General Standards

September 2019 Version 2.8

Version 2.8

6/19/2019

Animal Disease Traceability

Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act 

(5 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.), the Office of 

Information and Regulatory Affairs 

designated this rule as a non-major rule, as 

defined by 5 U.S.C. § 804(2).”
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General Standards Version 2.8 September 2019

Animal Disease Traceability

General Standards

CONTENTS

PREFACE ................................................................................................................................................................3

SECTION A: PROGRAM DATA STANDARDS.............................................................................................................4

OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS – ANIMALS ..................................................................................................................4

Individual Animal Numbers...................................................................................................................................4

Animal Group Identification Numbers ..................................................................................................................6

Location Numbering Systems................................................................................................................................7

NUES STATE, TRIBAL, AND TERRITORY CODES.....................................................................................................................9

COUNTRY CODES FOR U.S. TERRITORIES...........................................................................................................................10

SECTION B: ADMINISTRATION OF OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ANIMALS................. 11

Official Ear Tag Specifications.............................................................................................................................11

Distribution of Official Identification Devices......................................................................................................11

Replacement of Official Identification Devices....................................................................................................15

Issuance of Duplicate Official Identification Ear Tags.........................................................................................15

SECTION C: APPROVAL OF OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ANIMALS ............................ 16

Appendix 1: Field Trial Protocol ...................................................................................................................................... 19

Appendix 2: Animal Identification Device Performance and Quality Controls.............................................................. 26

Appendix 3. Application Packet for Submission ............................................................................................................. 31
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Preface

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

(APHIS) has established traceability regulations in 9 CFR Part 86, Traceability for Livestock 

Moving Interstate. The purpose of the regulationsisto improve the ability of animal health officials

to trace livestock when disease is found.

This general standards document contains the ADT program standards for numbering systems, 

official identification devices authorized under the final rule, administration of official 

identification devices, and APHIS approval of official identification devices. Additional 

information, including listing of official identification devices, is provided at APHIS’ ADT 

website (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animal health/traceability).
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Section A: Program Data Standards

Official Identification Numbers – Animals

Official identification numbering systems are fundamental to animal disease programs. 

Identification numbers for both individual animals and groups of animals are defined to support 

methods of official identification for the various species and for meeting production management 

practices. Group/lot numbers are associated to the animals through records maintained by 

individuals responsible for the group throughout the production chain.

Official identification numbers are nationally unique numbers permanently associated with 

individual animals or groups of animals. Official identification numbers are associated with

individual animals or groups of animals through official identification devices or methods. Official 

identification numbers in the United States must adhere to one of the following numbering 

systems: 

 Animal Identification Number (AIN).

 National Uniform Eartagging System (NUES).

 Location-based number system.

 Flock-based number system.

 Any other numbering system approved by the APHIS Administrator to officially

identify animals.

Individual Animal Numbers

Official animal numbering systems provide a way to uniquely identify individual animals. Official 

identification for certain species is based on identification devices (e.g., official ear tags) that have 

an official animal number imprinted on them. Official identification devices that adhere to these 

numbering systems are listed in Section B of these standards. The following table specifies the

format for each official numbering system used for individual animals.
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Table 1. Official Identification Numbers

Data Element Length Format Example Comments

Animal

Identification

Number (AIN)1

15 Numeric 840003456789012

[3]2 840

900 (equine only)3

840 is the numeric country code 

for the United States. 

[12] 003456789012 The last 12 digits are the animal 

number. Start number > 

003,000,000,000.

National Uniform 

Eartagging System 

(NUES) 

9 or 8 Alphanumeric 23 ELV 4574

PA ELV 4574

23 DX 1234

Sheep and Goats*:

PA DX 1234 (metal)

PA D2 1234 or 

PA 2D 1234 (plastic)

The 9 alphanumeric NUES 

format is for use in cattle and 

bison only. The 8 alphanumeric 

NUES format is for use in all

other species. *Use of the State 

postal abbreviation for the 8 

alphanumeric NUES format is 

reserved for use in the scrapie 

program.

[2] 23

PA

Default is State or Tribe numeric 

code. The State postal 

abbreviation is optional for the 9 

alphanumeric NUES format. 

[3] or 

[2]

ELV

DX

D2 or 2D

3 or 2 letters. Sheep and goats

devices may also use a letter and 

a number.

[4] 4574 or 1234 4 digits.

Flock-based 

number with a 

herd 

management 

number

15 

Max.

Alphanumeric MN0456 4275

[9] 

Max.

MN0456 See Flock Identification 

Number (FIN) standard below.

[6] 

Max.

4275 Unique herd management 

number.

Location-based 

number with a 

herd 

management 

number

14 

Max.

Alphanumeric IA123456 98765

[8] 

Max.

IA123456 See Location Identification 

Number (LID) and Premises 

Identification Number (PIN)

standard below.

[6] 

Max.

98765 Unique herd management 

number.

1 Beginning March 11, 2015, APHIS began recognizing only AINs beginning with numeric country codes (“840” 

for the United States) as defined by ISO 3166 as official. AINs with the prefix “USA” or a numeric manufacturer 

code assigned by the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) are only considered official 

identification if applied to animals prior to March 11, 2015. 

2 The number in the brackets designates the sequential order of the alphanumeric characters within the numbering 

system.

3 900 manufacturer coded injectable transponders are approved official identification for equine only

Note: AINs beginning with the 840 prefix may not be applied to animals known to have been born outside the 

United States.
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Animal Group Identification Numbers

Group/Lot Identification Numbers (GINs)

The use of GINs provides a way to uniquely identify a unit of animals of the same species managed 

as one group throughout the preharvest production chain. The GIN consists of the following:

 One of the location identifiers (premises identification number (PIN) or location 

identification number (LID) defined in the following pages.

 A six-digit representation of the date the group or lot of animals was assembled or date 

the group was initiated, if more than one day (MM/DD/YY).

 Two additional digits, ranging from 01 to 99, to number different groups or lots of 

animals assembled on the same premises on the same day. When more than one group 

of animals is assembled, the groups would be designated consecutively as 01, 02, 03, 

etc. 

The GIN format for sheep and goats is defined in 9 CFR Part 79 Scrapie in Sheep and Goats.

Flock Identification Numbers (FINs)

The numbering system for the National Scrapie Eradication Program combines a nationally unique 

flock identification number (FIN) with the producer’s unique livestock production numbering 

system. This flock-based numbering system represents an animal group associated with one or 

more locations. A State or Federal animal health authority assigns the FIN to a group of animals 

managed as a unit on one or more premises under the same ownership. FINs must be linked to a 

PIN or LID in the National Scrapie Database (see Location Numbering Systems). 

The following table specifies the format for official animal group identification numbers. 
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Table 2. Animal Group Identification Numbers

Data Element Length Format Example Comments

Group/Lot ID 

Number (GIN) 

- Using a PIN 

15 Alphanumeric 004T56711221805

[7] 004T567 The first 7 characters are the 

PIN.

[6] 112218 The next 6 characters are the 

date the lot was established: 

MM/DD/YY.

[2] 05 The last 2 characters are the 

number (count 01-99) of the 

group assembled at a premises 

on the same day. (01 is the 

default when one group is 

assembled.)

Group/Lot ID 

Number (GIN)

- Using a LID

14 or 

16

Alphanumeric WA123411221805

MN12347811221805

[6] or 

[8]

WA1234

MN123478

The first 6 or 8 characters are 

the location ID number.

[6] 112218 The next 6 characters are the 

date the lot was established: 

MM/DD/YY.

[2] 05 The last 2 characters are the 

number (count 01-99) of the 

group assembled at a 

premises on the same day. 

