USA - FCC Approval

All electronic and RF-emitting devices approved for distribution or sale in the United States under FCC rules must adhere to mandatory labeling requirements. These labeling obligations serve a dual purpose: to inform end users and regulatory bodies of the device’s compliance status, and to ensure traceability in the event of market surveillance or enforcement action.

The type of label, its content, and its placement depend on the authorization route — whether the device is certified via a Telecommunications Certification Body (TCB) or authorized under the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) procedure.

1. Labeling for Certified Devices (Intentional Radiators, Part 15C)

Devices that are certified under FCC Part 2 and applicable subparts (e.g., Part 15C for intentional radiators) must display the FCC Identifier (FCC ID) on the product or its packaging.

• FCC ID Format: A two-part identifier comprising the Grantee Code (3 or 5 characters assigned by the FCC) and the Product Code (assigned by the applicant).

  • Example: FCC ID: XYZ123456

• Label Content Requirements:

  • The full FCC ID

  • Any additional cautionary or compliance statements required by the applicable rule part

  • If the device is subject to RF exposure limits (e.g., MPE or SAR), labeling must include reference to compliance with those requirements

• Physical Placement:

  • The label must be conspicuously placed on the device where it is readily visible to the user

  • It must be permanently affixed and resistant to environmental degradation during the intended product lifecycle (e.g., exposure to heat, moisture, handling)

  • Engraving, printing, or durable adhesive labels are acceptable

2. Labeling for SDoC Devices (Unintentional Radiators, Part 15B)

For devices authorized under Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), the labeling obligation is simpler but still legally binding.

• Required Compliance Statement:

  • Devices must carry the following or similar text:

    “This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
    (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
    (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.”

• Company Identification:

  • The name or logo of the responsible party (U.S.-based manufacturer/importer) must appear on the device or in the product literature

• Location of Label:

  • Can be affixed to the product, included in user manuals, or presented through electronic labeling under specific conditions

3. Electronic Labeling (eLabeling)

In accordance with FCC Public Notices and Knowledge Database (KDB) publications, electronic labeling is permitted for devices with integrated displays (e.g., smartphones, tablets, embedded systems).

• Conditions for eLabeling:

  • The device must have a built-in screen capable of clearly displaying the required FCC ID or compliance statement

  • The label must be accessible without requiring passwords or special access codes

  • Instructions to access the e-label must be provided in the user manual or quick-start guide

  • No software or firmware updates may remove or alter the label display capability

4. Additional Labelling Considerations

• User-Replaceable Modules: If a certified RF module is installed by the end user, labeling on the host product must reference the module’s FCC ID.

• Small Devices: If the device is too small to bear the full label, abbreviated labels may be permitted provided full compliance details are available in the user manual or via electronic means.

• Temporary Labels: Permissible for prototype or pre-production samples used for evaluation or demonstration, but must be replaced with permanent labeling before commercial distribution.