Methods and systems for programming programmable transponders are disclosed. An apparatus for programming programmable transponders can include a label supply for supplying labels, a programing zone into which the labels are conveyed, a feed-system for transporting a label to the programming zone, a source of radiation for communicating tag-information to the transponder, and a shield mechanism. The source can be disposed to illuminate a programming zone into witch the lable is transported. The shield mechanism can substantially enclose the source of radiation and a first one of the labels in the programming zone and exclude at least a second one of the labels.