(01 is the default when one 

group is assembled.)

Flock 

Identification 

Number (FIN)

9 

Max

Alphanumeric PA723456A

[2] PA State postal abbreviation 

required as the first two 

characters.

Max 

of [7]

723456A FINs exclude the letters I, O, 

or Q from the characters 

following the State 

abbreviation.

Location Numbering Systems

States and Tribes may elect to use location identifiers to support their animal disease traceability 

program. Three formats, explained below, support the administration of location identifiers that 

adhere to the standards defined in Table 3. PINs and non-producer participant numbers (NPN) are 

available through the APHIS PIN allocator, a software application that assigns a unique location

identifier/number to a specific geographic location for States and Tribes electing to use it. States 

or Tribes may also use their own processes for administering unique State- or Tribal-issued 

location identifiers. In these situations, the State or Tribe has its own local system and process for 

issuing location numbers. To avoid confusion in presenting these options in these standards, Stateissued location identifiers are referred to as LIDs, and the location numbers States and Tribes 
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obtain through the allocator are referred to as PINs (or standardized PINs). States and Tribes may 

choose to use other terms in their materials. 

States and Tribes are not required to provide PINs, LIDs, or NPNs to administer their traceability 

program. However, if they choose to use location identifiers, they must ensure their information 

systems are compatible with other traceability and animal health databases by following the 

standards set forth in Table 3 below.

Location Identification Numbers 

LIDs are administered through a State’s or Tribe’s internal system. All LIDs start with the State 

or Tribal code, which make the LIDs nationally unique. They consist of six or eight alphanumeric 

characters. The LID data standards are defined in Table 3.

Premises Identification Numbers

States and Tribes may elect to use the PIN in their traceability program. The standardized PIN, 

obtained through the APHIS PIN allocator, consists of seven alphanumeric characters. The last 

character is a check digit based on ISO/IEC 7064:2003. States may use the State’s postal 

abbreviation as the first two of the seven characters (for example, OH341T4). Tribes may also 

have codes reserved for use with PINs they administer. APHIS assigns Tribal codes on request.

States and Tribes obtaining PINs from the PIN allocator may use either the Standardized Premises 

Identification System or a Compliant Premises Identification System. The PIN data standards are 

defined in Table 3.

Non-producer Participant Numbers 

Manufacturers, managers, and resellers (device distributors) are referred to as non-producer 

participants. Each non-producer participant obtains an NPN through the premises registration 

system in the State or Territory of the company’s headquarters to receive and distribute AIN 

devices. An NPN follows the same alphanumeric format as a PIN as defined in Table 3.

Table 3. Location Identifiers

Data Element Length Format Example Comments

LID 6 Alphanumeric MN4321 First 2 characters are the State 

postal abbreviation. 

8 Alphanumeric CA654321 First 2 characters are the State 

postal abbreviation.

PIN or NPN 7 Alphanumeric A123R69 Last character is a check digit.1

1 The check digit calculation algorithm is based on ISO/IEC 7064:2003, “Data Processing – Check Character 

Systems.”

Note: To avoid confusion with the numbers 0 and 1, the LID and PIN will not contain the letters O or I except 

when the letters are contained in the State or Tribal code.
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NUES State, Tribal, and Territory Codes

State, Tribal, and Territory codes used with NUES tags and location identifiers are listed below. 

Table 4. State, Tribal, and Territory Codes

Sort by Name Sort by Numeric Code

ALABAMA AL 64 MAINE ME 11

ALASKA AK 96 NEW HAMPSHIRE NH 12

AMERICAN SAMOA AS 99 VERMONT VT 13

ARIZONA AZ 86 MASSACHUSETTS MA 14

ARKANSAS AR 71 RHODE ISLAND RI 15

CALIFORNIA CA 93 CONNECTICUT CT 16

COLORADO CO 84 NEW YORK NY 21

COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN 

MARIANAS MP 98 NEW JERSEY NJ 22

CONNECTICUT CT 16 PENNSYLVANIA PA 23

DELAWARE DE 50 OHIO OH 31

EASTERN CHEROKEE NATION EC 80 INDIANA IN 32

FLORIDA FL 58 ILLINOIS IL 33

GEORGIA GA 57 MICHIGAN MI 34

GUAM GU 97 WISCONSIN WI 35

HAWAII HI 95 MINNESOTA MN 41

HUALAPAI TRIBE HT 78 IOWA IA 42

IDAHO ID 82 MISSOURI MO 43

ILLINOIS IL 33 NORTH DAKOTA ND 45

INDIANA IN 32 SOUTH DAKOTA SD 46

IOWA IA 42 NEBRASKA NE 47

KANSAS KS 48 KANSAS KS 48

KENTUCKY KY 61 DELAWARE DE 50

LOUISIANA LA 72 MARYLAND MD 51

MAINE ME 11 VIRGINIA VA 52

MARYLAND MD 51 WEST VIRGINIA WV 54

MASSACHUSETTS MA 14 NORTH CAROLINA NC 55

MICHIGAN MI 34 SOUTH CAROLINA SC 56

MINNESOTA MN 41 GEORGIA GA 57

MISSISSIPPI MS 65 FLORIDA FL 58

MISSOURI MO 43 VIRGIN ISLANDS VI 59

MONTANA MT 81 KENTUCKY KY 61

NAVAJO NATION NN 77 TENNESSEE TN 63

NEBRASKA NE 47 ALABAMA AL 64

NEVADA NV 88 MISSISSIPPI MS 65

NEW HAMPSHIRE NH 12 ARKANSAS AR 71

NEW JERSEY NJ 22 LOUISIANA LA 72

NEW MEXICO NM 85 OKLAHOMA OK 73

NEW YORK NY 21 TEXAS TX 74

NORTH CAROLINA NC 55 NAVAJO NATION NN 77

NORTH DAKOTA ND 45 HUALAPAI TRIBE HT 78

OHIO OH 31 WESTERN CHEROKEE NATION CN 79

OKLAHOMA OK 73 EASTERN CHEROKEE NATION EC 80

OREGON OR 92 MONTANA MT 81

PENNSYLVANIA PA 23 IDAHO ID 82

PUERTO RICO PR 94 WYOMING WY 83

RHODE ISLAND RI 15 COLORADO CO 84

SOUTH CAROLINA SC 56 NEW MEXICO NM 85

SOUTH DAKOTA SD 46 ARIZONA AZ 86

TENNESSEE TN 63 UTAH UT 87

TEXAS TX 74 NEVADA NV 88

UTAH UT 87 WASHINGTON WA 91

VERMONT VT 13 OREGON OR 92

VIRGIN ISLANDS VI 59 CALIFORNIA CA 93

VIRGINIA VA 52 PUERTO RICO PR 94

WASHINGTON WA 91 HAWAII HI 95

WEST VIRGINIA WV 54 ALASKA AK 96

WESTERN CHEROKEE NATION CN 79 GUAM GU 97

WISCONSIN WI 35 COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN 

MARIANAS MP 98

WYOMING WY 83 AMERICAN SAMOA AS 99
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Country Codes for U.S. Territories

ISO 3166 establishes country codes. The country code for the United States is 840. U.S. Territories 

may use either the 840 prefix or their ISO country code as the first three characters of the AIN. 

The following table lists the ISO country codes for the U.S. Territories.

Table 5. Country Codes for U.S. Territories

Territory Code Territory Code

America Samoa 016 Northern Mariana Islands 580

Guam 316 Palau 585

Marshall Islands 584 Puerto Rico 630

Micronesia, Federated States of 583 Virgin Islands 850
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Section B: Administration of Official Identification

Methods and Devices for Animals

Official identification methods and devices officially identify an animal or group of animals by 

applying an official identification number to an animal or associating an official identification 

number with an animal or group of animals. Tables 1 and 2 in Section A of these standards list 

official animal numbering systems for livestock. 

