"Packaging Compliance: Weak/Lack of Glue/Tape" Defect

What is "Packaging Compliance" at Walmart? 

Packaging compliance is one portion of Phase 3 of the SQEP program, the others being Pallet and Load compliance.

In the updated Secondary Packaging Supply Chain Standards (SPSCS '23), Walmart defines packaging compliance as "Weak packaging/glue/tape, poor perforations, missing tray/lid, loose wrap, undersized/ oversized case, selling units not secured, or other packaging defects." Almost the entirety of the SPSCS '23 is relevant for remaining compliant with Walmart's packaging standards. Pages 192-216, 234-261 will contain a lot of helpful packaging related information, especially if you are receiving packaging fines.

Note: these page numbers are the ones at the top of each page in the SPSCS '23, not necessarily the PDFs page numbers. 

What is the "Packaging Compliance: Weak/Lack of Glue/Tape" Defect? 

Within SQEP's packaging compliance standards exist a few common defects, one of the most common of which is "Weak/Lack of Glue/Tape." The SPSCS '23 defines this defect as: "Case flaps are not securely sealed with glue or tape." Case flaps are the folding pieces of your standard case or box and need to be properly taped to avoid the box opening during the shipment process.

The other sub defects within Packaging Compliance are as listed below:

• "Missing bottom Tray or Lid"

• "Loose Wrap"

• "Poor Perforations"

• "Poor Packaging for Glass/Ceramic/Fragile"

• "Selling Units Not Secured"

• "Loose/Metal Straps or Bands"

• "Weak Packaging"

• "Oversized/Undersized Case"

How to Prevent Valid "Packaging Compliance: Weak/Lack of Glue/Tape" Defects

Preventing the "Weak/Lack of Glue/Tape" sub-defect requires rigid adherence to the SPSCS '23. Pages 54, 57, 187, 189, 203, and 207 will all be helpful for learning how to stay compliant with this particular sub-defect.

Use water-resistant tape for cold/wet perishable and freezer items. For heavy merchandise, use tape with reinforcing fibers along all seams. Avoid large gaps between case flaps. Flap gaps of greater than 1" are not allowed for any side of the case.

Can the "Packaging Compliance: Weak/Lack of Glue/Tape" Defect be Disputed? 

Yes, in HighRadius, just like all other compliance fine disputes at Walmart. 

How to Dispute "Packaging Compliance: Weak/Lack of Glue/Tape" Defects 

If the fine is invalid, assign the FIXit ticket back to Walmart with the dispute reason. Sometimes FIXit tickets will disappear after this, if the dispute reason is valid and Walmart accepts it. Even still, it's a good idea to follow up in HighRadius with the ticket number to make sure that the charge disappears as well.

As always, attach any proof documentation to further validate the dispute reason. When filing a dispute, fill in the information for "Dispute Reason," "Amount to be Disputed," "Comments" (if applicable), and "Attachment" (for relevant documents).

In the case of packaging compliance, the photos attached to tickets in FIXit will likely be essential to (1) knowing if the fine is valid in the first place and (2)  for making a convincing case when the fine actually is invalid. Ideally, photos will be of exactly where the packaging went wrong, so taking corrective action

Disputes can also be monitored and updated in HighRadius under the "Disputes" tab.

More SQEP: Continued Learning and Our Solution

For an exhaustive resource on all things related to SQEP compliance, download our SQEP Handbook.

If you would like more insight into your SQEP performance and a way to quickly and painlessly dispute invalid SQEP fines, schedule a meeting with a member of the SupplyPike team today!