Custom Waterproof RFID Wet Inlays and NFC Stickers
Wallis supplies custom RFID wet inlays and NFC stickers for smart packaging, retail inventory, logistics, asset identification, libraries, events, product interaction and authentication projects. Available configurations include 13.56MHz HF/NFC inlays and 860–960MHz UHF RAIN RFID inlays with customized chip, antenna, adhesive, dimensions and roll format.
A wet inlay normally consists of an RFID chip bonded to an etched aluminum or copper antenna on a carrier, plus pressure-sensitive adhesive and a release liner. It can be supplied for direct application in suitable environments or converted with paper, PET, PP or another face material into a finished printable RFID label.
“Waterproof” performance depends on the complete label construction—not only the chip and antenna. Face material, adhesive, liner, edge protection, printing, lamination, application surface, temperature and immersion conditions must be confirmed before production.
Request an RFID Inlay Quote
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Available Options |
| Product Format | RFID wet inlay, self-adhesive inlay, converted NFC sticker or finished RFID label |
| Typical Structure | Chip + etched antenna + PET or approved carrier + pressure-sensitive adhesive + release liner |
| Frequency Options | HF/NFC 13.56MHz or UHF 860–960MHz; dual-frequency constructions available only with a specifically selected dual-interface chip and antenna design |
| Protocol Options | ISO/IEC 14443 Type A, ISO/IEC 15693, NFC Forum types or EPC Class 1 Gen 2 / ISO/IEC 18000-63 according to the selected chip |
| HF/NFC Chip Examples | NTAG213, NTAG215, NTAG216, NTAG424 DNA, MIFARE Ultralight, MIFARE Classic, DESFire, ICODE and other compatible options |
| UHF Chip Examples | NXP UCODE, Impinj M730/M750 or Monza families, Alien Higgs and other project-specific options |
| Antenna Material | Etched aluminum or copper; antenna dimensions and tuning selected for the application surface and reader environment |
| Carrier and Face Material | Transparent PET carrier; paper, PET, PP, PVC or synthetic face material available after label conversion |
| Adhesive | Permanent, removable, high-tack, low-temperature or other pressure-sensitive adhesive subject to surface and environment testing |
| Metal Surface Application | Requires a purpose-designed on-metal construction, ferrite or foam spacer; a standard wet inlay should not be assumed to work directly on metal |
| Dimensions and Shape | Round, square, rectangular or customized antenna and die-cut dimensions |
| Encoding and Personalization | UID or TID reading, EPC encoding, NDEF URLs, serial numbers, QR codes, barcodes and customer-supplied data |
| Delivery Format | Roll format with customized pitch, web width, core size, winding direction, quantity per roll and splice requirements |
| Environmental Performance | Moisture, water, temperature, chemicals, UV and abrasion resistance depend on the complete approved label construction |
Memory must be specified by chip rather than as one universal range. For example, NTAG213, NTAG215 and NTAG216 provide different NFC user-memory capacities, while UHF products normally specify EPC, TID and optional user memory in bits.
HF/NFC vs. UHF RFID Wet Inlays
| Comparison | HF/NFC Wet Inlay | UHF RFID Wet Inlay |
| Frequency | 13.56MHz | Typically 860–960MHz with regional tuning requirements |
| Typical Protocols | ISO/IEC 14443 Type A, ISO/IEC 15693 and NFC Forum types | EPC Class 1 Gen 2 / ISO/IEC 18000-63 |
| Typical Read Range | A few centimeters, depending on chip, antenna, reader and application surface | From short range to several meters, depending on antenna, reader power, region, orientation, material and environment |
| Smartphone Interaction | Possible with compatible NFC chips and supported phone behavior | Normally requires a dedicated UHF reader unless using a special dual-frequency product |
| Common Applications | NFC marketing, product information, authentication, events, libraries and short-range identification | Retail inventory, warehouse logistics, apparel, cartons, assets and bulk reading |
| Memory Description | Chip-specific user memory, pages, blocks, security and lock functions | EPC, TID, reserved and optional user-memory banks |
| Key Selection Inputs | Phone or reader model, protocol, data size, security and antenna dimensions | Regional band, reader, read zone, tagged material, orientation, density and target range |
Choose NFC for Tap-to-Interact Applications
NFC wet inlays are commonly selected for URLs, digital product information, promotions, authentication workflows, digital warranties and other interactions initiated by a compatible smartphone or HF reader.