Official identification devices and methods are listed in title 9, Code of Federal Regulations (9 

CFR) part 86 by species, and include radio frequency identification (RFID) ear tags, visual ear 

tags, and RFID injectable transponders.

Official Ear Tag Specifications

Official ear tags approved for certain species are APHIS-approved tags that provide official 

identification numbers for individual animals. APHIS must approve the tag before a manufacturer 

can produce and sell ear tags bearing the official ear tag shield (see Section C, Approval of Official 

Identification Methods and Devices for Animals)

1

. APHIS has posted a description of the types of 

official ear tags with the specifications and options as well as lists of currently approved official 

ear tags on the ADT website at:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/SA_Traceability.

Official ear tags must:

 Be imprinted with an official identification number (see Table 1).

 Be imprinted with the official ear tag shield.

 Be tamper evident with high retention.

 Have other characteristics specified in Appendix 2.

States obtaining official ear tags direct from manufacturers may imprint their State postal 

abbreviation inside the official ear tag shield in lieu of the letters “US”. Likewise, Tribes may 

imprint their alpha code (see Table 4). 

Distribution of Official Identification Devices

Official identification devices must be properly administered to support animal disease 

traceability. State and Tribal animal health officials may provide official identification devices to 

accredited veterinarians who wish to use them as official identification for specific disease control 

programs (e.g., brucellosis calfhood vaccination or official disease testing). In addition, State and 

Tribal animal health officials may provide official identification devices to accredited 

veterinarians, approved tagging sites2, or directly to producers for other purposes (e.g., to meet the 

requirements for interstate movement). In either case, the State or Tribal animal health officials 

will maintain complete oversight for the integrity of official identification device distribution 

information.

 

1 See definition of Official eartag at 9 CFR Part 86.1 Definitions

2

 See “Approved Tagging Sites” description on p. 12.
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Distribution records and records of official identification devices applied are to be administered 

as explained below with the exception of sheep and goats. Requirements for administering 

official Scrapie Program identification tags are explained in the Scrapie Program Standards 

Volume 1: National Scrapie Eradication Program, here (or

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/scrapie/downloads/nsep-programstandards-final-rule.pdf.)

Animal Identification Number Devices 

APHIS, through an application and approval process, approves AIN devices that meet established 

standards (see Section C, Approval of Official Animal Identification Methods and Devices). 

Approved AIN manufacturers are allocated the 840 numbers through the Animal Identification 

Management System (AIMS) and are authorized to encode and/or imprint the AIN only on their 

approved devices. AIN device manufacturers distribute AIN devices through AIN device 

managers, or may act as AIN device managers themselves. AIN device managers and resellers 

distribute AIN devices to producers and accredited veterinarians. 

All distribution records of 840 and 900 (equine injectable transponders only) AIN devices

administered by AIN manufacturers, device managers, resellers (e.g., accredited veterinarian, 

online retailer, feed store, etc.), and Federal animal health officials must be reported to AIMS by 

the person possessing the device when distributing the device to the next individual, whether it is 

a producer or another reseller. AIN device recipients must have a PIN, LID, or NPN as defined in 

Section A and provide that number to the person distributing the devices. The record includes the 

AINs, date of distribution, and PIN, LID, or NPN where the devices were distributed. The AIN 

Management System User Guide provides details of the processes available for completing these 

distribution records. The Guide can be found under the Public Tools – Help section at the following 

link: https://vsapps.aphis.usda.gov/aims/

APHIS does not require State or Tribal animal health officials to be AIN device managers if they 

maintain complete distribution records of 840 AIN devices. A State or Tribe may use AIMS as the 

information system of record to meet this requirement or may use their internal animal health 

information system if it is searchable and supports tag distribution recording and electronic data 

sharing. 

Producers electing to use AIN devices may acquire them from local or online resellers or directly 

from manufacturers. The complete listing of AIN devices and the AIN device manufacturer’s 

information is at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/downloads/ADT_device_ain.pdf.

When accredited veterinarians obtain 840 AIN devices direct from an AIN device manufacturer 

or device manager for further distribution or application to animals, they must report the device

distribution or application records in AIMS. In this case, they are acting as AIN device managers 

and must establish a marketing arrangement with the device manufacturer.

When accredited veterinarians obtain 840 AIN devices or 900 manufacturer coded injectable 

transponders for equine from a State or Tribal or Federal animal health official they must report 

records of devices applied or distributed as directed by the animal health official who provided the 

tags.
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National Uniform Eartagging System 

NUES tags have historically been used by animal health officials in animal disease programs. The 

animal disease traceability framework allows producers to use NUES tags, commonly referred to 

as “brite” tags, when authorized by the State or Tribal animal health official. 

Animal health officials are responsible for ensuring that sufficient contact information is collected 

and maintained by accredited veterinarians applying NUES tags directly to animals to qualify for 

interstate movement or specific disease control programs, or when distributing NUES tags directly 

to producers who wish to use them for official identification and purposes other than through a 

specific disease control program. At a minimum, tag distribution records need to be maintained 

for 5 years and must include:

 The name of the person the tags are issued to or the owner or person responsible for the 

animals being tagged by accredited veterinarians or tagging site operators.

 The street address, city, State, and ZIP code where the tags are distributed or the premises 

where the animals that are being tagged reside. 

 The identification numbers issued.

 The date the tags were issued.

 The name and contact information of the person issuing the tags.

Manufacturers and resellers distributing NUES tags directly to producers must report the records 

of NUES tags distributed as directed by the State or Federal Animal Health Official. Animal Health 

Officials must ensure the NUES number sequence is carefully coordinated with the manufacturer 

to avoid duplicate tag numbers.

States and Tribes may use the AIMS to maintain NUES tag distribution records. The use of the 

AIMS requires the use of either a LID or PIN for each distribution record entered into AIMS. 

More specific details on the administration of NUES ear tags are available in Veterinary Services 

(VS) Guidance 10000.1: Distribution and Use of Official Identification Ear Tags with Numbers

Conforming to the National Uniform Eartagging System (4/13/2014).

Producers and accredited veterinarians should contact their State or Tribal animal health officials 

regarding the availability of NUES tags.

Premises Identification Number Ear Tags for Slaughter Swine

PIN tags for slaughter swine provide an option to officially identify sows and boars to the premises 

where they were kept immediately before entering harvest channels. PIN tags for slaughter swine 

may be obtained from authorized manufacturers. As with the USDA back tag applied at markets, 

the PIN tag will be collected as an official form of identification to be associated with any blood 

or tissue samples collected for disease surveillance at slaughter. If a PIN tag includes a 

manufacturer imprinted number unique within a herd, the tag would also qualify as an official ear

tag for interstate movement of individual animals.

Manufacturers distributing swine PIN tags directly to producers must report the records of PIN

tags distributed as directed by the State or Federal Animal Health Official.
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Approved Tagging Sites

Approved tagging sites are locations authorized by APHIS, State, or Tribal animal health officials 

where livestock may be officially identified on behalf of their owner or the person in possession, 

care, or control of the animals when they are brought to the tagging site. In these cases, livestock 

required to be officially identified may move interstate to an approved tagging site for the 

application of official identification. 

