PPT PROTOCOL # THD-P-008-UL REVISION # 3

The Home Depot INITIAL PROTOCOL DATE 2015-04-03 SP NAME UL

Testing Protocol (PPT Requirement- Attachment A)
2455 PACES FERRY ROAD PROTOCOL NAME Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA 30339-4024
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review

Sample Defect
# Test Property Test Method Test Principle/Requirements Results Rating
Size Code

LABELING & MARKING VERIFICATION (FOR PACKAGE & PRODUCT)

OVER PACKAGING
1.1 Shipping Mark Visual Check/ THD 1 Shipping mark should include the following
Requirement information on four consecutive sides:
 Department number
 SKU(s) number
 Product description
 Up arrow to indicate stacking direction
 Case pack count
 Case weight (lbs)
 Country of origin
 I2 of 5(EAN/UCC-14) is 1” tall by 3” wide
 or UPC( applicable to color box)
 I2of5 is not required for case packs of one)
 Purchase Order number can be printed on
one side (panel) only or can be printed on all
 four sides (panels) (Sticker application is
acceptable)
 • Shipping mark for Canada market should be
bilingual
 • Shipping mark for Mexico market: i2 of 5 not
required & need more information
Shall be in correct meaning , spelling , font size
And location
Lab Notes:
1.Details must follow related documents on THD
different shipping mark format.( such as
US/Canada/Mexico/HDC /YOW/HDD)
2. Domestic item is not applicable ,remark N/A
3.For PKG shipping label review at PPT, only PDF file
can be accepted.
4. For color box, only need show Department
number, SKU number, and PO number
Note: If SKU and PO No. are not ready at PPT,
supplier can leave PO column blank and use 000
000 000 as placeholder for SKU.

Form Owner: Product Engineering - Issue Date: 11/17/08- Version #: 6

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The Home Depot Company Information
 PPT PROTOCOL # THD-P-008-UL REVISION # 3
The Home Depot INITIAL PROTOCOL DATE 2015-04-03 SP NAME UL
Testing Protocol (PPT Requirement- Attachment A)
2455 PACES FERRY ROAD PROTOCOL NAME Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA 30339-4024
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review

1.2 Box Manufacturers Visual Check/ THD 1 For all shipments to and within the USA &
Certificate (BMC) Requirement Canada: All Home Depot master shipping
containers must be clearly marked on the bottom
panel (typically) with the box manufacturers
certificate (BMC). The certificate verifies that the
shipper meets the material requirements stated
in the BMC and the structural requirements of
Item 222 and Rule 41 that is found in the National
Motor Freight Classification
Lab note :
Need verify BMC information such as corrugate
type and BST value (single wall or double wall
should be same with PPT sample and actual )
and printer name.
1.3 Pallet Review( if Visual Check/ 1 Pallet should be review against THD pallet review
applicable ) SOP, need include dimension , construction and
Pallet Review SOP material..
 All palletized loads (unless specified by THD
Packaging Engineers)
 Pallet Review Form must be completed with
results and distributed within PPT report (the
same as CTQ results)
 PKG PPT will be failed if pallet is not
compliant to THD Standard
Note: For HDC, pallet is not required when
packaged product is over 150lbs.
1.10 UPC Barcode Label Visual Check/ 1 UPC barcode label which stick on the package and
Verification (apply to all THD Requirement product require verifying the label material/structure is
onboarded products) “self-destructing” while peel-off by adding cut-line on it.
) ( i.e.: curve cut line, circle cut line, straight line)

Lab Notes:
1. If a pressure-sensitive UPC label is provided at PPT
and the label size is below 2.5”×2.5” (applies to labels
with an area of 6.25 sq. inches or less), the label must
be checked. If it is not slit/scored or “self-destructing”,
such case is a failure point at PPT.

Verification Sample Format :

 Final physical sample ( best option )

Form Owner: Product Engineering - Issue Date: 11/17/08- Version #: 6

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The Home Depot Company Information
 PPT PROTOCOL # THD-P-008-UL REVISION # 3
The Home Depot INITIAL PROTOCOL DATE 2015-04-03 SP NAME UL
Testing Protocol (PPT Requirement- Attachment A)
2455 PACES FERRY ROAD PROTOCOL NAME Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA 30339-4024
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review

 Blank label with final slit/score or

self-destructing feature
 Soft copy file such as artwork, photo and
dieline which shows the slit/scored or
self-destructing feature. (If the electronic
file UPC label cannot be verified, actual
UPC label is required)
Verification procedure:
 First verify slit/score and/or self-destructing
feature by visual check/observation.
 Then remove the label/tag to at least ¼ of the
length (starting at a corner with fingernail).
Fail PPT if
 No slit/score or self-destructing feature
 Or the slit/score (diecut) is not effectively
designed cannot prevent the label being
removed in one piece
 Or the label is not providing self-destructing
function label is not peeled into pieces