Choose UHF for Inventory and Bulk Reading
UHF inlays are generally selected when many tagged products must be read rapidly or from a longer distance, such as apparel inventory, cartons, warehouse assets and logistics processes.
Do Not Use One Read-Range Claim for Both Technologies
A statement such as “read range over three meters” may be realistic for a suitable UHF inlay in a controlled setup, but it is not an appropriate universal claim for NFC or HF labels.
Confirm Regional UHF Frequency Requirements
UHF reader regulations and preferred tuning differ by market. Supply the destination country and reader environment so the antenna can be selected for the intended operating band.
Wet Inlay, Dry Inlay and Finished RFID Label
RFID Wet Inlay
A wet inlay includes pressure-sensitive adhesive and a release liner. It can be used for compatible direct-application projects or converted into a finished label with an additional printable face material.
RFID Dry Inlay
A dry inlay consists of the chip and antenna assembly without the final pressure-sensitive adhesive construction. It is generally selected for embedding, lamination or further converting.
Converted RFID Label or NFC Sticker
A finished label combines the inlay with a chosen face stock, adhesive and liner. This construction determines printability, color, opacity, water resistance, UV durability, label stiffness and final die-cut shape.
Printing Requires a Suitable Face Material
A basic transparent wet inlay is not automatically a finished printable label. For thermal transfer, direct thermal, flexographic, digital or UV printing, specify the face material, printer technology, ribbon or ink and print durability.
Waterproofing, Adhesive and Surface Compatibility
Water Resistance Is a Complete-Construction Property
PET carriers and selected synthetic face stocks can resist moisture, but water can still affect adhesive edges, printed graphics, liners and unsealed constructions. Define splash, humidity, washdown, outdoor exposure or full-immersion requirements separately.
Match the Adhesive to the Application Surface
Paperboard, glass, PET bottles, HDPE containers, textured plastics, painted surfaces and low-surface-energy plastics may require different adhesive systems. Surface cleanliness, temperature and dwell time also affect bond strength.
Standard Inlays Are Not Automatically On-Metal Tags
Metal detunes a standard RFID antenna and can substantially reduce performance. Use a qualified on-metal label with a spacer, ferrite or other isolation layer when the tag must be applied to metal.
Liquids Can Affect RF Performance
Water-based liquids and product contents may change antenna tuning or absorb RF energy. Bottles, cosmetics, beverages and pharmaceutical containers should be tested in the final filled condition.
Confirm Application Temperature
Adhesive application temperature, service temperature and storage temperature are different specifications. Cold-chain, freezer, high-heat or outdoor projects require a validated material and adhesive combination.
Chip, Memory and Encoding Options
NTAG213, NTAG215 and NTAG216
These NFC Forum Type 2 chips are commonly used for URLs, digital profiles and consumer interaction. They provide different user-memory capacities, so encoded content should be finalized before chip selection.
NTAG424 DNA and Secure NFC Options
Secure NFC products can support cryptographic authentication and dynamic verification workflows when integrated with the correct keys, software and backend. The label alone does not create a complete anti-counterfeit system.
ICODE and ISO/IEC 15693 Options
ICODE products can suit library, asset and vicinity-reader applications that require ISO/IEC 15693 compatibility. They are not automatically interchangeable with ISO/IEC 14443 readers.
UCODE, Impinj and Alien UHF Options
UHF chip selection should consider EPC capacity, TID requirements, optional user memory, sensitivity, access or kill passwords and compatibility with the reader and software.
UID, TID and EPC Are Different Identifiers
HF/NFC products may expose a chip UID, while UHF products commonly use a factory TID and a programmable EPC. Specify which value must be read, printed, encoded or matched to the customer database.
Encoding and Locking
Wallis can discuss NDEF URL writing, EPC encoding, passwords, serial data and read-only locking. Permanent lock operations should be performed only after final verification because they may not be reversible.
