Official Eartags – Criteria and Options 

May 14, 2013

This report summarizes the criteria and options for official identification eartags.

Minimum criteria for official identification eartags for individual animals:

• Imprinted with a nationally unique official animal identification number

• Official eartag shield1

Basic characteristics:

• Tamper evident, high retention

• Other characteristics defined through tag specifications

Table 1. Official Identification Numbers for Individual Animals

Number Format of Animal Number Number Examples

National Uniform Eartagging 

System (NUES)

9 character

- 2 State or Tribal2 code 

- 3 alpha series 

- 4 digits in a sequential numerical series

23 ELV 4574

PA ELV 4574

8 character

- Swine and other species (except sheep and goats)

o 2 numeric State or Tribal code 

o 2 alphabetical series 

o 4 digits in a numerical series

23 AB 4574

- Sheep and goats (exclusive to scrapie program)

o 2 alpha postal abbreviation 

o 2 alphabetical or alphanumeric series 

o 4 digits in a numerical series 

PA AB 4574 

or

PA A2 4574

Animal identification 

number (AIN)

- 15 digits; 840 are the first three digits (numeric code for 

USA) 

840 003 123 456 789

Note: ICAR manufacturer codes or “USA” can be used as the first 

three characters for tags manufactured before March 11, 2014 and 

applied to the animal before March 11, 2015.

900 152 123 456 789 

USA 000 097 499 999

Flock-based number

with herd management 

number

- Flock identification number (maximum of 9 characters 

prefixed with State’s postal abbreviation) with a unique 

herd management number (up to 6 characters). Does not 

include I, O or Q except as part of a postal abbreviation.

MN0456 4275

Location-based number3

With the herd management 

number

- Either a premises identification number (PIN) or location 

identification number (LID) with a unique herd 

management number PINs have 7 character and LIDs may 

have 6, 7 or 8 characters and the herd management 

number may have up to 6 characters. 

006ER2A 4275

1 The official eartag shield is the U.S. Route Shield graphic with “U.S.” or the State postal abbreviation or Tribal alpha code

imprinted within the shield. Beginning March 11, 2014 all official eartags manufactured must bear an official eartag shield. 

Beginning March 11, 2015 all official eartags applied to animals must bear an official eartag shield. APHIS VS authorizes 

approved tag manufacturers to imprint the official eartag shield on approved tags. 2 Tribal alpha and numeric codes are assigned by APHIS when requested by a Tribe (see ADT General Standards for listing: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/downloads/ADT_standards.pdf). 3 Location identifiers include both the premises identification number (PIN) issued through the PIN allocator and the Location 

Identification (LID) numbers administered by the State or Tribe

Animal Disease Traceability Framework

1

 
Table 2. Summary of USDA Official Eartags (does not include official reactor tags, etc.)

Official Identification Eartags General Explanation

Official Vaccination Eartag 

(Brucellosis)

(See Table 3.)

- Restricted use for bovine and bison brucellosis calfhood vaccination. 

National Uniform Eartagging 

System (NUES) Tags

(See Tables 4 and 5.)

- Commonly referred to as “Silver” or “Brite” tags. 

- Historically used for disease testing and interstate movement.

- VS Memorandum 578.12 revised March 15, 2011 to allow distribution to 

producers through State and Tribal authorities.

Animal identification number 

(AIN) “840” Tags

(See Table 6.)

- Provided directly to producers from manufacturers [or their distributors),

or to producers through accredited veterinarians or animal health officials. 

Various sizes, shapes, colors. Visual only or with variable frequency RFID 

technology. The visual imprinting of the AIN on the tag is the official 

identifier for AIN tags with radio frequency technology. AIN tags may be 

imprinted with additional information for program identity, e.g., age, 

source programs.

Note: 840 AINs are available in microchip implants for equine and other 

species.

Sheep and goat tags 

(See Tables 7 and 8.)

- Serial and flock identification tags including scrapie flock certification 

program tags approved through the scrapie program and provided at no 

cost to producers, markets, veterinarians, etc., through State or AVIC 

offices. “840” tags are also provided for regulatory work in infected and 

exposed flocks. Producers may purchase customized flock identification or 

“840” tags from approved tag manufacturers.