NOTE: Requirement does not apply to the i2 of 5

(ITF-14) if the i2 of 5 will be printed on a label and
applied to the master carton.
:
For national brand products, inspection is
needed from 01 December, 2015, FAIL when
non-compliant label is found]

1.11 Outer Package marking For 49 CFR Part 173.185 1 (1) The outer package that contains lithium metal cells
Smaller Cell or Batteries or batteries must be marked: “PRIMARY LITHIUM
BATTERIES— FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT
ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT” or “LITHIUM
METAL BATTERIES—FORBIDDEN FOR
TRANSPORT ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT”,
or labeled with a “CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY”, except
when lithium metal cells or batteries are packed with or
contained in equipment in quantities not exceeding 5
kg net weight.

(2) For transportation by highway or rail only, the

lithium content of the cell and battery may be

Form Owner: Product Engineering - Issue Date: 11/17/08- Version #: 6

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The Home Depot Company Information
 PPT PROTOCOL # THD-P-008-UL REVISION # 3
The Home Depot INITIAL PROTOCOL DATE 2015-04-03 SP NAME UL
Testing Protocol (PPT Requirement- Attachment A)
2455 PACES FERRY ROAD PROTOCOL NAME Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA 30339-4024
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review

increased to 5 g for a lithium metal cell and 25 g for a

lithium metal battery and 60 Wh for a lithium ion cell or
300 Wh for a lithium ion battery provided the outer
package is marked: “LITHIUM
BATTERIES—FORBIDDEN FOR TRANSPORT
ABOARD AIRCRAFT AND VESSEL.”

The Marking of above must have a background of

contrasting color, and the letters in the marking must
be:
(A) At least 6 mm (0.25 inch) on packages having a
gross weight of 30 kg (66 pounds) or less, except that
smaller font may be used as necessary when package
dimensions so require.
(B) At least 12 mm (0.5 inch) in height on packages
having a gross weight of more than 30 kg (66 pounds).

-For transportation by aircraft, lithium cells and

batteries may not exceed the limits in the
following table. The limits on the maximum
number of batteries and maximum net quantity of
batteries in the following table may not be
combined in the same package.

-The outer package must be durably and legibly

marked with the following handling marking, which is
durable legible and displayed on a background of
contrasting color:

Form Owner: Product Engineering - Issue Date: 11/17/08- Version #: 6

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The Home Depot Company Information
 PPT PROTOCOL # THD-P-008-UL REVISION # 3
The Home Depot INITIAL PROTOCOL DATE 2015-04-03 SP NAME UL
Testing Protocol (PPT Requirement- Attachment A)
2455 PACES FERRY ROAD PROTOCOL NAME Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA 30339-4024
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review

-Each shipment with packages required to bear the

handling marking must include an indication the
shipment contains “lithium ion batteries” or “lithium
metal batteries,” as appropriate, and when an air
waybill is used, an indication on the air waybill of
compliance
- For lithium batteries packed with, or contained in,
equipment, the number of batteries in each package is
limited to the minimum number required to power the
piece of equipment, plus two spares, and the total net
quantity (mass) of the lithium cells or batteries in the
completed package must not exceed 5 kg.
- A package that exceeds the number or quantity
(mass) limits in the table shown in (c)(4) is subject to
all applicable requirements of this subchapter, except
that a package containing no more than 2.5 kg lithium
metal cells or batteries or 10 kg lithium ion cells or
batteries is not subject to the UN performance
packaging requirements in paragraphs (b)(3)(ii) of this
section when the package displays both the lithium
battery handling mark and the Class 9 label.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
2.1 New requirements for CFR 49 – Subtitle B - 1 Except for a package containing button cell batteries
shipping carton markings Chapter I – installed in equipment (including circuit boards), or no
Subchapter C – Part more than four lithium cells or two lithium batteries
173.185 (c) (3) (4) installed in the equipment(:
The outer package must be marked with: 
TRANSPORTATION
(A) An indication that the package contains “lithium
OF DANGEROUS
metal” or “lithium ion” cells or batteries, as appropriate;
GOODS ACT, 1992
(B) An indication that the package is to be handled
P.C. 2014-1461
with care and that a flammable hazard exits if the
Clause 49 34(4) package is damaged;

Form Owner: Product Engineering - Issue Date: 11/17/08- Version #: 6

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The Home Depot Company Information
 PPT PROTOCOL # THD-P-008-UL REVISION # 3
The Home Depot INITIAL PROTOCOL DATE 2015-04-03 SP NAME UL
Testing Protocol (PPT Requirement- Attachment A)
2455 PACES FERRY ROAD PROTOCOL NAME Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA 30339-4024
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review

