Building Code Glossary
Label: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009 define label, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Label is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “An identification applied on a product by the manufacturer that contains the name of the manufacturer, the function and performance characteristics of the product or material, and the name and identification of an approved agency and that indicates that the representative sample of the product or material has been tested and evaluated by an approved …” The IRC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 76 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009), Fuel Gas (IRC 2009), Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Label — IBC 2009, Definitions:
An identification applied on a product by the manufacturer that contains the name of the manufacturer, the function and performance characteristics of the product or material, and the name and identification of an approved agency and that indicates that the representative sample of the product or material has been tested and evaluated by an approved agency (see Section 1703.5 and "Inspection certificate," "Manufacturer's designation" and "Mark").
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Label, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Definitions | An identification applied on a product by the manufacturer that contains the name of the manufacturer, the function and performance characteristics of the product or material, and the name and identification of an approved agency and that indicates that the representative sample of the product or material has been tested and evaluated by an approved agency (see Section 1703.5 and "Inspection certificate," "Manufacturer's designation" and "Mark"). |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | An identification applied on a product by the manufacturer which contains the name ofthe manufacturer, the function and performance characteristics of the product or material, and the name and identification ofan approved agency and that indicates that the representative sample of the product or material has been tested and evaluated by an approved agency. (See also "Manufacturer's designation" and "Mark.") |
Where label is used in the code
The term appears in 76 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 78 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 66 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 49 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 36 |
| Duct Systems | IMC 2009 | 32 |
| Chimneys and Vents | IRC 2009 | 30 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 29 |
| Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | IFC 2009 | 28 |
| Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings | IFC 2009 | 23 |
| Specific Appliances, Fireplaces and Solid Fuel-burning Equipment | IMC 2009 | 22 |
| General Regulations | IMC 2009 | 20 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 18 |
64 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about label, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Fire-resistance-rated glazing shall bear a label or other identification showing the name of the manufacturer, the test standard and the identifier "W-XXX," where the "XXX" is the fire-resistance rating in minutes.
For other than steel pipe, exposed piping shall be identified by a yellow label marked "Gas" in black letters.
Where the exhaust duct is concealed within the building construction, the equivalent length of the exhaust duct shall be identified on a permanent label or tag.
Label compared with Inspection Certificate
These two are the closest pair in the 2009 I-Codes: about 70 per cent of their defining words are the same. The code states both and compares neither, so the difference is worth naming.
| Wording unique to it | |
|---|---|
| Label (IBC 2009) | contains, representative, sample, tested, inspection, certificate |
| Inspection Certificate (IBC 2009) | containing, inspected, label |
Everything else in the two definitions is shared. If a project turns on which of the two applies, those words are the whole of the test — and a local amendment that edits one of them without editing the other moves the boundary between label and inspection certificate.
The terms label is built out of
The definition above leans on 4 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what label covers:
- Manufacturer's Designation — IBC 2009: An identification applied on a product by the manufacturer indicating that a product or material complies with a specified standard or set of rules (see also "Inspection certificate," "Label' and" Mark").
- Inspection Certificate — IBC 2009: An identification applied on a product by an approved agency containing the name of the manufacturer, the function and performance characteristics, and the name and identification of an approved agency that indicates that the product or material has been inspected …
- Approved Agency — IBC 2009: An established and recognized agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services, when such agency has been approved.
- Approved — IBC 2009: Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction.
Label: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Manufacturer's Designation | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Inspection Certificate | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Approved Agency | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Manufacturer's Designation: Building Code Definition
- Inspection Certificate: Building Code Definition
- Approved Agency: Building Code Definition
- Approved: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of label?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “An identification applied on a product by the manufacturer that contains the name of the manufacturer, the function and performance characteristics of the product or material, and the name and identification of an approved agency and that indicates that the representative sample of the product or material has been tested and evaluated by an approved agency (see Section 1703.5 and "Inspection certificate," "Manufacturer's designation" and "Mark").” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on label?
In this corpus the term is used across 76 chapters, led by Fire and Smoke Protection Features in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is the meaning of label code?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Definitions: “An identification applied on a product by the manufacturer that contains the name of the manufacturer, the function and performance characteristics of the product or material, and the name and identification of an approved agency and that indicates that the representative sample of the product or material has been tested and evaluated by an approved …” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
What is the definition of a building code?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as label, which the IBC 2009 defines as “An identification applied on a product by the manufacturer that contains the name of the manufacturer, the function and performance characteristics of the product or material, and the name and identification of an approved agency and that indicates that the …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
Related pages
- Jurisdiction: Building Code Definition
Jurisdiction — IBC 2009 definition: The governmental unit that has adopted this code under due legislative authority.
- Key Box: Building Code Definition
Key Box — IFC 2009 definition: A secure device with a lock operable only by a fire department master key, and containing …
- Kitchen: Building Code Definition
Kitchen — IRC 2009 definition: Kitchen shall mean an area used, or designated to be used, for the preparation of food.
- Labeled: Building Code Definition
Labeled — IBC 2009 definition: Equipment, materials or products to which has been affixed a label, seal, symbol or other identifying …
- Leader: Building Code Definition
Leader — IPC 2009 definition: An exterior drainage pipe for conveying storm water from roof or gutter drains to an approved …
- Light-diffusing System: Building Code Definition
Light-diffusing System — IBC 2009 definition: Construction consisting in whole or in part of lenses, panels, grids or baffles made with light-transmitting …