Premises identification 

number (PIN) tags – 

Slaughter swine

(See Table 9.)

- Imprinted with premises identification number. Various tags approved 

through authorized manufacturers.

2
Table 3. Official Vaccination Eartag (Brucellosis)

Tag Information Description

Program use Brucellosis

Material type Metal

Color Orange

(APHIS 91–45–013 “Brucellosis Eradication: Uniform Methods and Rules”, October 1, 2003)

Species used on Cattle and bison, applied to the right ear only

Information on the tag Front of tag

- 2 State code

- “V” followed by 2 alpha characters in series

- 4 numbers in a sequential numerical series

Example: 23VFE0578

Back of tag

- “VAC” to reflect the brucellosis vaccination and official eartag shield

Additional printing 

specifications

“T” and “S” is used following the State code to avoid duplication of numbers when the “V” 

series has been completely used.

Issued/distributed to State/Federal employees & accredited veterinarians performing official brucellosis 

vaccination

Distribution 

records/reporting

Record of tags issued

- The date, receipt, and the first and last serial number of the tags issued should be 

recorded.

Record of tags applied

- Permanent record of tags applied.

- Record of brucellosis vaccination (VS Forms 4-24 and 4-26)

Other comments CFR definitions:

Official vaccination eartag. An APHIS approved identification eartag conforming to the 

alpha-numeric National Uniform Eartagging System which provides unique identification for 

each animal. The eartag shall have a “V” followed by 2 letters and 4 numbers. States which 

require more official vaccination eartags than the number of combinations available in the 

“V” series of tags shall use a “T” or “S” followed by 2 letters and 4 numbers. Duplicate 

reissue of official vaccination eartags shall not be made more often than once each 15 years.

How to obtain State and Federal animal health officials, accredited veterinarians. For use only when 

bovine/bison calves are being vaccinated against brucellosis.

3
Table 4. National Uniform Eartagging System – NUES Tag

9-character Format

(Commonly referred to as a “Silver” or “Brite” tag)

Tag Information Description

Program use Not a specific disease program tag

Material type Primary metal. Small plastic tag options have also been approved.

Color Silver and some color options (orange is reserved for brucellosis vaccination)

Species used on Cattle most common. Acceptable for other species except sheep/goats.

Information on the tag Front of tag

- 2 numeric representing State or Tribal code, or 2 alpha characters for 

State postal abbreviation or Tribal code

- 3 alpha characters in an alphabetical series (omit “V” and “T” as first 

alpha in the series)

- 4 digits in a sequential series 

Example: 60 ABC 0502

Back of tag

- Official eartag shield

- “VS” is imprinted adjacent to the shield on tags purchased by APHIS VS 

- “VS” is not imprinted on NUES tags purchased by States or Tribes.

Additional printing 

specifications

Printing other information is allowed as long as the print size specification of 

the required information is maintained.

Issued/distributed to Federal & State animal health officials, accredited veterinarians.

Distribution directly to producers from accredited veterinarians or State/Tribe 

Animal Health Officials is optional and determined by the State or Tribe.

Distribution records/reporting Tag distribution records maintained by the State or Tribe. In some States, the 

administration of the NUES tags may be shared with the VS Area office. The 

Animal Identification Management System may be used for maintaining the 

distribution records.

Other comments States and Tribes may have up to 2 NUES tag types provided through the 

APHIS warehouse. Options could include using an alpha prefix instead of the 

standard numeric format or a different color.

How to obtain Contact the State and Federal animal health officials, Tribal authority, or 

accredited veterinarians. Approved NUES tag listing is provided at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/downloads/ADT_device_nues.pdf.

4
Table 5. National Uniform Eartagging System – NUES Tag

8-character Format with State/Tribe numeric code

Tag Information Description

Program use - 8 character NUES tags with State/Tribe numeric code are not used for a 

specific disease program and may not be used in place of a scrapie program 

tag for sheep and goats

NOTE: 8 character NUES tags with State/Tribe alpha code are reserved for the 

scrapie program. See scrapie program serial tags for more information.

Material type Metal

Color Silver and other color options 

Species used on Most commonly used on species with smaller ears (deer/elk, swine, etc.,

except sheep and goats). 