(C) An indication that special procedures must be

followed in the event the package is damaged, to
include inspection and repacking if necessary;
(D) A telephone number for additional information

(A) The marking must be not less than 120 mm (4.7

inches) wide by 110 mm (4.3 inches) high except
markings of 105 mm (4.1 inches) wide by 74 mm (2.9
inches) high may be used on a package containing
lithium batteries when the package is too small for the
larger marking;(B) The symbols and letters must be
black and the border must be red; (C) The “*” must be
replaced by “lithium ion battery” and/or “Lithium metal
battery” as appropriate and the “xxx-xxx-xxxx” must be
replaced by a telephone number for additional
information;

2.2 Closure method of Visual Check/ 1 Staples manufacturing joint can be used when
manufacturing joint THD Requirement packaging weight is over 50lbs and all patio
products .Otherwise , need be special approval by
THD packaging team .

Staples are not permitted in the construction of the

carton except along the bottom or along the
manufacturer’s edge only.

2.3 Strapping Usage Visual Check/ 1 Strapping can not be used as closure method unless
THD Requirement specified by THD. See below application where

Form Owner: Product Engineering - Issue Date: 11/17/08- Version #: 6

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The Home Depot Company Information
 PPT PROTOCOL # THD-P-008-UL REVISION # 3
The Home Depot INITIAL PROTOCOL DATE 2015-04-03 SP NAME UL
Testing Protocol (PPT Requirement- Attachment A)
2455 PACES FERRY ROAD PROTOCOL NAME Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA 30339-4024
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review

strapping can be used.

Ceramic Tile and Natural Stones- Strapping or glue

two packaging together when positioned on pallets to
provide a more stable load

Faucet packaging – Strapping is needed where shrink

or loss is an issue .

Display packaging: The HSC covering the displays

need be banded. Strapping is used to fasten the HSC
cover the display packaging so damage does not
result to be display appearance as caused by the
removal of the tape, banding can’t block bar code at
HSC cover.

Steel strapping is not permitted. Plastic strapping is

permitted but the securing device / method (i.e.
Buckle) must not contain or create a sharp point or
edge.
2.4 PDQ tray with HSC cover Visual Check/ 1 HSC cover need be used when product is packed with
THD Requirement PDQ tray and bottom of HSC need be seated with
tape.

Testing Charge & Sample Size & Turnaround Time

Item Price (APAC) Sample Size Lead Time

Basic Price Free 1 Package 7 working days

Additional Charge (net)

Item Price Sample Size Lead Time

Notes – The definition of the Rating

Form Owner: Product Engineering - Issue Date: 11/17/08- Version #: 6

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 PPT PROTOCOL # THD-P-008-UL REVISION # 3
The Home Depot INITIAL PROTOCOL DATE 2015-04-03 SP NAME UL
Testing Protocol (PPT Requirement- Attachment A)
2455 PACES FERRY ROAD PROTOCOL NAME Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA 30339-4024
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review

 Critical - is reserved for defects which could result in hazardous or unsafe conditions for individuals using or maintaining the product as well as defects contravening legal
regulations
 Major - refers to functional defects reducing the usability or solidity of the product as well as obvious visual defects reducing the sales value of the product
 Minor - refers to defects that are unlikely to reduce the use of the product, but nevertheless may influence the sale
 Good – no defect found

Checklist

 This checklist is designed to help service provider protocol writer ensure that the test protocol is completed to an acceptable standard for editorial and peer review.
 Service providers should ask themselves each of the below questions when writing the test protocol.
o Check “Yes” if question has been considered in the test protocol writing.
o Check “N/A” if question is not applicable to the test protocol.
 Please include comments. The protocol will be returned to the service provider contact author if any parts are incomplete.
 Remember to include this completed checklist with your protocol when you submit it to THD.

Form Owner: Product Engineering - Issue Date: 11/17/08- Version #: 6

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The Home Depot Company Information
 PPT PROTOCOL # THD-P-008-UL REVISION # 3
The Home Depot INITIAL PROTOCOL DATE 2015-04-03 SP NAME UL
Testing Protocol (PPT Requirement- Attachment A)
2455 PACES FERRY ROAD PROTOCOL NAME Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA 30339-4024
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review

