS) compliant with various regulations, ensuring product information meets legal standards and avoiding legal risks.

3. "Green Pass" to Win Retailers’ Trust

Registered supplier information is directly shared with retailers, meaning your products have comprehensive compliance data endorsement—significantly enhancing retailers’ trust and procurement willingness.

4. Improve Supply Chain Transparency & Efficiency

The system enables efficient, accurate transmission of product hazard information across the supply chain, allowing all stakeholders (including emergency responders) to access critical data promptly.

III. Which Products Require WERCS Registration?

WERCS registration applies to various chemical-containing or potentially hazardous products, especially those sold through major retail channels:

Note: General apparel and ordinary food typically do not require registration—except for food packaged in special containers (e.g., aerosol cans).

IV. Core Process & Requirements for WERCS Registration (Battery Products as Example)

Batteries and battery-integrated products are key regulated items for WERCS registration, with a representative registration process:

1. Two Registration Modes

• Mode A: Batteries not directly sold to retailers (e.g., batteries installed inside electronics, not sold separately). These batteries lack independent UPC/GTIN barcodes and are registered by battery suppliers for downstream electronics manufacturers to link when registering finished products.
• Mode B: Batteries/finished products directly sold to retailers (e.g., power banks, electric toothbrushes with independent barcodes for retail). Retailers must be specified during registration, and data is shared directly with them.

2. Key Application Materials

Complete and accurate materials ensure smooth registration, including:

• Product Information: Color photos, application forms, ingredient analysis sheets.
• Core Test Reports: MSDS/SDS (Safety Data Sheet) in English/French, and UN38.3 test reports (critical for lithium battery aviation transport safety).
• Other Documents: Battery specifications, packaging details, weight, retailer contact information, etc.

3. Registration Cycle

• Ordinary products: ~2 weeks
• Battery-containing products: ~3 weeks (due to more complex evaluation)

V. Choose Guangdong Energy Storage Testing for One-Stop WERCS Registration Solutions

Faced with unfamiliar international certification systems, a professional partner streamlines the process. Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd.—with deep expertise in battery/electronics testing and certification—offers comprehensive WERCS registration services:

Our Core Service Advantages

• Professional Team for Precision & Efficiency: Our experts master WERCS registration regulations and process details, providing accurate guidance from material preparation to avoid errors and ensure fast approval.
• Battery-Specific Expertise: We specialize in compliance services for batteries/battery-integrated products, with in-depth knowledge of core standards (UN38.3, IEC 62133) to ensure battery data meets WERCS system requirements.
• Full One-Stop Service: We handle the entire process (consultation, material review, registration submission, follow-up), allowing you to focus on core business while addressing supply chain compliance challenges.
• Global Vision with Local Support: Based in China and serving global markets, we understand the needs/pain points of Chinese manufacturers expanding internationally, delivering tailored, practical solutions.

Completing WERCS registration grants your products a "digital ID" for North America’s mainstream retail market. It is not only a compliance necessity but also an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to product safety, environmental responsibility, and supply chain transparency to global retailers.

Contact us now—let Guangdong Energy Storage Testing’s professional team escort your product’s globalization journey and unlock broader market opportunities.