What controls are in-scope of WCAG 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions?

Question

Based on what I understand success criterion 3.3.2 requires the visible label of an input to be clear and precise on what is the expected input, especially if the correct input requires special formatting.

What I am confused about is the start of the description in Understanding Success Criterion 3.3.2, which states that: "... content authors [should] present instructions or labels that identify the controls in a form so that users know what input data is expected."

My question is, is this SC only applicable to form controls?

Answer 1

Success Criterion 3.3.2 states: "Labels or instructions are provided when content requires user input."

That is the normative (required) part. It's the actual rule. Other information including the Understanding statement are nonnormative. They attempt to provide more information but sometimes they may not be worded perfectly. This shouldn't be taken as a loophole. The only part that is required is the Success Criterion itself.

Per the Success Criterion my take is inputs are subject to 3.3.2 whether they are technically within a form or not.