What is an 840 ear tag?

840 ear tags comply with the requirements of the Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) framework for both visual and electronic identification. These tags are recognized in a standardized information system between federal, state and industry officials.

840 tags can be Electronic RFID tags commonly called EID ear tags or Visual ID ear tags. Each 840 tag contains 15 digits and will begin with the numbers 840 (the USA country code). The remaining 12 digits on the tag are unique to the individual animal.

840 tags come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors (rectangular shape, round-button shape, etc) have RFID chips or are panel visual tags but each are accepted forms of official ID.

Depending on the size and shape of the tag, additional information may be printed on the bottom of the tag, such as an additional management number for the animal or the producer’s premises ID number. And a custom logo can be added in the neck of the tag as well on some tag sizes.

Visual 840 ear tags do not have any electronic capability and are only used as a source of visual identification. Visual tags may often be less expensive compared to electronic tags.

Electronic Identification tags (EID), also known as Radio Frequency Identification ear tags (RFID ear tags) are passive. They require no battery and when charged by a reader produce the 15 digit number printed on the tag. They can be utilized to store and track information through a database using a readable scanner (wand). This provides more options for record keeping on performance records for producers.

840 tags DO NOT have to be RFID capable to be accepted Official USDA tags. Both visual 840 tags and RFID 840 tags are acceptable forms of identification. The key is that the tag is an 840 tag.

840 ear tags can be purchased through authorized ear tag distributors like CCK Outfitters the Ear Tag Company. When purchasing 840 tags, CCK will be required to submit customer's premises ID number. and confirm that the premises ID number given is accurate.  Once the premises ID number of the tag purchaser is validated, the premises ID will be recorded in a database with the tag numbers that are being purchased. This is how the traceability component of the federal tags becomes effective. A spreadsheet of your assigned 840 numbers will be sent to you for your records by CCK as well.

Keep in mind you need to order 840 ear tags early, it takes 2 weeks for your tag order to be received, processed for your 840 numbers, shipped and delivered to you.