## Common ground
All options are types of anti-theft labels or security tags used to prevent unauthorized removal of items.
## Options at a glance
**8505.11 – Magnetic/Magnetic metal**
- **Defining trait:** Uses metallic materials for magnetic or acousto-magnetic detection.
- **Typical examples:** Metal-based AM tags in retail stores.
- **Best fit when:** The tag relies on metallic components to trigger alarms at exit gates.
**8505.19 – Magnetic/Magnetic non-metal**
- **Defining trait:** Uses non-metallic materials for magnetic or acousto-magnetic function.
- **Typical examples:** Plastic-based AM tags with embedded magnetic elements.
- **Best fit when:** The tag is non-metallic but still uses magnetic principles.
**8517.62 – Tracking device (Bluetooth/UWB)**
- **Defining trait:** Designed for real-time location tracking via Bluetooth or UWB.
- **Typical examples:** Apple AirTag, Tile tracker.
- **Best fit when:** The tag helps locate lost items like keys or luggage.
**8523.52 – RFID/NFC security tags**
- **Defining trait:** Uses radio frequency identification (RFID) or NFC for detection.
- **Typical examples:** Retail inventory tags, library books.
- **Best fit when:** The tag is read via RFID/NFC scanners at exits.
**8523.59 – Anti theft label with chip**
- **Defining trait:** Contains an integrated circuit (chip) but not necessarily RFID/NFC.
- **Typical examples:** Smart labels with memory or programmable features.
- **Best fit when:** The tag has embedded electronics beyond basic RFID.
**8531.90 – Clothes alarms**
- **Defining trait:** Emits audible alarm when triggered by movement or removal.
- **Typical examples:** Alarm tags on clothing that sound when removed from a store.
- **Best fit when:** The primary function is to make noise upon theft attempt.
**8531.90 – Microwave/frequency division tags**
- **Defining trait:** Uses microwave or frequency division techniques for detection.
- **Typical examples:** High-frequency RF tags used in specialized systems.
- **Best fit when:** The tag operates on microwave or complex frequency modulation.
**8534.00 – Radio frequency tags**
- **Defining trait:** General-purpose RF-based detection, not tied to specific protocols.
- **Typical examples:** Basic RF security tags in retail.
- **Best fit when:** No specific tech (like RFID/NFC) is used—just radio waves.
**9031.80 – Motion-monitoring security tags**
- **Defining trait:** Detects physical movement or door/window opening.
- **Typical examples:** Home security sensors on windows.
- **Best fit when:** The tag monitors motion for home or building security.
## Key differences
| Option | Core Tech | Primary Use | Alarm Feature | Tracking? |
|-------|-----------|-------------|----------------|------------|
| 8505.11 | Metallic AM | Retail theft prevention | No | No |
| 8505.19 | Non-metallic AM | Retail theft prevention | No | No |
| 8517.62 | Bluetooth/UWB | Item tracking | No | Yes |
| 8523.52 | RFID/NFC | Inventory/exit detection | No | No |
| 8523.59 | Chip-based | Smart labeling | No | No |
| 8531.90 (alarm) | Mechanical/sensor | Immediate alarm | Yes | No |
| 8531.90 (microwave) | Microwave/frequency | Specialized detection | No | No |
| 8534.00 | General RF | Broad RF detection | No | No |
| 9031.80 | Motion sensor | Home security | No | No |
## How to choose
- Does it emit an audible alarm when removed? → 8531.90 (alarm)
- Does it use Bluetooth or UWB to track location? → 8517.62
- Does it detect motion or door/window movement? → 9031.80
- Is it based on RFID, NFC, or chip-based electronics? → 8523.52 or 8523.59
- Is it metallic and uses magnetic/AM tech? → 8505.11
- Is it non-metallic but still AM-based? → 8505.19
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- **8531.90** appears twice—likely a duplicate entry; clarify if one is for alarm, the other for microwave tech.
- **RFID/NFC (8523.52)** and **chip-based (8523.59)** may overlap; prioritize based on whether communication is standardized (NFC/RFID) or custom.
- **General RF (8534.00)** overlaps with RFID and AM tags—choose based on specificity: use 8534.00 only if no specific protocol applies.
- If a tag both alarms and tracks, prioritize by **main function**: alarm for theft deterrence, tracking for location recovery