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UL Labels


UL (Underwriters Laboratory) is an independent, nonprofit product compliance standards and testing organization. It was established in 1903 by insurance companies. They wanted to make sure that products weren’t made inherently unsafe, thus causing more insurance claims.
Before ordering your labels and ribbons, be sure to ask if they are the UL approved combination and if they have the UL mark. System ID can help you find the right UL label and ribbon combination.
What is a UL mark? It is a mark of safety. UL labels are on electrical appliances and devices, safety equipment, and things that hold or convey flammable liquids. There are lots of different types of UL marks, each with different meanings and usages. You can see the complete list on the UL website. Possibly a more important question for you is “can I print UL labels for my product?” There are two types of UL service: Type R and Type L:
  • Type “L”
    • These products are tested with every lot.
    • Labels have a hologram UL mark.
    • UL strictly controls the reproduction of these marks, so all labels must be done by a UL Label Center.
  • Type “R”
    • These products are tested based on frequency of usage.
    • Manufacturers are required to submit a copy of their UL Mark layout to a UL Label Center for review and, if acceptable, the layout will be stamped and returned.
    • Type R Marks may be printed by a UL authorized manufacturing facility or at a UL Authorized Label Supplier.
    • You must use the proper label material and ribbon formulation combination. Both must also have a UL mark on their packaging, in case a UL inspector comes calling.
Before ordering your labels and ribbons, be sure to ask if they are the UL approved combination and if they have the UL mark. Some media will automatically come with the UL mark (if they are approved, of course), but others are only marked on request. The barcode label experts at System ID can help you find the right UL label and ribbon combination.