Press Releases

Guidance the Result of Years of Constructive Efforts Between TIA and FCC

Arlington, VA (July 11, 2014) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, today applauded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for issuing guidance on electronic labeling (eLabeling) for information and communications technology (ICT) equipment needing FCC certification.

Labeling represents a modest portion of the overall costs of manufacturing a device with integrated screens, estimated at or below 1%, or roughly 8 cents, of the average $8-$8.50 it costs to manufacture a smartphone or similar device.  However, when this is multiplied by the over one billion devices manufactured per year, eLabeling would result in over $80 million in savings per year for companies. Combined with new efficiencies to the supply chain process, eLabeling translates to more competitive pricing options for hundreds of millions of consumers.

“TIA applauds the FCC’s efforts to realize the benefits of eLabeling,” said TIA President Grant Seiffert.  “ELabeling will allow ICT companies to more effectively meet the FCC’s goals of informing consumers, better fitting consumer practices and expectations, while allowing for newer and more innovative designs. Physical labelling is costly and burdensome, so eLabeling will enable greater production efficiencies and enhance logistical flexibility for manufacturers.”

Seiffert continued, “Today’s guidance is the result of years of constructive efforts between TIA and the FCC, beginning in 2012 when TIA petitioned the Commission to allow for the optional use of eLabeling for ICT equipment manufacturers. We commend the Commission for its collaborative approach to working with the industry to advance the public interest. In addition, this issuance of guidance reinforces the FCC’s role as a global leader in regulatory approaches which foster innovation and advance public policy goals. TIA looks forward to working with the Commission and other stakeholders on further efforts to streamline manufacturing processes, lower costs, reduce prices, and encourage innovation.”