The animals must be officially identified at the tagging site before they are commingled with 

animals from other premises, or identified by other practices that will accurately maintain the 

animals’ identity until tagging. This will ensure the official identification numbers correlate to the 

owner of the animals (or person responsible) when the animals are shipped to the tagging site. For 

example, a livestock market, acting as an approved tagging site, may use back tags to temporarily 

identify the animal on unloading. The approved tagging site, at a minimum, must:

 Obtain official identification devices only as directed by APHIS, State, or Tribal animal 

health officials.

 Unload animals requiring official identification only when the owner or the person in 

possession, care, or control of the animals when they are brought to the tagging site 

agrees to have the animals officially identified in accordance with approved tagging site 

protocols.

 Maintain tagging records using forms or electronic systems as directed by APHIS, State, 

or Tribal animal health officials to include, at a minimum: 

o The name of the owner or person responsible for the animals tagged and their street 

address, city, State, and ZIP code 

o The official identification numbers of the tags applied associated with the owner or 

person responsible for the animals.

o The date the official identification ear tags were applied.

 Submit the records of tags applied in an acceptable electronic format to the designated 

animal health official as directed by APHIS, State, or Tribal animal health officials within 

7 days of application. 

 Ensure the security of official identification devices and distribution records by: 

o Maintaining a record of all official identification devices received, distributed, and 

applied at the tagging site.

o Keeping the inventory of tags and records in a secure place accessible only to tagging 

site personnel.

o Reporting any tags lost or stolen immediately to the appropriate State, Tribal, or Federal 

animal health official.

 Tag all animals in accordance with 9 CFR part 86:

o Tag all animals required to be identified.

o Only tag animals not already officially identified. Do not apply additional official ear 

tags except as provided in 9 CFR 86.4(c).

o Remove and/or replace official identification devices in accordance with 9 CFR 86.4(d) 

and (e).

When animals are moved to an approved tagging site to fulfill the official identification 

requirements, the interstate certificate of veterinary inspection or other movement document must 

contain a statement verifying that the official identification devices are to be applied at an approved 

tagging site along with the name and complete address of the tagging site. States will provide 

public lists of tagging sites. 
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Entities interested in becoming approved tagging sites should contact their APHIS, State, or Tribal 

animal health official. 

Use of More Than One Official Identification Device

After March 13, 2013, no animal should have more than one official identification device, except 

in the following circumstances:

 The animal may have a second official identification device if device bears the same 

official identification number as the existing one.

 In specific cases when the need to maintain the identity of an animal is intensified (e.g., 

export shipments, quarantined herds, field trials, experiments, or disease surveys), a State

or Tribal animal health official or an Area Veterinarian in Charge may approve the 

application of an additional official identification device to an animal that already has one 

or more. 

 An ear tag with an 840 AIN may be applied to an animal already officially identified with 

one or more NUES tags and/or an official vaccination ear tag used for brucellosis. 

 A brucellosis vaccination ear tag with a NUES number may be applied to an animal 

already officially identified with one or more official ear tags. 

The person applying the second official identification device must record the date the device is 

added, the official identification numbers of both the existing official identification device and the 

new official identification device, and must maintain those records for 5 years.

Replacement of Official Identification Devices

Replacement official identification devices (for applying a new identification number to animals 

that lose their official identification device) are defined in 9 CFR 86.4 (d), Removal or loss of 

official identification devices.

Issuance of Duplicate Official Identification Ear Tags

Duplicate official identification ear tags may only be obtained from approved manufacturers by an 

organization authorized (e.g., breed registries or genetic companies) to order reissued tags when 

an official ear tag is lost and the owner or person responsible for the animal needs to retag the 

animal with the official identification number of the lost ear tag. For AIN ear tags, the manufacturer 

submits a record to AIMS with the information on the reissuance and distribution of the duplicate 

ear tag. Additionally, the ear tag manufacturer imprints the designated symbol on the ear tag to 

reflect that the tag is a duplicate of a previously issued tag. When the duplicate ear tag contains 

RFID technology, the manufacturer encodes the number in accordance with the existing ISO or 

the existing APHIS-approved standard for administering transponders.
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General Standards Version 2.8 September 2019

Section C: Approval of Official Identification

Methods and Devices for Animals

An official identification device or method is a means approved by the Administrator for:

 Applying an official identification number to an animal of a specific species.

 Associating an official identification number with an animal or group of animals of a 

specific species.

 Otherwise officially identifying an animal or group of animals. 

APHIS must approve an official identification device before a manufacturer can produce and sell

it.

APHIS provides species-specific approval of RFID, visual ear tags, and injectable transponders as 

official identification devices (see 9 CFR 86.4 (a), Official identification devices and methods

approved for covered species). The appendices following this section provide detailed information 

on the requirements for approving official identification devices. 

Non-U.S. manufacturers seeking approval of an identification device must have a representative 

within the United States who can serve as a device manager in accordance with Distribution of 

Official Identification Devices in Section B: Administration of Official Identification Methods and 

Devices for Animals and the AIN Management System User Guide. 

Overview of Device Approval Process 

Manufacturers seeking approval of a new device or modification of an existing approved official 

identification device will need to follow the process outlined below:

 Perform required ICAR conformance and performance testing.

 Submit initial device application including, results of ICAR testing and certification, device 

approval and sales data from other countries or proposed field trial protocol for APHIS 

approval, sample devices, and device applicator to APHIS. 

 After receiving APHIS approval produce devices for field trial according to the 

specifications provided in these standards.

 Initiate field trials and complete required assessments.

 Request APHIS approval for controlled device sales if the device meets all specifications 

and performance standards at assessments according to the field trial protocol timelines 

outlined in Appendix 1.

 Complete field trials with successful results and submit final application with compiled 

field trial data for APHIS review.

 APHIS reviews data and determines if the device meets the criteria for full approval. 

APHIS will place a hold on field trials and sales (if applicable) of devicesfailing to meet acceptable 

performance criteria at any point in the approval process or post approval if the device fails to 

perform as expected, until the manufacturer resolves performance issues, APHIS terminates the 

approval process, or revokes approval.
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Application for Approval of Official Identification Devices

Manufacturers seeking APHIS approval of an identification device must document that they have

successfully tested, produced, and marketed the identification device submitted for approval with 

favorable results. Such documentation must show at a minimum that the device has been either:

 Approved for a national identification program in at least one other country with 

comparable or more stringent requirements than the performance criteria outlined in these 

standards (APHIS will review the approval documentation and sales data provided to 

determine equivalency); or 

 Tested in field trials in accordance with the protocol outlined in Appendix 1. The device 

must also meet the criteria for conformance and performance listed in Appendix 2. The 

manufacturer must document how the criteria have been met in the device field test report 

presented with the application for approval.

APHIS may consider requests for approval of alternative field testing or previously generated data. 

Alternative field testing must provide verifiable data and demonstrate that the outcome conclusions 

are at minimum equivalent to the field trial protocols and standards described in this document. 

Requests will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Modification of approved devices may require new field trials or laboratory testing depending on 

the type of modification requested. Manufacturers seeking to modify an approved device should 

contact ADT staff at traceability@usda.gov. 
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General Standards Version 2.8 September 2019

Manufacturer 

completes 

required ICAR 

conformance and 

performance 

testing

Manufacturer

submits 

application, 

sample devices & 

ICAR reports to 

APHIS 

Manufacturer 

provides proposed 

field trial protocol 

with locations

Meets criteria? NO

Advise 

manufacturer of 

deficiencies - may 

resubmit when 

corrected

YES

APHIS and 

Manufacturer 

finalize field trial 

protocol – APHIS 

approves

NO

Existing 

approval in 

another country 

for review?

YES

APHIS evaluates 

application and 

data provided

Meets criteria 

for full 

approval?