Information on the tag Front of tag

- 2 numeric characters representing State or Tribal code 

or 

2 alpha characters for State postal abbreviation for scrapie program tags 

- 2 alpha characters in an alphabetical series

- 4 digits in a sequential series 

Example: 23BG0575

Back of tag

- Official eartag shield 

- “VS” is imprinted adjacent to the shield on tags procured by APHIS VS 

- “VS” is not imprinted on NUES tags purchased by States or Tribes. 

Additional printing 

specifications

Printing other information is allowed as long as the print size specification of 

the required information is maintained.

Issued/distributed to Federal & State animal health officials, accredited veterinarians.

Distribution to producers through accredited veterinarians or State/Tribe 

Animal Health Officials is optional and determined by the State or Tribe

according to VS Memorandum 578.12 revised March 15, 2011.

Distribution records/reporting Tag distribution records maintained by the State or Tribe. In some States, the 

administration of the NUES tags may be shared with the AVIC office. The 

Animal Identification Management System may be used for maintaining the 

distribution records.

Other comments

How to obtain Contact the State and Federal animal health officials, Tribal authority, 

accredited veterinarians. Approved NUES tag listing is provided at:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/downloads/ADT_device_nues.pdf.

5
Table 6. Animal Identification Number (AIN) “840” Tags

Tag Information Description

Program use Applicable for all official identification requirements

Material type Plastic: With or without RFID

Color Various colors

Species used on Various sizes and shapes. Eartags are approved separately and specify for 

which species they can be used. Either ear application, but left ear 

recommended to avoid conflict with placing of brucellosis calfhood 

vaccination tattoo in right ear of female bovine/bison eligible calves.

Information on the tag

For describing 2-piece tags, the 

designation of “Tag Piece A,” is 

the piece attached to the inside 

of the animal’s ear (visual from 

the front of the animal). “Tag 

Piece B” is the piece attached to 

the outside of the animal’s ear

(visual from behind the animal).

Tag Piece A: Inside of ear; visible from the front of the animal

- Official eartag shield 

- 15-digit code with 840 as first 3 digits (numeric code for USA)

- Manufacturer’s logo or trademark (printed or impression of)

- 2D symbology code representing the AIN (tags printed after July, 2013)

Tag Piece B: Outside the ear; visible from behind the animal

- Official eartag shield

- UNLAWFUL TO REMOVE

- Imprinting the AIN on Tag Piece B is optional. If this is the case, the tag set is 

packaged so that the tag pieces stay together as a pair before being applied.

Note: Print specification for swine tags is different due to species anatomical 

differences in providing functional visibility of information imprinted on swine tags.

Additional printing 

specifications

All tags have minimum print size specifications for required information 

imprinted on the tags. Other information, most applicable to the panel tags, 

may be imprinted on the tag if it does not reduce the readability of the 

required information.

Tags with RFID must have all 15 digits of the AIN printed on the tag pieces that 

contain the transponder. 

Issued/distributed to USDA approves all “840” AIN devices and allocates AINs only to authorized 

manufacturers that use the numbers on approved devices.

AIN manufacturers distribute tags through AIN managers with whom they 

have an agreement and directly to State/Federal animal health officials. AIN 

manufacturers may be AIN managers.

Distribution records/reporting The entity (animal health officials or AIN manufacturer or managers) that 

provides the tag to the producer is responsible for having the distribution 

records entered/submitted to the Animal Identification Management System

(AIMS). Likewise, if the tag is distributed to an AIN distributor, the distribution 

record is to be submitted to the AIMS. When issued for sheep and goats, the 

tag record must be administered through the scrapie program tag application 

of AIMS. 

A premises identification number (PIN) or Location Identifier (LID) of the farm 

or ranch is required and is used for reporting the distribution record to the 

Animal Identification Management System. 

Other comments Tag pairs displaying the same AIN (duplicate AINs) are available for application 

6
to the same animal only (combination of visual tags or visual and RFID).

