Types of Security Tags: A Complete Retail Guide
Retail security tags come in many formats, each designed for specific products and environments. This guide explains the main types, when to use each, and what to look for when ordering.
Two big categories
All retail security tags fall into two broad categories:
- Labels - adhesive, single-use, deactivated at the till.
- Hard tags - reusable, physically removed at the till with a detacher.
Within each, there are AM and RF variants (based on the technology your gates use). Beyond that, tag format depends on what you are protecting.
Labels (adhesive)
Standard labels
Flat adhesive labels, typically 40x40mm or 50x50mm. Applied directly to packaging. Deactivated at the till pad. Cheapest and most common format.
Best for: boxed goods, cosmetics, DVDs, books, stationery, general retail.
Micro labels
Smaller footprint (20x20mm or 30x30mm). Used where aesthetics matter - high-end packaging, premium cosmetics.
Best for: luxury goods, small high-value items.
Foil-safe labels
Specially tuned for application to metallic or foil packaging, which otherwise detunes standard labels. Must be AM technology for reliability.
Best for: pharmacy blister packs, food in metallic pouches, electronics in foil bags.
Source-tagged labels
Applied at the factory before goods reach your store - zero in-store labour. Increasingly common for major brands.
Best for: any retailer working with source-tagging suppliers.
Hard tags
Pencil tags (pin tags)
The classic slim tag attached via a pin through fabric. Reusable, low profile, works on most clothing.
Best for: fashion, garments, bags, general apparel.
Bottle tags
Ring-shaped tags that lock around bottle necks. Prevents bottles being walked off without a detacher.
Best for: alcohol, premium spirits, olive oil, high-value bottles.
Spider wraps
Multi-cable tags that wrap around boxed items in all dimensions. Alarm-on-cut and EAS functions combined.
Best for: boxed electronics, power tools, boxed toys, high-value packaged goods.
Lanyard tags
Tags attached by a cable loop. Ideal for items you cannot pin through (handbags, coats).
Best for: accessories, high-end handbags, coats, briefcases.
Optical tags
Purpose-designed for spectacles and sunglasses - attach to the arm without damaging the frame.
Best for: opticians, sunglasses retailers.
Padlock tags
Heavy-duty tags with cable and lock mechanism. Maximum physical deterrent.
Best for: very high-value goods, premium electronics, displays.
The accessories
Pins and lanyard loops
Every pin tag needs a pin. Every lanyard tag needs a loop. Order matching quantities when you stock up on hard tags.
Deactivators (for labels)
Pads at the till that neutralise labels as they pass over. One per till point.
Detachers (for hard tags)
Magnetic pads (for standard tags) or keyed tools (for SuperLock security tags) that release the pin or cable. Located at till.
Choosing the right format
| Product category | Recommended format |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Pencil tag or RF label |
| Shoes | Lanyard tag through eyelet |
| Handbags | Lanyard tag |
| Cosmetics | Micro label or foil-safe label |
| Alcohol | Bottle tag |
| Boxed electronics | Spider wrap |
| DVDs / media | Standard label |
| Pharmacy | AM foil-safe label |
| Sunglasses | Optical tag |
Order quantities and pricing
Labels are sold in packs of 1,000 - 10,000. Hard tags are sold in packs of 25 - 100. Volume discounts kick in at 10,000+ labels or 500+ hard tags.
Typical UK prices:
- RF labels: 2.0p - 3.0p each in bulk
- AM labels: 2.5p - 4.5p each in bulk
- Pencil tags: 30p - 55p each
- Spider wraps: £1.80 - £4.00 each
- Bottle tags: 80p - £1.50 each
What to ask before ordering
- Is your EAS system AM or RF? Tags must match.
- Do you need deactivators or detachers? (Label formats need deactivators, hard tags need detachers.)
- What is your monthly tag consumption? (This drives pack size and price break.)
- Are any of your products in metallic packaging? (Needs foil-safe labels.)
Need help choosing the right tags?
We stock all of the above. Tell us what you sell and we'll recommend the right format and quantity.