The Rules and Regulations in the US: 3 Key Points to Remember About UID Compliance

The Department of Defense requires a special marking system for parts and equipment. This identification code is necessary for the tracking of products and is referred to as UID marking. MIL-STD-130 or Military 130 sets the UID marking rules for companies and individuals.

Specifically, Military 130 requires contractors to apply UID labels to their equipment. This program requires that a unique number be assigned to government-bought and government-owned equipment as set forth by the military standard’s rules. In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the most important facts about UID compliance.

Know What Should be UID Labeled

The easiest way to attain compliance is to know which pieces of equipment should be marked. 

• Mil std 130 labels should be applied to all equipment that costs more than $5000
• Labels are required for serially controlled, mission-critical, consumable, and controlled equipment
• All DoD contractors must affix UID labels to items sold to the military

For DoD vendors with item valuation and identification, as well as special contract clauses, other requirements may apply. Users should ensure that their vendors adhere to the Military 130 standard.

Learn About UID Labeling Requirements

Military 130 requires that UID labels should be encoded in 2D Data Matrix while still being human-readable. The matrix holds data that’s scanned and then interpreted as a commercial and government entity code, a serial number, and a part number. Thee parts create the UID that the Department of Defense uses to manage items throughout their lifecycle.

All products sold to the Department of Defense must meet the above requirements, as must all assets that are embedded within the products. The UII on every UID label must be scannable and storable within the IUID registry, a DoD database. Furthermore, all labels must remain attached throughout the product’s lifecycle.

All UID Labels Must be Kept Readable Throughout a Product’s Lifespan

To remain in compliance with Military 130, UID labels and markings must stay legible throughout the lifecycle of the asset. According to MIL-STD-130N or the Permanency and Legibility clause, part markings, identification plates, identification bands, tags, and labels should last as long as the item does, and they should be capable of withstanding the cleaning procedures and environmental rigors specified for the asset to which they’re affixed. Users shall choose the right marking method to ensure that the label will withstand the rebuild process.

When buying UID labels, users should ensure that they’re durable and of the right type for the environmental conditions in which the assets will be used. The best UID labels will remain legible and help users remain in compliance with Military 130. Options include, but aren’t limited to, foil UID labeling, anodized photosensitive UID tags, labeling that can withstand significant abrasion, and labels that resist contact with corrosive materials such as paint and acids.

Closing Thoughts on UID Labeling Requirements

The defense and military industries have many responsibilities, but one of the biggest is the focus on the identification system for parts, assets, and equipment. The UID program fulfills these requirements, but it’s so confusing that some companies find it hard to remain compliant with the Military 130 standard. Users should know which assets require UID labeling, familiarize themselves with UID labeling requirements, and keep those labels legible throughout the equipment’s lifespan. With these steps, compliance becomes much easier.

By Elena Swaro – Contributor | 27/05/2020