Label Converting and Roll Specifications
Antenna and Die-Cut Dimensions
Antenna dimensions affect RF performance, while finished label dimensions determine the available face stock and printing area. Both dimensions should be included in the approved drawing.
Roll Core and Outer Diameter
Specify core inner diameter, maximum roll outer diameter, web width and labels per roll so the product can run through the customer’s converting, printing or dispensing equipment.
Pitch, Gap and Web Direction
Label pitch, gap, cross-web position and winding direction must match the downstream machine. A roll-direction diagram should be approved before mass production.
Splice and Bad-Tag Marking Rules
Define whether defective inlays are removed, marked or retained, and specify the maximum number of splices per roll. Automated converting lines may require strict roll-continuity standards.
Printable Face Stock and Variable Data
Finished labels can include logos, text, QR codes, barcodes, serial numbers, UID/TID/EPC values or other variable data when a suitable printable face material is selected.
Applications of RFID Wet Inlays and NFC Stickers
Smart Packaging and Consumer Engagement
NFC stickers can connect packaging to product pages, authenticity checks, instructions, digital warranties, promotions and after-sales content using compatible smartphones.
Retail and Apparel Inventory
UHF wet inlays can support item-level tagging, cycle counting, stock visibility, receiving, replenishment and loss-prevention workflows when integrated with suitable readers and software.
Logistics and Carton Tracking
RFID labels can identify cartons, totes, parcels and reusable transport items. Antenna and adhesive selection should be validated on the actual packaging material and contents.
Asset and Document Management
HF or UHF labels can support fixed-asset identification, document tracking, archives and tool management according to the required read zone and application surface.
Libraries and Media Management
ISO/IEC 15693 HF labels are commonly considered for library and media workflows, subject to reader, data model and label-placement requirements.
Events, Tickets and Access Applications
Contactless labels can be integrated into tickets, badges, wristbands or passes. Chip type, security, encoding and read-cycle requirements should match the event platform.
Product Authentication
NFC can support authentication and traceability, but secure implementation requires an appropriate chip, protected keys, trusted backend, controlled redirects and a method for detecting copied data.
![RFID wet inlay and NFC sticker applications in packaging logistics retail and assets]( "RFID Wet Inlay Applications")
![NFC wet inlay sticker used for retail product interaction and identification]( "NFC Wet Inlay in Retail")
Information Required for an Accurate Quotation
Application and required business function
HF/NFC 13.56MHz or UHF 860–960MHz
Required protocol and preferred chip
Reader, smartphone or encoding equipment model
Tagged material, product contents and mounting surface
Target read range, read direction and tag density
Antenna size, final label size and available placement area
Face material, adhesive, liner and waterproof requirement
Application, service and storage temperatures
Printing, UID/TID/EPC matching and encoding requirements
Roll core, web width, pitch, winding direction and roll quantity
Order quantity, sample quantity, destination and delivery schedule
Send Your RFID Project Requirements
Sample Testing and Quality Control
Chip and Antenna Electrical Testing
Inlays should be electrically tested for chip response and antenna connection according to the approved quality plan. The inspection method and acceptable bad-tag rate should be stated in the order specification.
Read-Performance Testing
Test the tag with the intended reader, power setting, antenna, tagged item, orientation and environment. Laboratory free-air performance may differ from performance on a real product.
Adhesive Qualification
Evaluate initial tack, dwell time, peel strength, temperature, humidity and removal behavior on the actual application surface.
Water and Environmental Testing
Define the required water exposure, duration, temperature and acceptance criteria. Splash resistance, condensation, washdown and immersion are different test conditions.
Encoding and Data Verification
Encoded UID, TID, EPC, NDEF, passwords and customer data should be read back and compared with the approved file. Printed variable data should remain matched to the electronic record.
Roll and Converting Inspection
Verify label count, pitch, web alignment, winding direction, roll core, splices, liner condition and defective-tag marking before shipment.
Why Choose Wallis for RFID Wet Inlays?
HF/NFC and UHF Product Options
Wallis can review short-range NFC applications and longer-range UHF inventory projects using chip and antenna configurations selected for the intended reader environment.
