Product Labeling and Marking Compliance

Technical Framework for The Satoshi Terminal

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Overview

Product labeling and marking are critical components of regulatory compliance, branding integrity, and consumer safety. Labels and marks on The Satoshi Terminal communicate essential information such as certification compliance, usage instructions, and safety precautions. This document provides an advanced and comprehensive technical guide to the labeling and marking requirements, processes, and implementation strategies.

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Purpose of Product Labeling and Marking

1. Regulatory Compliance: Ensures the product meets global certification and standardization requirements (e.g., CE, FCC, RoHS).

2. Traceability: Enables tracking through serial numbers, batch codes, and barcodes for quality assurance and recall management.

3. Consumer Information: Provides critical data such as safety warnings, operating parameters, and environmental considerations.

4. Market Authorization: Facilitates legal distribution by satisfying jurisdiction-specific labeling requirements.

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Key Labeling Requirements

Physical Labeling Requirements

The physical label affixed to the product must meet the following specifications:

1. Durability:

   • Material: High-temperature polyester or polycarbonate with UV-resistant coatings.

   • Adhesive: Permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions (e.g., -20°C to 80°C).

   • Abrasion Resistance: Surface coating must comply with ISO 15184 standards for hardness and durability.

2. Size and Placement:

   • Label Dimensions:

     • Minimum: 30 mm x 15 mm.

     • Recommended: Scalable based on product size while maintaining legibility.

   • Placement:

     • For terminals, affix on the rear panel near power or data interfaces to maximize visibility.

3. Marking Contrast:

   • Contrast ratio between text and background must meet ISO 3864-1 standards for visual clarity.

   • Recommended: White text on a black background for critical markings, color-coded sections for additional information.

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Information Categories on the Label

The product label must display the following information:

1. Product Identification:

   • Full product name: The Satoshi Terminal.

   • Model number: ST-1000, ST-2000, or custom variants.

   • Firmware version (if applicable): Displayed in alphanumeric format (e.g., FW v2.3.1).

2. Compliance Marks:

   • CE marking for European compliance.

   • FCC Part 15 compliance statement for the United States.

   • RoHS logo indicating restriction of hazardous substances.

   • WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) symbol for proper disposal.

3. Safety Warnings:

   • Electrical rating: Input: 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz, Max 2.5A.

   • Environmental restrictions: For indoor use only.

   • Specific warnings:

     • “Risk of Electric Shock – Do Not Open.”

     • “Disconnect Power Before Servicing.”

4. Traceability Codes:

   • Serial number: Unique identifier for each unit in alphanumeric format.

   • Manufacturing batch code: Encodes the production date and batch details.

   • QR code: Links to online compliance documentation and user manuals.

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Electronic Labeling (eLabeling)

In addition to physical labels, The Satoshi Terminal supports eLabeling where allowed by regulations. eLabels provide supplementary or full compliance information through digital displays or user interfaces.

1. Implementation:

   • Accessible via the main menu under Settings → Compliance Information.

   • Displays CE, FCC, and RoHS marks along with serial numbers and firmware versions.

2. Compliance:

   • Meets EU Regulation (EU) No 2017/1369 for electronic labels.

   • Satisfies FCC’s allowance for eLabeling under CFR Title 47 §2.935.

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Global Regulatory Marking Standards

1. European Union:

   • CE Marking:

     • Font: Sans-serif typeface, height ≥ 5 mm.

     • Placement: Adjacent to the product serial number.

   • RoHS Directive: Symbol (wheelie bin with a cross) must be ≥ 7 mm tall.

2. United States:

   • FCC ID: Format “FCC ID: 2ABCD-XXXX”.

   • Part 15 Compliance: Include the statement:

     • “This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.”

3. International:

   • ISO 7010 Symbols: Standardized safety icons for fire, electrical hazards, and environmental risks.

   • IEC 60417-5010: Power-on and standby symbols for product interfaces.

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Barcode and QR Code Implementation

Traceability codes, including barcodes and QR codes, are integral to product labeling.

1. Barcode Specifications:

   • Standard: GS1-128 for serialization.

   • Format: Alphanumeric encoding (e.g., SATS-2025-100001).

   • Placement: Adjacent to the serial number.

2. QR Code Specifications:

   • Minimum Size: 10 mm x 10 mm for scanning efficiency.

   • Data Encoded:

     • URL to compliance documentation.

     • Serial number and batch code.

     • Manufacturing date.

3. Verification:

   • Use ISO/IEC 15426-compliant barcode verifiers to ensure readability and data accuracy.

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Advanced Marking Requirements

For advanced regulatory or industry-specific requirements:

1. Laser Etching:

   • Applicable for long-lasting markings on metal components.

   • Resolution: Minimum 600 dpi for high-definition symbols and text.

2. RFID Tags:

   • Embedded tags for automated inventory and traceability systems.

   • Standards: ISO/IEC 18000 for RFID compliance.

3. Tamper-Evident Features:

   • Holographic seals to verify authenticity.

   • Void-indicating adhesives for anti-counterfeit protection.

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Environmental Considerations for Labels

1. Heat Resistance: Labels must withstand operating temperatures between -20°C and 85°C.

2. Chemical Resistance: Protection against solvents, oils, and cleaning agents using overlaminates or UV coatings.

3. Recyclability: Material selection must align with RoHS and WEEE directives to minimize environmental impact.

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Testing and Validation

To ensure label durability and compliance, the following tests must be conducted:

1. Abrasion Testing:

   • Use ISO 9352 standards to measure label resistance to mechanical wear.

2. Adhesion Testing:

   • Perform a 90-degree peel test per ASTM D3330 to confirm adhesive strength.

3. Legibility Testing:

   • Conduct visual inspections under varied lighting conditions to verify text and symbol clarity.

4. Environmental Stress Testing:

   • Subject labels to thermal cycling and UV exposure to simulate real-world conditions.

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Documentation and Recordkeeping

Maintain comprehensive records for all labeling activities, including:

• Label design files in vector formats (e.g., .svg or .ai).

• Material data sheets (MDS) for label substrates and adhesives.

• Test reports from accredited laboratories verifying label compliance.

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Common Challenges and Resolutions

Challenge	Cause	Solution
Labels peeling under heat	Insufficient adhesive durability	Use high-temperature adhesives.
Barcode scan failures	Poor printing resolution or contrast	Increase resolution; adjust contrast ratios.
Non-compliance with regional laws	Lack of awareness of updated regulations	Subscribe to regulatory bulletins.

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