Tag Standards
Approved CCIA animal indicators/tags are required to have demonstrated specific retention characteristics. In order to meet all requirements defined in the standards, procedures and testing document, all animal tags must pass a series of extensive trials to test visual, mechanical, physical, electrical, readability and environmental capabilities. CCIA is continuously testing tags for potential approval for use in the Canadian Cattle Identification Program.
Approved CCIA non-breed specific beef tags have the following attributes:
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- A unique, 15-digit CCIA identification number
- CCIA trademark (3/4 Maple Leaf and “CA” letters)
- Vary in colour
- Meet all requirements in the National Testing Framework for approval of tags
The unique, 15-digit CCIA identification number follows the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 11784 code structure for identification.
It reads electronically as:
| LA | 00000 | 0 | 124 | 000299999999 | ||||
| Animal | Reserved | Count | Country | Unique 15-digit Identification Number |
| View the list of Approved Animal Indicators |
| View the list of Revoked Animal Indicators |
| View the Animal Indicator Approval and Revocation Framework |
| Learn about best practices for maximizing retention of approved animal tags |
| Provide your feedback about approved animal tags using the Tag/Animal Indicator Quality Control Form |
SPECIAL NOTE: New regulations and communication will see a shift in language from the use of “Approved Canadian Cattle Identification Agency Radio Frequency Identification Tags” to the use of “Approved Canadian Cattle Identification Agency Animal Indicators” or “Animal Indicators”. This change addresses animal identification devices that have alternative designs that may or may not include radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.
SAMPLE USAGE: A livestock operator must apply an approved animal indicator to an animal prior to the animal leaving its farm of origin or the premises where it is located.
Approval Process and International Standards
The approval process for new tags in Canada is lengthy and requires manufacturers to complete laboratory conformance and performance testing, followed by a field-testing phase for retention. Any new technology must complete this process in addition to further in-depth industry requirements. Approval is not solely at CCIA’s discretion. Canada, along with many other countries, relies on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for guidance on animal identification standards.
What is Ultra High Frequency Technology
Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) is the band of frequencies on the electromagnetic spectrum between 860-960Mhz UHF technologies transmit data between the transceiver and the transponder. This technology allows fast, efficient data transfer of information, primarily in the supply chain now. UHF ear tags utilize this technology to communicate unique information between the animal and the equipment collecting the data. UHF is faster and has additional benefits not found with Low Frequency technology (LF).
UHF Tag Retention
UHF tag retention is expected to be lower compared to approved low-frequency tags. Generally, the larger the tag, the lower the retention rate. To allow the maximum read range, UHF tag antennas must be larger than a disc tag. Visual ID tags feature a panel measuring 3” × 4” that hangs down, making them more likely to catch on hazards such as feeders, fences, and twine — unlike approved tags, which are only 1” in diameter. Smaller format UHF tags are available that resemble CCIA tags in size and shape, offering comparable retention rates; however, their smaller size does not permit the long read range that panel or flag tag sizes provide.
Manufacturer Guarantees and Technology Limitations
Most manufacturers do not guarantee that their UHF tags will continue to function beyond 15 months. They are considered temporary tags, which is incompatible with life-time identification requirements in traceability. At the price point required for livestock tags, the technology is not sufficiently robust for long-term use as an ear tag. While more durable UHF inlays — the functional core of the UHF tag — are available, these come at a higher cost.
CCIA Authority and Current Accommodation of UHF Tags
As the Responsible Administrator (RA), CCIA does not have the authority to change technology platforms. Transitioning from low-frequency to ultra-high-frequency technology would represent a wholesale change to the entire system: readers are not cross-compatible, and facility design requirements differ significantly between the two technologies.
In 2021, CCIA took steps to accommodate UHF tag numbers in the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) by allowing producers to use UHF tags in conjunction with their approved CCIA tag — offering the best of both worlds. Under this approach, the UHF tag used on-farm is paired with the approved tag in the CLTS, with both tag numbers pointing to the same animal record. There are no rules preventing producers from using UHF tags as a management tool if they provide operational value. Tags can be purchased for approximately $1.80-2.20 each on-line and linked to the corresponding CCIA tag in the CLTS, similar to the use of a visual tag for easier animal management.
UHF Tags in the United States
The United States permits selected UHF ear tags in its Animal Disease Traceability program. Tags must be programmed to comply with the USDA Interim Data Standard (not ISO).
Approval Pending
ISO has recently completed a standard for the use of UHF technology in livestock identification; that standard is currently under review. Without such a standard in place, Canada would not adopt the technology domestically. Until the standards are finalized, companies that design and manufacture transceivers for UHF identification tags are unlikely to develop or test compatible hardware for industry adoption.
CCIA Field Research
In 2023, CCIA undertook field research and demonstration projects using UHF technology for livestock identification. The initiative encountered limited progress due to a lack of industry interest in the technology for cattle.
Ultra High Frequency RFID Tags vs Low Frequency RFID Tags