Marking and Labeling Systems Program

Overview

Our Marking and Labeling Systems Program covers labels, nameplates or markers, label materials, and related products that have been submitted for evaluation in accordance with prescribed permanence of marking performance requirements so that they can be used to display safety-related information on products.

Many electrical, electronic and related technology products are required to be permanently marked with specific safety-related information including hazards, warnings, cautionary markings, installation instructions and electrical ratings. Labels and related products that comply with the Marking and Labeling Systems requirements fall under UL Solutions’ Component Certification Program. This program provides a convenient way for product manufacturers to acquire labels that meet marking performance requirements applicable to their UL Certified products.

Marking and Labeling Systems are covered under the following six categories based on the type of product and end-use application:

• Labels and label materials recognized under the category codes numbers (CCN) —PGDQ2, PGJI2, PGIM2 and PGGU2 — are tested in accordance with the test methods in American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/UL 969, the Standard for Marking and Labeling Systems. They are suitable for use on a wide variety of UL Certified products. 
• Labels recognized under CCN PGIS2 are evaluated in accordance with unique label requirements in a specific UL end-product Standard. They are “limited in use” to the products covered under that Standard. 
• Flag labels, flag tags, wrap-around labels and related products, often referred to as cord tags, under CCN PGCT2 are tested in accordance with the test methods in ANSI/CAN/UL 969A, the Standard for Marking and Labeling Systems — Flag Labels, Flag Tags, Wrap-Around Labels and Related Products. 

In addition, UL Solutions evaluates to Canadian requirements under CCN PGDQ8, PGJI8, PGIM8 and PGGU8 — that are tested in accordance with the test methods in the Canadian standard, Canadian Standards Association (CSA) C22.2 No. 0.15, Adhesive Labels and under CCN PGCT8 that are tested accordance with the test methods in ANSI/CAN/UL 969A.

All recognized component marking and labeling systems are intended for application at an end-use product factory and fall under UL Solutions’ Follow-Up Services program. This program states that UL Certified products must continue to be manufactured in compliance with UL Solutions’ requirements.

A brief description of each category and corresponding with CCN can be found further down this webpage.

Testing/Evaluation

Evaluation for Marking and Labeling Systems recognition includes a construction examination and testing for permanency. Environmental conditioning of labels typically includes testing for exposure to high humidity or occasional exposure to water, elevated temperatures, sunlight or chemical agents. After environmental conditioning, labels are visually examined for curling, wrinkling, shrinkage or loss of adhesion around the perimeter. Testing also typically includes evaluation of legibility, resistance to defacement and adhesion.

Conditions of acceptability

Guidelines addressing the suitability of marking and labeling systems when used with an end product are included in the UL Solutions report under Conditions of Acceptability. The Conditions of Acceptability generally cover application surfaces, temperature ratings and additional exposure conditions for which the product was found acceptable. The Conditions of Acceptability may also include print color limitations, label size limitations and special-use applications. The Conditions of Acceptability are also published in the UL Product iQ™ database.

Label adoption

Label converters and printers that use recognized label materials, such as label stocks, laminating adhesives and overlaminations, can benefit from the recognition established for the label material when establishing recognition for their printed labels. This process is known as label adoption.

Marking and labeling systems categories

A brief description of each certification category and corresponding CCN covered under Marking and Labeling Systems at UL Solutions can be found below.