NO

Figure 1. Initial - Official Identification Device Approval Process

APHIS grants 

full approval 

and enters into 

Device 

Manufacturer 

agreement

YES

See Figure 2.

Field Trial Process for 

Official Identification 

Device Approval
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General Standards Version 2.8 September 2019

Appendix 1: Field Trial Protocol

Identification devices without approval in another country with comparable or more stringent 

standards must undergo field trials for 3 years in covered species3 with the exception of 2.5 years 

in swine before APHIS will consider fully approving the device. The field trials help ensure the 

devices are of high quality and meet industry needs while providing traceability; and provide data 

on the device’s physical performance (application, durability, and retention) and transponder 

performance (if applicable). Field trials must be supervised by an independent third party who 

knows the management practices for the species used to test the trial device, and who has no 

conflict of interest with the trial locations or manufacturer. Field trial supervisors must be on site 

to monitor each assessment and certify results, and ensure that field trials comply with all State, 

Tribal, and Territory regulations. 

While APHIS is committed to only approving identification devices with a proven history of 

retention and durability, we also want to encourage new identification devices meeting preliminary 

standards to enter a controlled marketplace until the remaining requirements are met for full 

approval. Therefore, the field trial protocol provides for preliminary device approval after 12 

months to promote the introduction of new devices and technologies into the market. APHIS 

reserves the right to terminate or extend a field trial with 30 days’ written notice if the approved 

device fails to meet the minimum performance requirements contained in these standards.

Manufacturers must submit the proposed identification device field trial protocol outlined in this 

Appendix, receive approval of the protocol from APHIS, and enter into a Field Trial Device 

Manufacturer Agreement with APHIS prior to commencing the field trials. The Field Trial Device 

Manufacturer Agreement certifies that manufacturers will adhere to the responsibilities regarding 

the production and distribution of official identification devices for animals to support the 

implementation of animal disease traceability activities.

APHIS may consider requests to assess field trials currently in progress that do not fully conform 

to the protocol contained in this document and/or existing field trial data, and approve or 

disapprove the identification device based on our assessment of the data provided. 

Field Trial Timeline

Devices undergoing the approval process must first complete initial field trials, which include 

successfully meeting all required performance standards. Upon completing the initial field trials,

device manufacturers may request preliminary approval status with the ability to sell a limited 

number of devices to the public. Subsequently, manufacturers with devices assessed for a 

minimum of 24 months and meeting the required performance standards in the preliminary status 

period may request conditional APHIS approval and the ability to sell unlimited devices to the 

public for the remainder of the required field trial period if they maintain acceptable performance.

 

 

3 Cattle and bison, sheep and goats, captive cervids, equine and swine per 9 CFR Part 86. While swine are covered 

under the traceability regulation the field trial timeline is limited to 2.5 years to account for the shorter production 

life in relation to the other species. 
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Table 6 below outlines the process devices must undergo during the 3-year approval process. 

Table 6. Field Trial Timeline

Timeline Approval Status Number of Devices Approved for Sale as 

Official Identification

0-12 months Trial NONE

12-24 months 

(limited sales)

Preliminary 500,000

24-36 months

(unlimited sales)

Conditional Unlimited

Full approval upon successful completion of 36-month field trial (30-month for swine)

Manufacturers must ensure that all field trial devices are assessed at application and at 6, 12, 18, 

24, 30, and 36 months (the 36 month assessment is not applicable in swine). Devices must meet 

the minimum performance standards at each assessment to advance in the field trial. APHIS 

encourages manufacturers to conduct performance assessments beyond 36 months (30 months in 

swine) and report results to APHIS.

Trial devices will be evaluated in a variety of livestock management systems and environmental 

settings for the appropriate species; e.g., beef/dairy/wool, confinement/grazing, hot/cold climate. 

Field trials must be practical and incorporate trial device assessment into normal management 

practices.

Field trial locations must represent the variety of livestock management systems and 

environmental settings found in the United States. Select at least six locations that represent both 

hot and cold climates in the United States (e.g., Arizona and Wisconsin). At least two trial locations 

will be in hot climates and at least two in cold climates. If a location needs to be excused from the 

field trial, APHIS will consider the inclusion of additional locations at the manufacturer’s request. 

The manufacturer must evaluate trial devices in each species for which device approval is 

requested according to Table 7 below. Select field trial production settings and number of animals 

per location to ensure sufficient animals remain available to assess device performance over the 

field trial period.
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Table 7. Field Trial Requirements by Species

Species Minimum Total Number of devices/animals 

(minimum per trial location) Management Settings

Cattle 

and Bison 1500 (250) At least one commercial dairy

Sheep 

and 

Goats

300 (150 sheep and 150 goats) (50) at least

50 sheep and 50 goats must be < 8 weeks of 

age at device application. Breeding 

replacement lambs/kids and 1-2 year old 

breeding animals are the preferred animals for 

the trial. 150 sheep and 150 goats and 50

sheep and 50 goats < 8 weeks of age at device 

application will need to complete the trial so 

additional animals will be required at the 

outset. 

At least one commercial goat dairy, one 

commercial meat goat herd and one 

commercial sheep flock. In addition, devices 

must be assessed in settings with 4” woven 

wire fence, regular use of feed bunks or hay 

bunks for at least 3 months of the year, and 

moderate to high levels of brush a minimum of 

50 goats and 50 sheep in each of these 

environments, same animal may be exposed to 

more than one of these conditions. 

Captive

Cervids

600 white-tailed deer and elk (65% whitetailed deer and 35% elk distribution if 

possible) (40)

Properties representative of typical production 

settings

Swine 1,000 sows and boars (250)

Assess devices in the following settings: 

Outdoor in low-density pens (pasture), outdoor 

in high-density pens (concrete feeding floor), 

and indoor in confined pens (groups of 25+).

Equine 200 equids (horses, mules, and donkeys) (20) Properties representative of typical production 

settings

Llamas 

and 

Alpacas

Field trials in sheep, goats or captive cervids suffice for testing of devices to be approved for use 

on llamas, and alpacas

Manufacturers requesting approval of identification devices for species not listed above should contact 

traceability@usda.gov

Manufacturers must submit an initial device application form (VS Form 1-64) to initiate the 

approval process (see Appendix 3)

4

. Once APHIS initially approves the application and device,

the manufacturer needs to enter into an APHIS Field Trial Identification Device Manufacturer 

Agreement certifying that it will adhere to the responsibilities regarding the production and 

distribution of official identification devices for animals to support the implementation of animal 

disease traceability activities during the field trial period. APHIS will assign the manufacturer a 

product code for use in AIMS when the manufacturer produces the devices for field trials and for 

any devices produced during the field trial period. APHIS will provide a permanent product code 

once it fully approves a device. 

APHIS will authorize devices applied to animals included in the field trials and those marketed

during the approval period as official identification for the life of the animal. These devices must 

 

4 For sheep and goats also provide manufacturers agreement.
Animal Disease Traceability Page 22

General Standards Version 2.8 September 2019

meet the performance and quality control standards detailed in Appendix 2. AIN devices must be 

encoded and/or imprinted using the 840 numbers allocated to the manufacturer through AIMS.

To distinguish devices used in field trials from fully approved official identification devices, all 

devices produced for use in field trials must be imprinted with “US Trial” on the portion of the tag 

containing the wording “Unlawful to Remove” and be green in color (R:120 G:180 B:50) with 

black print.

Devices marketed during the approval period must be imprinted with “US Trial” as described for 

field trial devices, but may be manufactured using colors determined by the manufacturer. 

However, devices imprinted with the “US Trial” may not be applied for the purpose of identifying 

animals for disease control programs; i.e., brucellosis testing and vaccination.

