Implantable RFID
RFID Glass Capsule Tags
Pet Microchip & Animal ID
Quick answer
RFID glass capsule tags are miniature transponders sealed in biocompatible glass tubes. Designed for subcutaneous injection in animals (pet microchips), embedding into products (anti-counterfeit) and insertion into harsh environments where no external tag can survive.
- Biocompatible glass housing: ISO 11784/11785 compliant for subcutaneous animal identification.
- Ultra-compact (1.4×8 mm to 2.12×12 mm). Fits inside a syringe needle for painless injection.
- Lifetime identification: no battery, no moving parts, 20+ year operational lifespan.
Used in these industries
Deployments where this product is referenced on our industry landing pages.
At a glance
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Chip options
EM Microelectronic EM4305 / EM4569 (ISO 11784/11785 FDX-B); Sokymat Unique / Hitag S (legacy 125 kHz); Texas Instruments RI-TRP-RR2B (HDX variant); Trovan ID-100B / ID-1...
Frequency / air interface
134.2 kHz (FDX-B, ISO 11784:1996 + ISO 11785:1996 Full-Duplex Type B; ICAR-manufacturer-code-compliant); HDX variant per ISO 11785 Half-Duplex (longer read range for liv...
Next step
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Request glass capsule tag quote- Dimensions
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- 1.4 × 8 mm (micro — 15G needle, small rodents / fish smolts)
- 1.4 × 9 mm (biomedical research sub-format)
- 2.12 × 12 mm (standard — 12G needle, companion animals / livestock, ICAR reference size)
- 3.85 × 23 mm (livestock HDX)
- 3.85 × 32 mm (industrial embedding, large assets)
- Housing material
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Lead-free biocompatible borosilicate glass (SCHOTT 8625 or equivalent, same hydrolytic class as medical vials per ISO 12775 Type I); welded end-seal hermeticity ≤1 × 10⁻⁹ mbar·L·s⁻¹.
- Anti-migration coating
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Parylene-C conformal polymer coating (USP Class VI, ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity pass, ISO 10993-10 sensitisation pass) — promotes fibrous-tissue encapsulation within 3-7 days of subcutaneous injection, anchoring the capsule at the implant site per ISO 24631:2018 performance reference.
- ID code structure
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15-digit decimal ID per ISO 11784:1996: 3-digit country / manufacturer code (ICAR-registered block) + 12-digit unique animal ID. Read-only variant: code locked at manufacture and tamper-evident. R/W variant: writable user memory (ISO 14223:2018 Part 2) for sensor / advanced data applications.
- Read range
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5-10 cm with universal pocket scanner (ISO 14223 handheld); 10-20 cm with veterinary panel reader; 30-80 cm with livestock race-way antenna (HDX 3.85 × 23 mm).
- Operating temperature
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-20 to +70 °C storage; in vivo homeothermic 37-39 °C; industrial embedding variant rated to +125 °C for mould / tool use. Glass hermeticity unaffected by typical autoclave 121 °C / 15 min cycles where required (R&D sterilisation only — clinical capsules ship pre-sterile).
- Sterilisation & biocompatibility
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Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilised per ISO 11135:2014 with residuals per ISO 10993-7; each capsule pre-loaded in single-use syringe with lot-traceable sterility certificate. Biocompatibility: ISO 10993-1:2018 evaluation; ISO 10993-5 in-vitro cytotoxicity; ISO 10993-10 sensitisation & irritation; ISO 10993-11 systemic toxicity (where species-specific data required).
- Compliance framework
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Animal ID: ISO 11784:1996 code structure · ISO 11785:1996 technical concept · ISO 14223:2018 advanced transponders · ISO 24631:2018 performance evaluation · ICAR Manufacturer Code Register. Biocompatibility & device: ISO 10993 series, ISO 11135:2014 EtO sterilisation, USP <87>/<88>. Pet-movement & registries: EU Regulation 576/2013 (non-commercial movement of pet animals) · Commission Implementing Regulation 577/2013 · UK Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 · Council of Europe ETS 125 · AVMA microchip position · AAHA/AVMA Canine & Feline Guidelines. Research: AAALAC / IACUC / EU Directive 2010/63/EU on animals in scientific procedures. Fish: NMFS / NOAA PIT-tag programme.
- Platform integration
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Pet registries: PetLink · AKC Reunite · 24PetWatch · HomeAgain · AVID · AnibaseUK · Europetnet · FECAVA. Veterinary PIMS: IDEXX Cornerstone · Covetrus AVImark · Covetrus Impromed · ezyVet · Provet Cloud · Patterson Veterinary VIA. Livestock & dairy: Afimilk · DeLaval DelPro · GEA CowScout · Allflex SenseHub. Research: Locus Technology Jade · Animal Care LabTracks · Tecniplast DVC. Aquaculture: Biomark PIT-tag · Oregon RFID antenna systems. Reader firmware: universal ISO 11784/11785 scanners (Datamars Pocket Reader EX, Trovan LID-573, Avid MiniTracker, Allflex RS340).
