Understanding EID Tags: 840 Tags, Program Compliant Tags, and Standard Tags

All EID Tags are Not the Same 

Electronic identification (EID) helps producers improve herd management, meet animal health and traceability requirements, and access certain marketing and export programs. But not all tags are the same. The tag you choose determines how your cattle can move, be sold, or qualify for specific programs. 

USDA 840 Tags – Official Identification 

840 tags are official U.S. identification tags issued under the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). 

• Number Format: Begins with “840,” identifying the animal as born or raised in the United States. 

• Approved Use: Accepted as official ID for interstate movement, health certificates (CVIs), brucellosis vaccination, interstate shows, and export programs. 

• Issued Through: Approved manufacturers; must be distributed through a Premises Identification Number (PIN) or Location Identifier (LID). 

• Recordkeeping: Producers must maintain tag distribution and usage records. 

Bottom Line: 
You can use 840 tags on home-raised cattle enrolled in the Samson PVP, but you must provide an invoice if not purchased through Samson, showing the range of tag numbers purchased to ensure traceability.  

Program Compliant Tags (PCTs) 

Program Compliant Tags can be either EID or dangle tags that also meet additional requirements for specific verification programs (e.g., NHTC, Samson Verified Natural, Source, Age, etc.) 

• Number Format: Can begin with a variety of different numbers, but must be tamper evident. 

• Cattle enrolled in a Samson Process Verified Program (PVP) must receive a PCT purchased from Samson. Samson will allocate tags to the Supplier they will be used by. 

• Traceability: Tag is traced throughout the chain of custody by Samson. 

Bottom Line: 
If you participate in a third-party verified program, use PCTs—these tags keep your cattle compliant. You may use an 840 tag in your enrolled program cattle. If the 840 tag is not purchased from Samson, we require an invoice to verify the purchaser of the tag. 

Standard (Non-Regulated) EID Tags 

These are electronic identification tags that do not carry the 840 prefix, are not PCTs, and are not official USDA identification. These are widely available but not approved for use in the Samson PVP. 

Bottom Line: 
Good for herd management, but not acceptable for official movement or verified programs.