How to obtain Producers and State Animal Health Officials may purchase AIN tags from AIN 

managers representing authorized AIN tag manufacturers (contact AIN 

manufacturers for information on their AIN managers). See listing at: 

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/downloads/AIN_device_list.pdf

AIN Tags with 840 prefix

AIN Panel Tag (Visual Only) AIN RF Button Tags AIN RF Panel Tags

Example of “Industry Logo” AIN Tag Paired AIN Visual/RFID Tag Set

7
AIN Tags with ICAR Manufacturer Code and “USA” prefix

Mfr Code and USA Prefix AIN Tags AIN Tag with Mfr Code AIN Tag with “USA” Prefix

AIN Tags that use the 

manufacturer codes (900 series) 

or the “USA” prefix are official for 

tags manufactured before March 

11, 2014 and applied to animals 

before March 11, 2015. 

These tags do not have the 

Official Eartag Shield imprinted on 

the tag.

Photo Not Available

AIN tags with “USA” and Truncated Animal Number

APHIS has recognized as official 

a variation of the AIN with the 

USA prefix.

Eartags imprinted with “USA” 

followed by the 8- or 9-digit 

number applied to animals before 

March 11, 2015 are recognized as 

official for the life of the animal. 

For example, the 15 character 

number, “USA 000 097 499 999” 

may have USA 97 499 999 

imprinted on the tag.

8
Table 7. Flock Identification Tags

Tag Information Description

Program use - Scrapie eradication program

- Applicable for all official identification needs of sheep or goats; however, 

tags must be applied in accordance with scrapie program application and 

recordkeeping requirements.

Material type Plastic or metal

Color USDA-provided tags are white or blue (slaughter only). Producers can 

purchase tags in various colors.

Species used on Sheep and goats

Information on the tag

For describing 2-piece tags, the 

designation of “Tag Piece A,” is the 

female piece typically attached to

the inside of the animal’s ear 

(visual from the front of the 

animal). ”Tag Piece B” is the male 

piece typically attached to the 

outside of the animal’s ear (visual 

from behind the animal).

Plastic –Tag Piece A: Inside of ear; visible from the front of the animal

- Official eartag shield 

- Flock identification number (maximum of 9 characters with first two 

the State abbreviation)

- Unique herd management number (maximum of 6 characters)

- Manufacturer’s logo or trademark (printed or impression of)

Plastic – Tag Piece B: Outside the ear; visible from behind the animal

- Official eartag shield

- UNLAWFUL TO REMOVE

- May include the flock identification number (maximum of 9 characters 

with first two the State abbreviation) and/or unique herd management 

number

Metal single piece – Front of tag

- Flock identification number (maximum of 8 characters with first two 

the State abbreviation)

 Metal single piece – Back of tag 

 - Official eartag shield

- Unique herd management number up to 6 digits in a sequential series 

Example: PA0575 4567

Additional printing specifications May include customized printing in addition to the required printing on 

producer purchased tags. May include “SFCP” (Scrapie Flock Certification 

Program) when issued to participating producers.

Issued/distributed to Producers who own flocks

Distribution records/reporting Distributed through AIMS directly from approved tag manufacturer to 

producer

Other comments Mandatory USDA identification program for sheep and goats. Producers in 

the voluntary SFCP program may have tags imprinted with SFCP.

All sheep over 18 months of age; sexually intact sheep under 18 months of 

age that are sold for breeding or exhibition; sheep sold unrestricted, sheep 

not in slaughter channels; and sheep that have lambed or are pregnant. 

Sexually intact goats not in slaughter channels of any age that do not meet 

the requirements to be considered low risk commercial goats, such as those

that are registered, sold for commercial milk production, sold or used for 

exhibition or commingled with sheep. 

How to obtain Producers order tags through AVIC or State office or purchase directly from 

approved tag manufacturers. 

9
Flock Identification Tags

XX represents State postal code.

10
Table 8. Scrapie Program Serial Tags

Tag Information Description

Program use Scrapie program

- Applicable for all official identification needs of sheep or goats; however, 

tags must be applied in accordance with scrapie program application and 

recordkeeping requirements.

Material type Plastic or metal

Color White for sheep and goats eligible to move as breeding animals and blue for 

“slaughter only” animals. Red metal is used for live scrapie positive animals. 

Yellow metal is used for permanently restricted high risk animals.