- MOQ / Lead time
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Pre-loaded syringe (12G or 15G, EtO-sterile, ICAR-registered block): 500 pcs / 12-18 business days; ICAR Manufacturer Code registration lead time 6-10 weeks for first-time OEM customers.
- Typical pricing
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USD 1.00–3.00 /pc @ 1k+ (typical FOB Shenzhen range) — firm quote in one business day.
Commercial terms
- MOQ
- Varies by SKU — stock items from 100 pcs; custom production typically 200-1,000 pcs
- Lead time
- Production 2-3 weeks after artwork and encoding sign-off; reorders on a 3-4 week cycle
- Samples
- Free samples and RF test report with every order; courier at customer cost
- Payment
- 50% T/T deposit, 50% before shipment; Net 30/60 for established accounts; LC for large orders
- Shipping
- FOB Shenzhen / Yantian; DHL, FedEx or EMS air freight; sea LCL / FCL for volume
- Response
- Itemized quote within one business day, Mon-Fri (UTC+8)
Challenges veterinary distributors and research facilities face when procuring RFID glass capsule tags
- Veterinary distributors supplying pet microchips to clinics need capsules that are ISO 11784/11785 FDX-B compliant and ICAR-registered, with 15-digit unique IDs in ICAR-certified blocks. Non-ICAR-registered chips produce IDs that conflict with existing animals in national pet registries, creating lost-pet database failures that damage veterinary reputation.
- Animal research facilities implanting capsules in mice, rats, and small animals need the 1.4×8 mm micro format with 15G needle compatibility. Standard 2.12×12 mm capsules cause tissue trauma in small rodents that violates IACUC welfare protocols and invalidates study cohorts.
- Pet microchip re-sellers and distributors importing capsules face regulatory requirements for individual sterilization documentation (EtO gas certificate per lot per ISO 11135:2014) and biocompatibility certification. Suppliers who cannot provide ISO 10993 and EtO sterilization certificates cannot pass veterinary import inspections in the EU, UK, and Australia.
- Aquaculture operators tagging salmon smolts at 5–30 grams body weight require capsules small enough for 15G needle injection with anti-migration Parylene-C coating to prevent movement through fish tissue. Uncoated capsules without anti-migration coating migrate to unreadable body positions within 30 days.
- Luxury goods authentication programs embedding glass capsules in leather goods, watches, and artwork need capsules with read range sufficient for handheld scanner authentication (5–15 cm) and EtO sterilization documentation for customs import. Non-sterile capsules trigger customs holds at EU borders when declared as medical components.
How Proud Tek RFID glass capsule tags solve microchip procurement
Commodity glass-capsule microchip
- Unique ID from unregistered manufacturer block → national-registry conflicts
- One generic size offered regardless of species (small-rodent tissue trauma, smolt injection damage)
- No Parylene-C — uncoated glass → capsule migration to non-readable positions
- EtO sterilisation certificate not lot-traceable; ISO 10993 suite partial
- No ISO 14223 / ISO 24631 performance declaration
Proud Tek ICAR-registered capsule programme
- ICAR Manufacturer Code Register block assignment, unique-ID certificate per lot
- Species-matched SKU: 1.4×8 mm micro (15G) / 2.12×12 mm standard (12G) / 3.85×23 mm HDX livestock
- Parylene-C coating USP Class VI, ISO 10993-5 / -10 passes, encapsulation 3-7 d
- ISO 11135:2014 EtO cycle, residuals per ISO 10993-7, lot-traceable sterility certificate
- ISO 11784/11785 + ISO 14223:2018 + ISO 24631:2018 declaration pack at delivery
- ISO 11784/11785 FDX-B at 134.2 kHz with ICAR-registered unique IDs: every capsule ID is assigned from an ICAR-certified block, preventing registry conflicts. ICAR manufacturer-code certificates provided with each order for import compliance and national registry submission.
- Three sizes from one supplier: 1.4×8 mm micro (15G, for mice, fish, reptiles), 2.12×12 mm standard (12G, for dogs, cats, horses, livestock — ICAR reference size) and 3.85×23 mm HDX livestock variant. Species-appropriate sizing available without multi-supplier complexity.
- Parylene-C anti-migration coating on every capsule (USP Class VI, ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity pass, ISO 10993-10 sensitisation pass): the polymer layer promotes tissue encapsulation within 3-7 days of injection, anchoring the chip per ISO 24631:2018 performance reference.