The maximum number of devices that may be produced for field trials is 5000 per device

application.

All devices to be used in the trials must be produced before the trials start and manufacturers must 

submit the identification numbers to APHIS in an Excel spreadsheet. In the case of non-840 tags 

or in the case of companies that are not currently approved device manufacturers the company 

must use numbers assigned by APHIS to avoid duplicating existing official ID numbers. 

Application and Assessment of Trial Devices

Manufacturers must notify APHIS at least 5 working days before applying the devices to animals 

in the trial and each scheduled performance assessment during which devices will be read. An 

APHIS representative may be present for application and performance assessment and if present 

shall be given access to monitor the process.

Individuals applying trial devices shall apply them according to the manufacturer instructions 

using the recommended applicator. Each animal to which a trial device is applied must also be 

tagged with a secondary device for use as a reference if a trial device is lost. The secondary device

can be either an approved official identification device, or a premises unique identification device 

or tattoo present prior to or applied at the same time as the trial device, but must remain in the 

animal for the duration of the field trial. Tattoos may be used as reference identification but are 

not required in the case of field trials for injectable transponders in equine.

Trial devices may be applied in either ear; however, all trial devices shall be applied in the same 

ear for all animals at a field trial location. For injectable transponders in equine, trial devices shall 

be placed in the nuchal ligament on the left side of the neck.

When applying electronic identification devices for the field trials all devices will be electronically 

read after application to ensure they are functioning. Any electronic identification device not 

functioning immediately following application will be documented as failed during application. 

For all trial devices difficulty or failure of proper application of devices must also be documented 

(e.g. device breakage, failure of the locking mechanism, excessive application force needed to 

penetrate ear, etc.) Failed ear tags shall be removed and a new device can then be applied to the 

animal. For injectable transponders a new device may be implanted in the same or a replacement 

animal. 
Animal Disease Traceability Page 23

General Standards Version 2.8 September 2019

For electronic identification devices, conduct at least one assessment using a stationary reader 

(excluding injectable transponders) and one assessment using a handheld reader at each trial 

location. All readers used in the field trials must be commercially available in the United States. 

Each device included in the field trial will be evaluated for device retention, durability, and 

readability (electronic and visual) at each assessment. APHIS calculates retention rates based on 

all remaining animals presented for assessment. If animals are removed from the trial (sold or 

died), read their devices on exiting the trial and report them at the next scheduled assessment.

Approved trial devices may not be removed once applied, as they are official identification. 

After initial device application and each assessment, manufacturers must submit their results and 

high-resolution photographs of at least 10 trial devices that have been applied to animals in the 

trial clearly demonstrating the information imprinted on the device. The manufacturer must 

provide USDA with representative samples of recovered trial devices that did not remain attached

to the animal throughout the field trial.

Reporting Field Trial Assessment Results

The manufacturer will ensure APHIS receives results within 10 days of each assessment. Include

an electronic file in Excel (.xlsx) format detailing the: 

 Device name and product code.

 Date, location, and production type of the facility where the assessment was conducted.

 Identification numbers of the trial devices initially applied and the corresponding 

reference tags (all trial devices initially applied must be accounted for at each 

assessment).

 Age, sex, species and breed of animals associated with each trial device.

 Identification numbers and total number of trial devices that:

o Fail to be successfully applied.

o Read at each assessment.

o Are not retained (device loss determined using remaining reference device).

o Demonstrate visible damage affecting legibility.

o Experience transponder failure (RFID only).

o The imprinted identification number does not match the encoded AIN (RFID only).

o Experienced transponder migration or breakage.

 RFID reader used (if applicable).

 Disposition of animals not presented at each assessment, including reason not presented.

Manufacturers must maintain all assessment results throughout the field trial and submit a final 

summary report of all assessment results and final VS Form 1-64 to APHIS at 

traceability@usda.gov at the end of the field trial period to be considered for full approval of the 

trial device. Include a brief description of the field trial locations, design, and any deviations from 

the protocol in the final summary report.

APHIS will share performance, conformance and field trial data for trial devices with other 

countries upon request. 
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General Standards Version 2.8 September 2019

Figure 2. Field Trial Process for Official Identification Device Approval

Manufacturer 

produces devices 

for field trial per 

Standards – enters 

Trial Approval 

Status

Manufacturer 

completes Trial 

Approval Status 

timeline and 

assessments

Manufacturer 

requests 

advancement to 

Preliminary 

Approval Status

Assessments 

meet criteria for 

advancement?

YES

Manufacturer 

enters Preliminary 

Approval Status

and allowed 

Limited sales of 

device 

Assessments 

meet criteria for 

advancement?

Manufacturer 

receives field 

trial approval 

from APHIS

Manufacturer/ 

APHIS enter into 

Field Trial Device 

Manufacturing 

Agreement 

NO

Remain in Trial 

Approval Status 

until issues 

resolved –

reassess

NO

Remain in 

Preliminary 

Approval Status

until issues 

resolved –

reassess

See Figure 3. 

Final 

Approval 

Process Flow 

Diagram

Manufacturer 

completes 

Preliminary 

Approval Status 

timeline and 

assessments

Manufacturer 

requests 

advancement to 

Conditional 

Approval Status 

Manufacturer 

enters Conditional 

Approval Status 

and allowed 

unlimited sales of 

device 

Manufacturer 

completes 

Conditional 

Approval Status

timeline and 

assessments

YES

APHIS Review for Approval

APHIS will notify the applicant in writing of the approval review outcome within 4 weeks of

receiving the completed application and field trial summary report. APHIS reserves the right to 

assess field trial results, including those that do not fully conform to this protocol, and approve or 

disapprove trial devices based on our assessment of the data provided.

Once APHIS fully approves a device, the manufacturer needs to enter into an APHIS Approved 

Official Identification Device Manufacturer Agreement recertifying that it will adhere to the 

responsibilities regarding the production and distribution of official identification devices for 

animals to support the implementation of animal disease traceability activities.

APHIS may withdraw approval of any device that fails to meet the performance criteria specified 
Animal Disease Traceability Page 25

General Standards Version 2.8 September 2019

in this Standard at any time with 30 days’ written notice5. Upon termination of approval, the 

manufacturer will provide APHIS copies of all records regarding the production and distribution 

of the approved identification device. APHIS will direct the disposition of any formerly approved 

identification devices marked with the U.S. shield in the possession of the manufacturer and 

resellers on the date of termination.

 

5 60 days written notice to withdraw approval for sheep and goat devices. Revocation of approval of a sheep or goat 

device may be appealed by following the procedures in Scrapie Program Standards Volume 1: National Scrapie 

Eradication Program.
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Appendix 2: Animal Identification Device Performance and 

Quality Controls 

Printing Standards and Description for All Official Ear Tags

Official Ear Tag Shield and “UNLAWFUL TO REMOVE”:

 For producers, market operators, and animal health officials to recognize ear tags as 

“Official,” the official ear tag shield must be visible on the animal after it is tagged. 

o For PIN ear tags for slaughter swine: The official ear tag shield must be a minimum 

of 33 percent larger than the PIN print size (see Printing Standards and Description 

for Swine PIN tags, below). The shield must be at least 0.33 inches (8 mm) high 

and wide. 

o For all other ear tags: The official ear tag shield must be must be visibly imprinted 

on the surface of the tag at a minimum height of 5 mm (0.2 inches) and must be 

visibly imprinted on both parts of a two-part tag, and on the back portion of the tag 

(outside the ear) for a one-piece tag. 

o For a copy of the official shield please contact traceability@usda.gov.