Custom Antenna, Adhesive and Label Conversion
Buyers can discuss dimensions, antenna construction, face material, adhesive, liner, die cutting, roll specifications and finished-label conversion.
Encoding and Variable Data Support
UID/TID reading, EPC or NDEF encoding, serial printing, barcodes, QR codes and database matching can be included in an approved personalization workflow.
Testing before Mass Production
Samples allow the buyer to validate RF performance, adhesive, water resistance, printer compatibility and roll-converting behavior on the actual product.
B2B and OEM Supply
Wallis supports label converters, packaging companies, RFID integrators, distributors, retailers, logistics companies and other high-volume project buyers.
![Wallis RFID wet inlay production and quality inspection line]( "Wallis RFID Production Line")
Roll Packaging and Export Protection
RFID wet inlays are commonly supplied in rolls. Packaging can include protective bags, moisture control, roll labels, chip and lot identification, quantity records and export cartons. Core size, maximum roll diameter, labels per roll and winding direction should be confirmed before production.
Finished labels and inlays should be stored away from uncontrolled heat, moisture, dust, electrostatic discharge and mechanical pressure. Storage conditions depend on the selected chip, adhesive, face material and liner.
![Protective roll packaging for RFID wet inlays and NFC stickers]( "RFID Wet Inlay Roll Packaging")
Request Samples and Latest Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an RFID wet inlay?
It is a passive RFID chip-and-antenna assembly supplied with pressure-sensitive adhesive and a release liner. It can be applied directly in suitable projects or converted into a finished RFID label.
What is the difference between a wet inlay and an NFC sticker?
A wet inlay is the underlying adhesive RFID assembly. An NFC sticker is normally a finished label that adds a printable or protective face material, final die-cut shape and application-specific adhesive.
Do you supply both NFC and UHF wet inlays?
Yes. Wallis can discuss 13.56MHz HF/NFC and 860–960MHz UHF options. The correct technology depends on reader type, target range, tagged material and application.
Can one inlay work with both NFC phones and UHF readers?
Only a specifically designed dual-frequency product can support both interfaces. A normal NFC inlay and a normal UHF inlay are different products.
What read range can I expect?
NFC and HF tags are generally read at short range, while UHF tags may reach several meters in suitable conditions. Final range depends on chip, antenna, reader, material, orientation and environment.
Are all wet inlays waterproof?
No universal waterproof rating should be assumed. Water resistance depends on carrier, face material, adhesive, edge protection, printing, mounting surface and exposure conditions.
Can a standard wet inlay be attached directly to metal?
Standard inlays usually perform poorly on metal. Request an on-metal construction with a suitable spacer or ferrite layer and test it on the actual metal item.
Can the inlay be applied to bottles or liquid products?
Yes, but liquid contents can alter RF performance. Test the proposed antenna and position on the final filled bottle or container.
Can the wet inlay be printed directly?
A basic transparent wet inlay is normally converted with a printable face stock. Specify the printing method, ink or ribbon, label material and desired durability.
Which NFC chip should I choose?
Choose according to memory, phone compatibility, password, authentication and data-retention requirements. NTAG213, NTAG215, NTAG216, secure NFC and ICODE products serve different applications.
Which UHF chip should I choose?
Consider EPC and user memory, sensitivity, TID requirements, reader environment, regional band, tagged material and required read performance.
Can Wallis encode URLs, EPC numbers or serial data?
NDEF URLs, EPC values, passwords, serial numbers and other approved data can be discussed. Supply a clear data file, format, sequence and verification rule.
Can you print a logo, QR code or barcode?
Yes, after selecting a suitable printable face material and converting process. Variable data can be matched to UID, TID or EPC values when required.
What roll information must I provide?
Provide core size, labels per roll, maximum outer diameter, web width, label pitch, gap, winding direction, splice rule and defective-tag marking requirement.
Should I test samples before placing a bulk order?
Yes. Test read performance, placement, adhesive bonding, water exposure, printing, encoding and roll feeding on the actual product and equipment.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Send the application, frequency, protocol, chip, reader, tagged material, read range, label dimensions, adhesive, waterproof requirement, encoding, roll specification, quantity and destination.
