FCC Label Requirements

What must appear on your product

Every device that undergoes FCC equipment authorization must carry specific labeling. The exact requirements depend on whether your product holds its own FCC ID (Certification path) or uses a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).

Certified devices (FCC ID holders)

Products with their own FCC ID must display:

• FCC ID in the format FCC ID: GRANTEE-PRODUCT (e.g., FCC ID: 2A2UNR3D00)
• The FCC ID must be permanently affixed and readily visible to the user without disassembly
• Minimum font size: 4-point type (some TCBs recommend 6-point for readability)

SDoC devices (self-declared)

Products authorized via SDoC must display the following compliance statement:

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.

This text must appear either on the device itself or in the user manual if the device is too small for the full statement.

Devices containing a pre-certified module

If your host product integrates a pre-certified module whose FCC ID label is not visible through the enclosure:

• The host must display: Contains FCC ID: XXXXX-YYYYYY
• If the host contains multiple certified modules, list all FCC IDs
• The host also needs its own Part 15B compliance text if it is an SDoC device

If the module's label is visible through the host enclosure (transparent window, label alignment), no additional FCC ID labeling is required on the host.

FCC ID format and structure

An FCC ID consists of two parts:

The full FCC ID is always displayed as FCC ID: GRANTEE-PRODUCT with the grantee code and product code separated by nothing or a hyphen depending on the grant. The total length is 7 -- 19 characters.

Example: FCC ID: 2ABCB-WIDGET01 where 2ABCB is the grantee code and WIDGET01 is the product code.

Grantee codes beginning with a digit were introduced when the original 3-character namespace was exhausted. New registrants receive 5-character codes.

Physical label requirements

Placement rules

Per 47 CFR 2.925:

• Label must be permanently attached to the device -- not on removable packaging, battery covers (unless permanently sealed), or accessories
• Must be visible to the user during normal use or setup (not hidden behind panels requiring tools to access)
• For products too small for a visible label, the FCC ID may be placed inside the battery compartment or engraved on the case with reduced size

Durability

• The label must remain legible for the expected lifetime of the device
• Acceptable methods: printed label (with protective laminate), laser etching, pad printing, screen printing, engraving
• Ink-jet or thermal printing without protective coating may not meet durability requirements

Multiple regulatory marks

Most products sold globally carry multiple marks (FCC ID, ISED IC number, CE mark). Common practice is a single regulatory label plate consolidating all marks. Ensure each mark meets its own jurisdiction's size and placement requirements independently.

Electronic labeling (e-labeling)

Per 47 CFR 2.935 (effective January 2016, detailed in KDB 784748 D02), devices with electronic displays can show FCC regulatory information on-screen instead of on a physical label.

Which devices qualify

• Devices with an integrated electronic display, OR
• Devices that can only operate with a host that has a display (e.g., USB dongle used exclusively with a laptop)

Devices with no display path (standalone embedded modules, sensors without screens) do not qualify. A physical label is required.

The three-step rule

E-label information must be accessible in three or fewer menu steps from any starting state. Passcodes and screen locks do not count toward the three steps.

Typical implementation: Settings > About > Regulatory

E-label requirements

What can and cannot be e-labeled

You can never eliminate the physical label entirely. A minimal physical label -- enough to identify the device model for customs and market surveillance -- is always required.

International comparison

The EU is notably stricter. CE marking must appear physically on the product or its packaging. If you are shipping to both the US and EU, you need at minimum a physical CE mark even if you e-label the FCC information.

Required user manual statements

Regardless of labeling method, your user manual must include:

For all Part 15 devices (SDoC and Certified):

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.

For devices that may cause interference (Class B digital devices):

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

For devices with RF exposure considerations:

Include the applicable RF exposure statement from KDB 447498 based on your device's SAR/MPE evaluation. The exact text varies by device type and operating frequency.

Common labeling mistakes

Label design checklist

Before submitting to your TCB, verify:

1. FCC ID is in the correct format: FCC ID: GRANTEE-PRODUCT
2. Label is on a permanent, non-removable surface
3. Font is at least 4-point, legible, and durable
4. If e-labeling: display path is 3 steps or fewer, text is write-protected, manual includes instructions
5. Part 15 compliance statement appears on device or in user manual
6. If hosting a module: "Contains FCC ID: XXXXX-YYYYYY" is displayed (if module label is not visible)
7. If multi-market: CE mark is physical (EU requirement even if US uses e-labeling)
8. Label artwork is included in TCB submission package