What are Automotive Labels?
Automotive labels are as essential to a vehicle as its engine or axles. These labels play a vital role in ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. In fact, certain labels are mandatory for vehicles to be sold in the United States, making it critical to understand automotive labeling requirements and their impact on the industry.
This guide will provide an overview of some of the most important mandated auto labels, as well as information about the American Automotive Labeling Act, and custom automotive label solutions.
What is the American Automotive Labeling Act?
The American Automotive Labeling Act (AALA), established in 1992, mandates that automakers provide detailed information on new vehicles. The required data includes:
- The percentage of U.S.-made auto equipment by value.
- The percentage of labor performed in the U.S. to produce the vehicle.
- The countries where at least one-third of the auto equipment originated.
Failing to meet these automotive labeling requirements can lead to civil penalties, underscoring the importance of compliance. For businesses aiming to streamline production and meet labeling standards, investing in custom automotive labels is essential to minimize delays and maintain regulatory adherence.
Types of Mandatory Auto Labels:
Monroney Labels: Also known as a window sticker, these labels are displayed in the window of all new automobiles, displaying important information for the buyer, including gas mileage, parts origin, and more.
Certification Labels: Motor vehicles manufactured for sale in the United States must display a label certifying compliance with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This permanent label must be affixed by the manufacturer.
Tire Loading (Tread ACT) Labels: These labels display a vehicle’s capacity weight, seating capacity, the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold tire inflation pressure for maximum loaded vehicle weight, and the recommended tire size designation.
V.I.N. Plate Labels: V.I.N. labels are used as identification for vehicles. Designed for simplicity and accuracy, these labels are vital for vehicle recall campaigns.
Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) Labels: These labels can be found in the vehicle’s engine compartment. It lists the emissions certification, engine family or test group, engine displacement, OBD, model year, fuel type, and catalyst information.
Parts Content Labels: Parts Content Labels display information about the value of the US/Canadian and foreign parts content of a vehicle. They also display information about the origin of the engine, transmission, and where the vehicle was finally assembled.
Truck Camper Loading Labels/Documents: Pick-up trucks which can accommodate slide-in campers are federally mandated to list the specific cargo weight ratings and the longitudinal limits within which the center of gravity for the cargo location.
AC Refrigerant Labels: These labels list the specific specs for refrigerant types and levels.
EV Battery Information & Warning Labels: These labels are mandated for BEVs (Battery Electrified Vehicles). Label requirements are continually evolving.
Alterer Labels: Vehicles altered by any party must have affix labels that certify the altered vehicle still complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards, bumper, and theft prevention standards.
Vehicle Noise Emission Control Information Labels: In adherence with the US Noise Pollution and Abatement Act of 1972, vehicles must display information about noise emissions.
Incomplete Vehicle Labels & Documents: Manufactures are required to furnish this label at or before the time of delivery.
Fuel Efficiency Labels: These labels display information to the end buyer information about the fuel consumption and environmental costs of running the vehicle. Fuel Efficiently Labels encourage consumers to choose vehicles with higher fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and different technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Zero Emission Information Labels: Known also as a ZEP certification, this label was designed to support both current and future advanced technology measures for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. It helps ensure that zero-emission technologies meet the reliability and performance standards expected by California fleets.
Certificate Of Origin For A Vehicle (COV/MCO/MSO): The Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) serves as the original ownership document for a vehicle. This document, supplied by the new vehicle dealer, includes various security features and specific details about the vehicle, such as its year, make, and VIN.
Finished Vehicle Distribution Labels: Effective monitoring of distribution and logistics is essential to ensure the on-time delivery and quality of your finished vehicles.
Canadian New Vehicle Information Statement (N.V.I.S.): The New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) is a document issued for brand-new vehicles that have never been licensed or used, such as those coming directly from a dealer. The NVIS is required to accompany the vehicle for import into Canada and for licensing purposes.
Custom Automotive Labeling Solutions
At Ancor Automotive, we specialize in providing custom automotive labels tailored to your unique needs. From design to production, our team ensures that your labels meet all regulatory standards and enhance your product’s presentation.
Our comprehensive automotive labeling solutions include:
- Durable, high-quality materials to withstand harsh environments and meet compliance.
- Customizable designs for branding and marketing.
- Turnkey services to streamline production and eliminate compliance challenges.
Whether you need VIN labels, certification tags, or custom warning labels, we have the expertise to deliver solutions that exceed expectations.
Why Choose Custom Automotive Labels?
Custom automotive labels provide more than compliance—they enhance your product’s marketability. With the right design and materials, labels can improve brand perception while communicating critical information.
Our team at Ancor Automotive offers expertise in creating labels that adhere to the strictest automotive labeling requirements while aligning with your branding goals. Contact us today at [email protected] to learn how we can help your business thrive with our advanced labeling solutions.