GMW 14573:2017

Introduction
Note: Nothing in this standard supercedes applicable laws and regulations.
Note: In the event of conflict between the English and domestic language, the English language shall take precedence.
Purpose. This standard defines the requirements and strategy for labels on GM vehicles sold worldwide. Labels required in this standard are intended to convey information as well as to comply with legal requirements, product liability requirements, or information necessary for the handling of the vehicle throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle.
A label is a message applied to a vehicle or component that warns, informs, or instructs. Any message other than specifications, bar codes, or identification marks is classified as a label. Wherever possible, label messages should be directly marked/integrated into the component; e.g., embossed, debossed, pad printed, laser etched, scribed, silk screened; to eliminate the need for a unique label part number and assembly operation.
Applicability. This standard addresses the performance requirements for pressure sensitive adhesive labels, integrated labels (e.g., in-mold, heat applied, hot ink, fused) and sewn on labels. Labels that are installed solely as manufacturing aids are not covered by this document, but could use appropriate tests, identified herein, to assist in ensuring labels will perform as needed. Direct marked solutions referenced in 1.1 are not within the scope of this specification.
Remarks. All labels are categorized by a label classification system that relates to the specific position of a label. The label classification system defines different sets of functional requirements specified in this standard (refer to 3.2.1). Main parameters are label location, exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) rays, and exposure to fluids.
Additionally, special label characteristics may be defined as follows:
Characteristic: Self Destruct (SD).
a. If an attempt is made to remove the label from the substrate, the label shall break into pieces or tear, or the information thereon shall be rendered illegible at debonding, such that the label cannot be reused without modification.
Characteristic: Integrated (INT).
a. The label cannot be removed without destroying or defacing the substrate (e.g., heat applied labels, fused, in-mold labels, etc.)
Characteristic: Tamper Evident on Part/Substrate (TE-1).
a. The label shall delaminate and leave an adhesive footprint on the substrate material upon removal.
Characteristic: Tamper Evident on Label (TE-2).
a. Alteration of the information on the label must leave traces of the original information or otherwise visibly alter the appearance of the label material.
Characteristic: Anti-Counterfeiting/Anti-Faking (AC/AF).
a. Label shall contain a unique feature that is difficult to copy or is easily recognized as authentic.
Characteristic: No Special Characteristics.
a. Label is not required to meet any special label characteristics (e.g., SD, INT, TE-1, TE-2, AC/AF).
Label validation testing shall be performed with production intent labels located on production intent components, installed using the production process, and tested for adhesion (including after humidity exposure and temperature cycle tests) in the production vehicle orientation. During validation testing labels with secondary printing must be tested using GM specified printer and ribbon combinations identified on the drawings. Questions regarding this should be directed to the GM release engineer.
The responsible GM release engineer is solely responsible to determine which label classification is valid. The label classification will be part of the Release Drawing.