Recently the F2 Labs sales department was presented with a question from a call-in customer who wanted to know about the requirements from the FCC to label equipment. Specifically, she asked about e-labelling. She relayed that the FCC’s rules regarding this are not very clear.
You can read the FCC’s E-Label guidance here – Link – or you can do what we did – we asked F2 Labs’ Director of EMC & Wireless Operations and then read his response (below):
Here are the rules from the FCC:
“(d) In order to validate the grant of equipment authorization, the nameplate or label shall be permanently affixed to the equipment and shall be readily visible to the purchaser at the time of purchase.
(1) As used here, permanently affixed means that the required nameplate data is etched, engraved, stamped, indelibly printed, or otherwise permanently marked on a permanently attached part of the equipment enclosure. Alternatively, the required information may be permanently marked on a nameplate of metal, plastic, or other material fastened to the equipment enclosure by welding, riveting, etc., or with a permanent adhesive. Such a nameplate must be able to last the expected lifetime of the equipment in the environment in which the equipment will be operated and must not be readily detachable.
(2) As used here, readily visible means that the nameplate or nameplate data must be visible from the outside of the equipment enclosure. It is preferable that it be visible at all times during normal installation or use, but this is not a prerequisite for grant of equipment authorization.
(e) A software defined radio may be equipped with a means such as a user display screen to display the FCC identification number normally contained in the nameplate or label. The information must be readily accessible, and the user manual must describe how to access the electronic display.
So in order for the display screen clause to be used, it has to be a software defined radio, and it must be on the actual equipment and not show up on the cell phone that is accessing it.
Subsequently I asked him if I could have the link to this rule on the FCC website. Below is the link
This question is one of the reasons we started our blog. There are so many rules for manufacturers that identifying what your responsibilities are as pertains to the many rules that could apply can be a daunting task. We are making an effort to note some of these questions and offer guidance on our blog.
F2 Labs is here to help.
Have a question or a comment? We can be contacted via this link. We can be reached by phone at 855-652-7281 and are here to help you.