- Individual EtO gas sterilization per capsule (ISO 11135:2014, residuals per ISO 10993-7) in a single-use pre-loaded syringe: sterility certificate and ISO 10993-1 biocompatibility documentation included with every lot for veterinary import and regulatory compliance.
- Lead-free borosilicate glass (SCHOTT 8625 or equivalent, ISO 12775 Type I) with welded end-seal hermeticity ≤1 × 10⁻⁹ mbar·L·s⁻¹, 20+ year operational lifespan and unlimited read cycles.
Operating reference — ICAR-registered animal-ID glass-capsule estates
Read-rate, migration and registry-acceptance outcomes all vary with species, injection technique, reader choice and registry geography — so what follows is the shape of the work veterinary distributors and research / aquaculture integrators run, not client-specific numbers. The sequencing is anchored to ISO 11784:1996 + ISO 11785:1996 FDX-B, ICAR Manufacturer Code Register block assignment, ISO 14223:2018 advanced-transponder profile, ISO 24631:2018 transponder-performance evaluation, ISO 10993-1:2018 biocompatibility evaluation and ISO 11135:2014 EtO sterilisation validation.
Directional benchmarks from ICAR, the WOAH / OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code Chapter 4.3 on identification, AVMA's microchip policy and the NMFS PIT-tag programme describe registry-acceptance moving from rejection-prone (non-ICAR-registered blocks) to clean (ICAR block assignment), migration moving from visible-site drift (uncoated glass) to anchored (Parylene-C encapsulated 3-7 d post-injection) and read reliability moving from position-dependent (uncoated) to whole-body-readable (anti-migration coated at ISO 24631 reference ranges) — the direction programmes should expect, with magnitudes settled per species during the pilot cohort.
- Weeks 1-4 · Species scope + ICAR registration
Confirm target species (pet / livestock / research / aquaculture), select 15G / 12G / HDX SKU, lodge ICAR Manufacturer Code application if first deployment, lock national-registry target list (PetLink / AKC / 24PetWatch / HomeAgain / AVID / AnibaseUK / Europetnet).
- Weeks 5-8 · Biocompatibility + sterilisation qualification
ISO 10993-1:2018 evaluation plan, cytotoxicity ISO 10993-5 + sensitisation ISO 10993-10 batch release, EtO cycle validation per ISO 11135:2014, residuals per ISO 10993-7, syringe single-use assembly qualification.
- Weeks 9-14 · Pilot cohort + performance evaluation
Inject pilot cohort (or embed pilot asset lot), evaluate ISO 24631:2018 transponder performance (activation field strength, modulation, bit error), monitor 30-90 d migration against AVMA / WOAH references, validate reader compatibility across Datamars / Trovan / Avid / Allflex universal scanners.
- Month 4+ · Registry scale-out + recall workflow
Roll out to full distributor / clinic / farm / hatchery / luxury brand network, wire ID submission into veterinary PIMS (Cornerstone / AVImark / Impromed / ezyVet), publish registry-submission SOP, enable recall / re-registration workflow for re-homed animals under EU 576/2013 and UK Microchipping Regulations 2015.
Animal identification
RFID glass capsule tags are the global standard for permanent animal identification. Injected subcutaneously by a veterinarian or trained technician, they are the identifier recognised by pet registries (EU 576/2013, UK Microchipping of Dogs Regulations 2015), livestock systems (WOAH Terrestrial Code Chapter 4.3) and research welfare frameworks (AAALAC / EU Directive 2010/63/EU).
- Pet microchipping: dogs, cats, horses and exotic animals for owner identification and lost-pet recovery.
- Livestock identification: cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry as an alternative to ear tags for breeding records.
- Laboratory animals: mice, rats and other research animals for individual identification in IACUC / AAALAC-approved studies.
- Zoo and wildlife: tracking endangered species, zoo animals and wildlife in conservation programs.
- Fish and aquaculture: passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags for salmon, trout and aquaculture stock per NMFS / NOAA.
Size options
| Size | Dimensions | Needle gauge | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro | 1.4 × 8 mm | 15G | Small animals (mice, fish, reptiles, smolts) |
| Standard | 2.12 × 12 mm | 12G | Dogs, cats, horses, livestock (ICAR reference size) |
| HDX livestock | 3.85 × 23 mm | Half-duplex, race-way antenna | Cattle, pigs — 30-80 cm read range |
| Extended | 3.85 × 32 mm | Manual insert | Industrial embedding, large assets |
Non-animal applications
- Anti-counterfeit: embed glass capsules into luxury goods, artwork and collectibles for authentication.
- Tree and plant identification. Inject into tree trunks for forestry management and urban tree inventories.