 To emphasize the need to maintain this identification for the life of the animal, the text, 

“UNLAWFUL TO REMOVE” must be clearly visible on the tag. The text must be 

imprinted:

o For small button tags: On the back piece of the tag (outside of ear). 

o For panel tags: On the back piece (outside of ear), but may also be printed on the front 

piece (inside of ear). The text must be imprinted on the tag at a minimum height of 3 

mm (0.12 inches). 

o For one-piece tags: On the back portion of the tag (outside of the ear).

o For PIN ear tags for slaughter swine: On the back piece (outside of ear), but may also 

be imprinted on the front piece (inside of ear).

o For sheep and goats “UNLAWFUL TO REMOVE is not required on very small 

tags.

Printing Standards and Description for Plastic AIN and NUES Ear Tags

 For RFID tags the entire official identification number must be imprinted on the portion 

of the tag containing the transponder encoded with the identical official identification 

number. Two-piece tags may have the official identification number imprinted on the 

portion of the tag that does not contain the transponder. When this is the case, the tag set 

must be packaged in containers or trays so that the two pieces are maintained as a pair 

until they are applied.

 For visual-only tags the entire official identification number must be imprinted on the 

portion of the tag inside the animal’s ear. The official identification number may also be 

imprinted on the portion of the tag on the outside of the animal’s ear. 

 All official identification numbers must be imprinted at a minimum height of 5 mm (0.2

inches) and easily readable with 20/20 vision at a distance of 30 inches (0.75 m). An 

exception may be made for small RFID ear tags that do not allow the imprinting of the 

official identification number at 5 mm but are clearly read at the required distance. For 

AIN tags a space must be inserted after each third digit of the AIN imprinted on the AIN 

tag (e.g., 840 003 123 456 789.

 The font for all characters for required information imprinted on the tag must be Arial. 
Animal Disease Traceability Page 27

General Standards Version 2.8 September 2019

APHIS must approve any different font.

 An indentation of the manufacturer’s unique, copyrighted logo or trademark must be 

clearly visible on the tag. Having such information permanently imprinted on the tag is 

also acceptable.

 APHIS may approve printing of other information if it does not compromise the 

readability of the required information. Manufacturers should include requests for 

additional print specifications with their applications.

 AIN tags that contain RFID technology must have the 2D Data Matrix that conforms with 

the ECC200 Data Matrix protocol imprinted on the portion of the tag that contains the 

transponder unless APHIS waives this requirement at the manufacturer’s request. The 

data matrix is to be imprinted on the device in a square approximately 5mm x 5mm and 

should be a two-dimensional representation of the official animal number imprinted on 

the tag. Readability (percent of data matrix read) on new tags being shipped from the 

manufacturing plant must be at 100 percent when read with a camera-based image reader 

(bar code reader). 

Printing Standards and Description for Swine PIN Ear Tags

The portion of the ear tag most visible to animal handlers and used as the primary identifier of the 

animal must:

 Be at least 2 square inches in size.

 Bear the entire 7-digit PIN of the premises.

 Bear the official ear tag shield.

 Bear the PIN and corresponding bar code on the reverse side (APHIS prefers Code 128 

symbology).

The portion of the ear tag most visible to animal handlers and used as the primary identifier of the 

animal may:

 Include a management number. If a management number is applied by the manufacturer or 

at the premises, the PIN and management number must be imprinted on separate lines.

 Include a management number in the bar code if the first seven alphanumeric characters of 

the bar code correspond to the PIN.

All characters must be imprinted on the tag in Arial font. APHIS must approve any different font.

Ear tag print size must be a minimum height of 0.25 inches (6 mm) for PIN numbers and letters.

An indentation of the manufacturer’s unique, copyrighted logo or trademark must be easily 

observed on the tag. Having such information permanently imprinted on the tag is also acceptable

if the print is on the back of the visual portion of the tag. APHIS may authorize printing of other 

information if it does not compromise the readability of required information.

Performance of the Visual Components

Visual-only identification devices must have ICAR certification in accordance with Procedure 4 

of Section 10 of ICAR Guidelines – Testing of Conventional Plastic Ear Tags. The manufacturer 

must document that the device submitted for approval meets or exceeds the following criteria:

 One-time use - tamper evident: The device contains a tamper-evident locking 

mechanism designed for one-time use, and cannot be removed from one animal and 

reapplied to another animal without evidence that this action has occurred. 
Animal Disease Traceability Page 28

General Standards Version 2.8 September 2019

 Tag coupling/tensile strength: Evaluation standards must conform to ICAR testing 

standards and, at a minimum, with ISO standards 37 and 527.

 Unalterable printing: The imprinting on the tag may not be readily altered. 

 Readability: The imprinted device must be easily and reliably readable with 20/20 

vision. The printing and color contrast of the official ear tag shield, lettering, and 

numbers are to be easily and reliably readable at a distance of 30 inches (0.75 m). 

Submission of sample tags suffices for documentation of readability. 

 Tag loss rates: When ear tags are applied in a manner approved by the manufacturer, on 

average the maximum tag loss rates per species may not exceed the values listed in Table 

8 below:

Table 8. Device Retention by Species

Species Maximum Device Loss Rates

Cattle and Bison No more than 1 percent annually or 3 percent in a 3-year period

Sheep and Goats No more than 2.7 percent annually or 8 percent in a 3-year period

Captive Cervids No more than 2 percent annually or 6 percent in a 3-year period

Swine No more than 5 percent annually when applied just prior to entering and 

no more than 1 percent while swine are in slaughter channels, or no more 

than 12.5 percent when applied prior to entering and 2.5 percent while 

swine are in slaughter channels in a 2.5 year period respectively

 Expected tag life: The tag is expected to remain on the animal in a physically functional 

state for the animal’s expected lifetime.

6

 Tag toxicity and animal injury: In accordance with Appendix B5 of Section 10 part 

1.2.2 of the ICAR Guidelines – Laboratory Test for Conventional Plastic Ear Tags, tags 

may do no harm to an animal or affect its health or well-being. Tags may not cause 

chemical contamination of meat or edible offal or damage the hide.

 Tag deterioration: There may be no diffusion of colorant from tags in accordance with 

Appendix B5 of Section 10 part 3.2 of the ICAR Guidelines – Laboratory Test for 

Conventional Plastic Ear Tags. There may be no apparent physical deterioration (other 

than color) due to detrimental effects by UV light, rain, heat (113°F/45°C) and cold (-

22°F/-30°C) or other environmental influences such as chemicals, mud, urine, or manure 

for at least 5 years of wear.

 Tag plasticity: Tags may not split or crack under normal use.

 Tag abrasion resistance: Tags shall not exhibit damage or change due to wear, and at a

minimum, shall comply with ISO standard 9352.

 

6 15 years for cattle, bison, sheep, goats and captive cervids, 3 years for swine and 25 years for equine.
Animal Disease Traceability Page 29

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RFID Transponder Performance

RFID Ear Tag Performance

The manufacturer must document that the RFID ear tag submitted for approval meets or exceeds 

the following criteria:

 Low Frequency devices:

o Transponders must conform to ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 and must have ICAR 

certification in accordance with Procedure 1 of Section 10 of ICAR Guidelines -

Conformance of Transponders with ISO Standards and Procedure 5 of Section 10 of 

ICAR Guidelines – Testing of External RFID Devices.

 Ultra High Frequency devices must comply with: 

o ISO 18000-6C (EPC Gen 2) and the USDA Interim Tag Data Standard available on 

the ADT website at 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/traceability.

o Ear tags must have ICAR device composition and environmental performance testing 

in accordance with Appendix B4 of Section 10 of the ICAR Guidelines – Preliminary 

Test of Conventional Plastic Ear Tags and Appendix B5 of Section 10 of the ICAR 

Guidelines – Laboratory Test of Conventional Plastic Ear Tags.

o ISO UHF conformance and performance standards once approved. All UHF 

identification devices will be required to be fully certified by the governing 

registration authority for UHF devices.