Species used on Sheep and goats

Information on the tag

For describing 2-piece tags, the 

designation of “Tag Piece A,” is 

the female piece typically 

attached to the inside of the 

animal’s ear (visual from the 

front of the animal). ”Tag Piece 

B” is the male piece typically 

attached to the outside of the 

animal’s ear (visual from behind 

the animal).

Tag Piece A: Inside of ear; visible from the front of the animal

- Official eartag shield

- 8 characters 

- State postal abbreviation followed by a letter and number or a number 

and a letter, then 4 numbers (Examples: PAA12345 or PA1A2345)

- Manufacturer’s logo or trademark (printed or impression of)

Tag Piece B: Outside the ear; visible from behind the animal

- Official eartag shield

- UNLAWFUL TO REMOVE

Metal single piece – Front of tag

- 8 characters 

- State postal abbreviation followed by two letters and 4 numbers

(Example: PABG0575)

 Metal single piece – Back of tag 

 - State postal abbreviation and Official eartag shield

 Metal – inside tag, tag company name

Additional printing 

specifications

Blue tags are printed with “SLAUGHTER ONLY,” “MEAT ONLY,” or “MEAT” on 

the back or Tag Piece B (male part). Red metal has SCR printed on the back. 

Yellow metal has HR or EX printed on the back.

Issued/distributed to Markets, dealers, veterinarians, feedlot operators and others who do not own 

breeding flocks

Distribution records/reporting Distributed through AIMS

Other comments Mandatory USDA identification program for sheep and goats. All sheep over 

18 months of age; sexually intact sheep under 18 months of age that are sold 

for breeding or exhibition; sheep sold unrestricted, sheep not in slaughter 

channels; and sheep that have lambed or are pregnant. Sexually intact goats 

not in slaughter channels of any age that do not meet the requirements to be 

considered low risk commercial goats, such as those that are registered, sold 

for commercial milk production, sold or used for exhibition, or commingled 

with sheep.

How to obtain Markets, dealers, veterinarians, feedlot operators and others who do not own 

breeding flocks order tags through AVIC or State office. 

11
Scrapie Program Serial Tags 

White - applied to sheep/goats that meet the requirements to move for any purpose.

Blue Slaughter Only / MEAT Tags

Red Scrapie Positive Tag

Yellow High Risk Animal Tag – applied only to retained permanently restricted scrapie high risk 

animals

12
Table 9. Premises Identification Number (PIN) Tag for Slaughter Swine

Tag Information Description

Program use Swine

Material type Plastic

Color Various colors (contact tag manufacturer)

Species used on Slaughter swine

Information on the tag

For describing 2-piece tags, the 

designation of “Tag Piece A,” is 

the piece attached to the inside of 

the animal’s ear. “Tag Piece B” is 

the piece attached to the outside 

of the animal’s ear.

Tag Piece A:

- Official eartag shield

- UNLAWFUL TO REMOVE

Tag Piece B:

- State postal abbreviation or Tribe 2 character alpha code 1

- PIN

- Official eartag shield

- UNLAWFUL TO REMOVE

- Manufacturer’s logo or trademark (printed or impression of)

- Barcode of corresponding PIN on the reverse side.

Additional printing 

specifications

All tags have minimum print size specifications for required information 

imprinted on the tags. Other information may be imprinted on the tag if it 

does not reduce the readability of the required information. The herd 

management number is optional.

Issued/distributed to Swine producers

Distribution records/reporting Manufacturers report distribution of tags by product code to APHIS VS.

Other comments If a PIN tag includes a unique within-herd management number that is 

imprinted by the manufacturer to ensure its permanency, the tag it qualifies

as an official eartag for interstate movement of individual animals.

How to obtain Producers may obtain directly from authorized manufacturers. See listing at:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/traceability/downloads/swine_device_listing.pdf

1 State postal abbreviation imprinted on PIN tags shipped from manufacturer after August 1, 2009. Since Tribes do not have 

postal abbreviations, APHIS will reserve a 2 character alpha code upon request.

2 The piece attached to the outside of the animal’s ear 3 The piece attached to the inside of the animal’s ear

Tag Piece B 2

(Back of ear)

Inside of Tag Piece B 2

(Not in View while tags is on the pig)

Tag Piece B 3

(Inside of ear)

13