Protocol Check Points Yes N/A Comments

1. Labeling & Marking Verification (For Package & Product)

1.1. Is all identification and information correct (i.e. supplier, factory, address, model #, code, country
of origin, warning marking, etc…)?
1.2. Are all THD labeling standards included (Shipping mark, safety certification mark, Bilingual on
caution / warning / instruction statement, SKU number, Vendor code, Date code, UPC)?
1.3. Is the usage of the product documented correctly in its appropriate languages (i.e. product,
cartons, instruction manual, safety / assembly instructions, warning labels, and other printed
material)?
1.4. Are product description and product pictures correct against product summary and
requirements?
1.5. Is the labeling or instructions misleading or inconsistent with product?
1.6. Does product carry evidence of conformity assessment marking and is that marking valid (UL,
CSA, UPC, NSF, NFPA, ETL, CE, NOM, CCC, ICC, or equivalent safety certification mark)?
2. Physical Requirements (Construction, Workmanship…)
2.1. Have proper tolerances been identified for all critical parameters?
2.2. Did you ensure the test addresses all the stated product specs/requirements from THD?
2.3. Did you verify if sample has any defects on workmanship (i.e. cracks, scratches, peeling, factory
assembly etc)?
2.4. Did you check all samples for similarities / dissimilarities between different models and any
defects or damage?
2.5. Did you consider other products can interface with this product (i.e. toilet seat interfaces with toilet
bowl; gas regulator interfaces with gas tank)?
2.6. Did you verify if the unit can be assembled according to the instruction manual?
2.7. Are finish requirements including material, color coating, and texture conform to product
requirements (if available)?
2.8. Did you consider if pallet / package design and packaging material meet THD and Eco
standards?
3. Performance Tests

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 PPT PROTOCOL # THD-P-008-UL REVISION # 3
The Home Depot INITIAL PROTOCOL DATE 2015-04-03 SP NAME UL
Testing Protocol (PPT Requirement- Attachment A)
2455 PACES FERRY ROAD PROTOCOL NAME Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA 30339-4024
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review

3.1. Do product performance characteristics conform to product requirements and product claim (i.e.
accuracy, power source, response time, battery life, etc.)?
3.2. Is the product being tested appropriately to validate its intended function as described in the
instruction manual?
3.3. Did you consider previous recall data on similar products (THD recall data, CPSC website)?
3.4. Did you consider the critical, major, and minor findings on similar products?
3.5. Did you consider environmental factors (i.e. corrosion testing, water permeation, UV, etc...)?
3.6. Have THD standards been taken into consideration (Product Specification, Manufacturing
excellence in the supplier reference guide)?
3.7. Is packaging testing in accordance to THD packaging PPT SOP Requirements?
4. Safety Tests
4.1. Has the safety standard been considered in generation of test protocol?
4.1.1. Are all of the relevant governing bodies over the safety listing in this product identified?
4.1.2. What were the latest updates to the standard?
4.1.3. Have you reviewed any pending changes to standards and federal / state regulations?
4.1.4. If sold in Mexico and Canada, are there additional NOM or Health Canada requirements?
4.2. Did you consider if this product has play value and/or if it looks like a toy?
4.3. How could the customer misuse the product?
4.3.1. Did you consider the potential misuses of the product which could cause key safety issues
(i.e. fall, hurt, suffocate)?
4.3.2. Did you consider the past misuse issues into protocol (if available)?
5. Chemical Analysis
5.1. Were all controlled / regulated hazardous materials checked (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium,
Hexavalent Chromium, Polybrominated Biphenyls, Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether,
Formaldehyde, Phathalete, and other hazardous substances)?
6. Other
o Were all special features on instruction sheet or packaging verified?
o Did you consider the test to verify the potential manufacturing process defects?

Form Owner: Product Engineering - Issue Date: 11/17/08- Version #: 6

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The Home Depot Company Information
 PPT PROTOCOL # THD-P-008-UL REVISION # 3
The Home Depot INITIAL PROTOCOL DATE 2015-04-03 SP NAME UL
Testing Protocol (PPT Requirement- Attachment A)
2455 PACES FERRY ROAD PROTOCOL NAME Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review
ATLANTA, GEORGIA, USA 30339-4024
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Transit packaging method and shipping appearance review

Revision History

Revision # Date Description THD Approved By SP Revised By SP Reviewed By

1 2015-04-03 Initial release of test protocol Andy Li /2015-04-13 Ocean Shang Raymond Shen
2 2015-08-17 Added item 1.11 “Outer Package marking For Smaller Cell or Batteries” Peter Lei Ocean Shang
Added item 2.1 “New requirements for shipping carton markings”
3 2015-11-26 Update item 1.10, UPC Barcode Label Verification Peter Lei Ocean Shang
2015-11-30 Update item 1.1 , shipping mark Andy Li /2015-12-04 Peter Lei Ocean Shang
Update item 1.10, UPC Barcode Label Verification
Update item 1.11, Outer Package marking For Smaller Cell or Batteries

Form Owner: Product Engineering - Issue Date: 11/17/08- Version #: 6

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