• Marking and Labeling Systems (PGDQ2) covers printed labels and mechanically affixed labels manufactured by a label printer/converter. As a general rule, these labels are sold as die-cut, finished printed labels. Labels have not been evaluated to receive additional printing by the end-use product manufacturer. Labels are tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 969.
• Marking and Labeling Systems — Printing Materials (PGJI2) covers printed labels and unprinted stocks that have been evaluated to receive additional printing by end-use product manufacturers using simple printing equipment, including thermal transfer, laser and hot stamping. Products in this category may be sold by label material suppliers in bulk roll form or by label printer/converters as die-cut labels that are blank or preprinted with blank areas in which information is to be added. Additional printing inks for which the labels have been found compatible are specified in the recognition, and only those inks are considered acceptable. Additional printing is considered an optional process for printed labels. Materials are tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 969.
• Marking and Labeling Systems — Materials (PGGU2) covers materials that are used to make labels. Products in this category include blank label stocks, laminating adhesives, overlaminates and inks. These products are typically produced in bulk sizes and sold to label printers/converters for the production of labels for PDGQ2 and PGJI2. Materials are tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 969.
• Marking and Labeling Systems — In-Mold Labels (PGIM2) covers printed in-mold labels that are manufactured by a label printer/converter and are intended to embed into a molded plastic part during the molding process. As a general rule, these labels are sold as die-cut, finished printed in-mold labels. Labels have not been evaluated to receive additional printing by the end-use product manufacturer. In-mold labels are tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 969.
• Marking and Labeling Systems — Flag Labels, Flag Tags, Wrap-Around Labels and Related Products (PGCT2) covers labels and tags that are typically affixed to a flexible electrical cord or fluid carrying hose either as a label that is adhered to itself like a flag, as a tag that is attached with a securement strap through a hole or as a label that is wrapped around the circumference. These products may be supplied as finished printed labels/tags or as unprinted materials that are intended to receive additional printing by end-use product manufacturers using simple printing equipment. Labels and tags in this category may be sold by material suppliers in bulk roll form or by label printer/converters as die-cut labels that are blank or preprinted with blank areas in which information is to be added. Additional printing inks for which the labels or tags have been found compatible are specified in the recognition, and only those inks are considered acceptable. Labels and tags are tested in accordance with ANSI/CAN/UL 969A.
• Marking and Labeling Systems — Limited Use (PGIS2) covers labels, flag labels/tags (often referred to as cord tags) wrap-around labels and placards that have been evaluated for compliance with requirements in specific UL end-product Standards where performance requirements are either less stringent or different than those in ANSI/UL 969 or ANSI/CAN/UL 969A. The use of these products is limited to the types of products covered by those end-product Standards, such as enclosures for electrical equipment, power supply cords, seasonal decorative-lighting products or gate operators.

Recognition for Canada

Under the Canadian Certification Program, UL Solutions tests products to CSA C22.2 No. 0.15 and ANSI/CAN/UL 969A. As the CSA C22.2 No. 0.15 standard includes test methods that differ from UL 969, additional testing is necessary to grant Canadian Recognition. Products found to comply with the Canadian requirements are marked with the Canadian UL Recognition Mark. Products certified for Canada are published under category code numbers PGDQ8, PGJI8, PGIM8, PGGU8 and PGCT8.

Labels evaluated to the requirements of other standards

While all products recognized in PGDQ2, PGJI2, PGIM2 and PGGU2 have been evaluated in accordance with ANSI/UL 969, some products may also be evaluated for specific end-use applications — including portable ladders and fire extinguishers — where the governing standard has requirements that go beyond those in ANSI/UL 969. In addition, UL Solutions evaluates labels to the British Standard (BS) 5609:1986, Specification for printed pressure-sensitive, adhesive-coated labels for marine use, under CCN PGDT2.

Benefits

We are uniquely positioned to provide a complete view of how products function within a given system. This is particularly critical in the plastics and components industry, as interactions between substances, parts, systems and the environment can cause a significant number of hazards. These failures are rarely apparent when components are tested individually.

Our technical experts can also help align your products to the appropriate UL Certification category and the applicable Standards. This enables manufacturers of UL Certified products to easily source components that demonstrably meet their compliance needs and project specifications.
Additionally, our worldwide presence allows us to provide local services to you and your team. You’ll have access to our network of experts who will support you in your drive to protect public safety and brand value.

Our trustworthy reputation provides an important product differentiator in a crowded marketplace. Working with us is just one more way that you can communicate your product’s safety and quality to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), purchasers and regulatory authorities.

Why UL Solutions

UL Solutions’ comprehensive testing, certification, assessment and regulatory compliance services are designed to foster innovation, enhance product and process quality, enable safety, and, most importantly, help you meet your business goals.

Our broad capabilities enable us to help you address a wide variety of key business needs that may arise throughout your product development life cycle and deployment phase. Working with one provider allows you to take advantage of our cost- and time-saving service bundles. Our integrated testing and certification plans allow you to achieve your go-to-market plans in a timely manner.