- Tool and mould tracking. Embed into drill bits, moulds and high-value industrial tools.
- Access control: human implant applications (voluntary, primarily in Sweden and tech communities).
- Harsh environment tagging: embed in concrete, asphalt or epoxy where external tags cannot survive.
Biocompatibility and safety
- Glass material: lead-free borosilicate (SCHOTT 8625 or equivalent, ISO 12775 Type I), the same hydrolytic class used in medical vials and laboratory equipment.
- Parylene-C coating: USP Class VI conformal polymer prevents the capsule from migrating under the skin after injection; ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity pass, ISO 10993-10 sensitisation pass.
- Sterilization: each capsule EtO-sterilised per ISO 11135:2014 with residuals per ISO 10993-7; pre-loaded in a single-use syringe with lot-traceable certificate.
- ISO 11784:1996 / ISO 11785:1996 — the international standards for radio-frequency identification of animals; performance per ISO 24631:2018.
- ICAR-registered: Manufacturer Code assigned by the International Committee for Animal Recording, guaranteeing globally unique IDs.
Useful next pages
Use these linked product, guide and comparison pages to keep the next click specific and practical.
Related products
Other animal identification and specialty tags.
FAQ
Is the microchip injection painful for animals?
The injection is comparable to a standard vaccination — a brief pinch from the needle. The 2.12 × 12 mm capsule is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) between the shoulder blades using a pre-loaded single-use 12G syringe. Most animals show minimal reaction. No anaesthesia is required for routine microchipping; the capsule is EtO-sterilised per ISO 11135:2014 and the implant site is prepared per the AVMA / WSAVA injection SOP.
Can the microchip migrate under the skin?
The Parylene-C anti-migration coating (USP Class VI, ISO 10993-5 / -10 tested) promotes fibrous-tissue encapsulation within 3-7 days of injection, anchoring the chip at the implant site per ISO 24631:2018 transponder-performance reference. Migration is uncommon and typically limited to a few centimetres from the injection site; universal ISO 11784/11785 scanners (Datamars / Trovan / Avid / Allflex) are designed to detect chips anywhere on the animal's body.
How long does the microchip last?
The RFID glass capsule is a passive device with no battery — it lasts the lifetime of the animal. The lead-free borosilicate glass (SCHOTT 8625 or equivalent, ISO 12775 Type I) is chemically inert and does not degrade in biological tissue; welded end-seal hermeticity is ≤1 × 10⁻⁹ mbar·L·s⁻¹. The RFID chip has a data retention specification of 20+ years and unlimited read cycles. Replacement or recharge is never required.
Sources & references
Primary standards, OEM datasheets and regulatory documents cited by this article. All URLs were verified on the access date shown below.
- ISO 11784:1996 Radio frequency identification of animals — Code structure
Defines the 64-bit / 15-digit code structure (country / manufacturer + national ID) that every compliant animal transponder must emit.
- ISO 11785:1996 Radio frequency identification of animals — Technical concept
Specifies 134.2 kHz FDX-B and HDX air interfaces — the protocols universal pet / livestock scanners are built to.
- ISO 14223:2018 Radiofrequency identification of animals — Advanced transponders
Advanced (read/write) animal-transponder specification for sensor / multi-purpose capsule applications.
- ISO 24631:2018 Radiofrequency identification of animals — Performance evaluation of RFID transponders and transceivers
Test procedures for activation field strength, modulation, bit-error rate and range — the ISO reference for transponder performance.
- ICAR Manufacturer's Code List (Registered manufacturer codes for ISO 11784/11785 transponders)
Register of manufacturer codes that guarantee globally unique animal IDs — the gate for national pet-registry acceptance.
- ISO 10993-1:2018 Biological evaluation of medical devices — Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process
Master framework for biocompatibility evaluation of implantable devices — referenced by regulators globally for implantable RFID capsules.
- ISO 11135:2014 Sterilization of health-care products — Ethylene oxide — Requirements for the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices
EtO sterilisation cycle validation — the standard each capsule lot is run against; residuals governed by ISO 10993-7.
- Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 on the non-commercial movement of pet animals
EU framework requiring ISO 11784/11785 identification for pet-animal movement; Commission Implementing Regulation 577/2013 sets out the model passport.
- The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, SI 2015/108
Mandatory microchipping and database registration for dogs in England — ISO 11784/11785 referenced; cat equivalent followed in 2024.
- WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code — Chapter 4.3 Identification of animals
International reference for livestock and pet-animal identification — recognises ISO 11784/11785 + ICAR-registered transponders.
Proud Tek is a Shenzhen-based RFID & NFC manufacturer supplying hotel chains, transit operators, event venues and retail brands worldwide. Every order includes free samples, RF testing and dedicated project support.
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