E-LABEL Act Aims to Remove Unsightly FCC Labels From Phones, Other Electronics

U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.) have introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize federal regulations for electronic devices. The E-LABEL Act would ease certain regulatory requirements on manufacturers of products such as phones, computers, and other electronics, by giving them the option to meet the physical label requirement digitally.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) currently requires most device manufacturers to etch or otherwise permanently place regulatory information and symbols on the exterior of approved products. As electronic devices in the marketplace become smaller, physical label requirements may become increasingly difficult to meet and more costly for manufacturers. The e-label option promises to lower costs for both producers and consumers.

“As manufacturers continue to produce groundbreaking technologies, it only makes sense that federal labeling requirements for these products are updated to further promote innovation and create new opportunities in the digital age,” said Fischer. “I’m pleased to work with Chairman Rockefeller to introduce the E-LABEL Act, which increases options and lowers costs for manufacturers while also making regulatory information more easily accessible to consumers. This bipartisan measure will provide relief for job creators, benefit consumers, and promote modern regulations that better suit a 21st century marketplace.”


“The E-LABEL Act has the potential to lower device costs for consumers by creating new efficiencies in manufacturing,” said Rockefeller. “I would like to thank Senator Fischer for her work on this bill. It will allow consumers to access important information in the way they have grown accustomed: on the screens of their electronic devices.”

Following the announcement of the E-LABEL Act, the FCC has released a document outlining how
devices with an integrated display screen can present the required label information electronically (e-label) in lieu of a physical label or nameplate. You can find that guidance here.

Read More [via 9to5Mac]