Find HS Code and trade information for ear tag

Ear Tag

An ear tag is a plastic or metal label used to permanently identify livestock and other animals. They serve a variety of purposes related to animal management, traceability, and data collection.

Material

Ear tags are commonly constructed from the following materials:

• Plastic: Predominantly made from polyurethane or polypropylene, offering durability and flexibility. These are often brightly colored for visual identification.
• Metal: Typically brass or stainless steel, known for their longevity and resistance to corrosion. Often used in conjunction with plastic tags, with the metal component providing structural support.
• Microchips (RFID): Increasingly, ear tags incorporate Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) chips for electronic identification. These chips store unique identification numbers that can be read wirelessly.

Purpose

• Animal Identification: The primary function is to uniquely identify individual animals within a herd or flock.
• Traceability: Enables tracking of an animal’s history, including breeding, vaccination records, medical treatments, and movement. Essential for disease control and food safety.
• Data Collection: Facilitates recording and analysis of animal performance data, such as weight gain, milk production, and reproductive success.
• Biosecurity: Aids in managing and controlling the spread of animal diseases by allowing for rapid identification and isolation of affected animals.
• Theft Deterrence: Can act as a deterrent to animal theft and assist in recovery if an animal is stolen.

Function

Ear tags function as a visual or electronic marker. Visual tags rely on a unique number or pattern for identification. RFID tags transmit data wirelessly when scanned with a compatible reader. The tag is applied to the animal’s ear using an applicator, creating a small puncture wound that heals around the tag.

Usage Scenarios

• Cattle Farming: Widely used for herd management, breeding programs, and tracking beef production.
• Sheep and Goat Farming: Essential for managing flocks, tracking lamb/kid performance, and complying with traceability regulations.
• Pig Farming: Used for identifying individual pigs, tracking growth rates, and monitoring health.
• Poultry Farming: While less common due to ear size, specialized ear tags are used in some breeding programs. Wing tags are more common for poultry.
• Wildlife Research: Used for tagging animals for population studies, migration tracking, and conservation efforts.
• Pet Identification: Though microchips implanted under the skin are more common, ear tags can be used for temporary identification in some cases.

Common Types

• Button Tags: Plastic tags with a button-shaped post that is inserted through the ear.
• Snap Tags: Two-part plastic tags that snap together after being inserted through the ear.
• Flag Tags: Plastic tags with a larger, flag-shaped component for increased visibility.
• Metal Tags (Pinch Tags): Metal tags that pinch the ear for secure attachment. Often used with a plastic component displaying the identification number.
• RFID Tags: Tags incorporating a microchip for electronic identification. These can be either button, snap, or flag style.
• Visual RFID Tags: Combine a visual identification number with an RFID chip.

Based on the provided reference material, the following HS codes may be relevant to “ear tag”:

• 8308100000: This HS code falls under Chapter 83 – Articles of base metal, containing clasps, frames with clasps, buckles, buckle-clasps, hooks, eyes, eyelets and the like, of a kind used for clothing or clothing accessories, footwear, jewelry, wrist watches, books, awnings, leather goods, travel goods or saddlery or for other made up articles; tubular or bifurcated rivets, of base metal; beads and spangles, of base metal. Specifically, it covers hooks, eyes and eyelets. Given that ear tags often utilize hooks or eyelets for attachment, this code may be applicable. The base tariff is 1.1¢/kg + 2.9%, with a combined tariff of 1.1¢/kg + 2.9% + 55.0%.
• 8308909000: Also within Chapter 83, this HS code covers other, including parts. As ear tags are a specialized article, if they don't precisely fit the description of hooks, eyes, and eyelets in 8308100000, this broader “other” category may be appropriate. The base tariff is 2.7%, with a combined tariff of 57.7%.
• 4201006000: This HS code falls under Chapter 42 – Articles of leather or of composition leather. Specifically, it covers other saddlery and harness for any animal. If the ear tag is made of leather, this HS code may be applicable. The base tariff is 2.8%, with a combined tariff of 57.8%.

Regarding HS code 8308100000 and 8308909000, please note that these codes relate to articles of base metal. Therefore, the material composition of the ear tag will be a key factor in determining the correct classification. If the ear tag is made of leather, HS code 4201006000 may be more appropriate.