 Electronic Read Rates and Ranges:

o Low frequency devices: Transponders must be reliably machine read at a rate of 95 

percent without regard to orientation by a compatible reader commercially available 

in the United States, as cattle (or other species) move by in a single file passage at 4 

mph (1.8 meters/second).

o Ultra-high frequency devices: Transponders must be reliably machine read at a rate of 

95 percent without regard to orientation by a compatible reader commercially available 

in the United States at the read distance designated by the device manufacturer.

 Expected transponder life: The transponder within the tag shall be reliable and 

machine-readable for the animal’s expected lifetime6 with a failure rate of less than 0.2

percent annually and no more than 0.5 percent in 3 years.

 Transponder security: The unique official identification number encoded within each 

transponder must be one-time programmable and must be identical to the number

imprinted on the device.

RFID Injectable Transponder Performance

All transponders must have ICAR Conformance Certification and performance testing according 

to Procedure 1 of Section 10 of the ICAR Guidelines – Conformance of Transponders with ISO 

Standards. The manufacturer must document that the injectable transponder submitted for 

approval meets or exceeds the following criteria:
Animal Disease Traceability Page 30

General Standards Version 2.8 September 2019

 Read range: The transponder must have a minimum read range of 4 inches with a 

handheld transceiver (reader). 

 Anti-migration: The transponder must be constructed to prevent migration after 

implantation. No more than 1 percent of transponders may exhibit migration annually 

and no more than 3 percent in 3 years.

 Expected transponder life: The transponder shall be reliable and machine-readable for 

the animal’s expected lifetime6 with a failure rate of less than 0.2 percent annually and no 

more than 0.5 percent in 3 years.

 Transponder security: The unique official identification number encoded within each 

transponder must be one-time programmable.

 Breakage: The transponder must not break under normal animal husbandry conditions.

No more than 1 percent breakage may occur annually and no more than 3 percent in 3

years.

 Harmless to the animal: The implant, when injected and maintained as an implanted 

device, must not harm the animal.

Quality control

The manufacturer must have documented quality control measures in place to ensure the ability 

to produce the device consistently according to specification including, a full quality control plan 

and flow diagram for the identification device from manufacturing of all components, through 

encoding and/or imprinting, shipment and addressing consumer complaints. Procedures must 

ensure the uniqueness of the AIN or NUES is maintained, that only AINs allocated to the 

manufacturer are encoded in devices, and that processes to ensure distribution records of 840 

AIN devices are reported to AIMS. If more than one company is involved with the 

manufacturing of device components a full quality control plan is required for each entity.
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Appendix 3. Application Packet for Submission 

Manufacturers applying for device approval must mail one hard copy of the VS Form 1-64 

application and supporting materials to:

USDA APHIS Veterinary Services

c/o Animal Traceability Staff

4700 River Road, Unit 200

Riverdale, MD 20737

On the date they submit the hard copy application, manufacturers must also email a Portable 

Document Format (PDF) version of the VS Form 1-64 and a high-quality digital photograph of 

the device in JPG format to traceability@usda.gov including a photo of each number format and 

color for which approval is requested if applicable. The device photo will be used in the listing of 

devices on the ADT website.

(https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/traceability). This email alerts ADT 

staff that the manufacturer’s application packet has been shipped.

Supporting Materials

Initial application and supporting materials:

o Submit documentation demonstrating approval in another country with comparable or 

more stringent standards, and sales data OR proposed field trial protocol.

o Ear tags:

 Include in the submission packet at least 20 samples of the trial device submitted 

for approval (marked with “US Trial” on the portion of the tag containing the 

wording “Unlawful to Remove” and green in color (R:120 G:180 B:50) with 

black print). In addition, include at least 20 samples of the trial device in a color 

and package intended for retail sale for APHIS review of print specifications and 

encoding validation for RFID (if applicable). Imprint/encode devices with the 

following numbers (examples shown):

 AIN RFID tags: 840003123456770 – 840003123456789

 NUES RFID tags: 60ABC0001 – 60ABC0020

 PIN tags: Premises Number: ABC1234; State abbreviation: IA

 For sheep and goat tags the numbering systems for which approval is being 

requested:

o Serial metal (NUES): STAA0001 – STAA0020

o Serial plastic (NUES): STA10001 – STA10020 

o Slaughter only serial (NUES): STAA0001 – STAA0020 must be medium 

blue tag and include “Slaughter Only” or for small tags “MEAT” 

o Flock ID: ST1234567 123456 to ST1234567 123476

o AIN RFID tags: 840003123456770 – 840003123456789

o NUES RFID tags: STAA0001 – STAA0020

o AIN RFID tags with Flock ID: ST1234567 and 840003123456770 –

840003123456789

 If the device application is for a two-piece tag or a pair set, provide at least five 

tag sets in one container or package in the numerical sequence being used to 

reflect how the male tag and female tag will be distributed as a matched pair. For 
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one or two-piece visual only tags provide at least five tags in the packaging they 

will be provided in. Packaging must maintain the tags in sequential order. 

 Provide three applicators used to apply the device submitted for approval. If the 

applicator functions with other devices for which the company is applying for 

AIN tag authorization, list those tags by product name (additional taggers will not 

be required for those tags).

o RFID injectable transponder:

 Provide at least 10 samples of the injectable transponder submitted for approval in 

the package intended for retail sale encoded with the following AIN range: 

840003123456770 – 840003123456779 (these numbers have been designated for 

use in sample AIN devices.) The sample retail package must include individually

packaged sterile transponder with injection device and instructions for compliant 

use of the injectable transponders.

 The instructions provided in the retail package must include:

 The manufacturer’s recommendation for sterile handling and administration of 

the injectable transponder. 

 Any VS program guidelines/requirements for the species involved.

 The FDA guidelines/requirements regarding the use of injectable transponders

in food animals in the packaging of all AIN injectable transponder shipments. 

Recommendations regarding the disclosure of the injectable transponder at the 

time of harvest or rendering and the recommendations for removal at the time 

of harvest must be in bold print on the enclosed product packaging directions 

insert. 

 When the device is intended for use in food animals, the manufacturer must 

include a copy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval 

letter for use of the specific injectable transponder in the food animal species 

addressed in the manufacturer’s application. 

Modification of an existing approved official identification device:

o Submit detailed information regarding both the original official identification device 

or component and the proposed modification including complete specifications 

(composition, diagrams, schematics, etc.). For ear tags, explain any impacts the 

proposed modification would have on the use of existing recommended tag 

applicator(s). Include field trial data or device approval and sales data of the modified 

device or component from other countries as applicable.

o Provide 10 sample devices that incorporate the proposed modification and 10 devices 

representing the existing approved device. If the modification requires a new 

applicator, submit three new applicators with the sample devices.

Final application and supporting materials:

o Submit the field trial summary report, including all assessment results and a brief 

description of the field trial locations, design, and any deviations from the protocol.

o Submit 20 sample devices in the format and package intended for retail sale. For 

sheep and goat ear tags, if multiple colors and print formats will be offered provide 

one sample of each color and print format. For AIN devices, encode and/or imprint 

the sample official identification devices with numbers allocated to the manufacturer 
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in AIMS. Manufacturers or their device manager must record shipment of the 20 

devices to NPN 0034P2K in AIMS.

Direct questions regarding the application process to traceability@usda.gov.