Building Code Glossary
Manufacturer's Designation: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009 define manufacturer's designation, 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
Manufacturer's designation 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 indicating that a product or material complies with a specified standard or set of rules (see also "Inspection certificate," "Label' and" Mark").” 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 6 chapters of this corpus, most often in Glass and Glazing (IBC 2009), Building Planning (IRC 2009), Definitions (IBC 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?
Manufacturer's Designation — IBC 2009, Definitions:
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").
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Manufacturer's Designation, 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 indicating that a product or material complies with a specified standard or set of rules (see also "Inspection certificate," "Label' and" Mark"). |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | 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" Mark" and "Label.") |
Where manufacturer's designation is used in the code
The term appears in 6 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Glass and Glazing | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Gypsum Board and Plaster | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 2 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about manufacturer's designation, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Except as indicated in Section R308.1 .1 each pane of glazing installed in hazardous locations as defined in Section R308.4 shall be provided with a manufacturer's designation specifying who applied the designation, designating the type of glass and the safety glazing standard with which it com-plies, which is visible in the final installation.
Gypsum board materials and accessories shall be identified by the manufacturer's designation to indicate compliance with the appropriate standards referenced in this section and stored to protect such materials from the weather.
The design strengths and permissible stresses of any structural material that are identified by a manufacturer's designation as to manufacture and grade by mill tests, or the strength and stress grade is otherwise confirmed to the satisfaction of the building official, shall conform to the specifications and methods of design of accepted engineering practice or the approved rules in the …
Manufacturer's Designation compared with Mark
These two are the closest pair in the 2009 I-Codes: about 61 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 | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer's Designation (IBC 2009) | complies, specified, standard, set, rules, mark |
| Mark (IBC 2009) | name, function, s, designation |
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 manufacturer's designation and mark.
The terms manufacturer's designation is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what manufacturer's designation covers:
- 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 …
- Label — IBC 2009: 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 …
Manufacturer's Designation: 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 | Glass and Glazing (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Planning (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Inspection Certificate | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Label | |
| 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
- Inspection Certificate: Building Code Definition
- Label: 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 manufacturer's designation?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “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").” 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 manufacturer's designation?
In this corpus the term is used across 6 chapters, led by Glass and Glazing 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 are the building classifications used in building codes based on?
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 manufacturer's designation, which the IBC 2009 defines as “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").” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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