Tire (Tyre) Barcode & Tracking Labels — AIAG-Compliant WIP and Supply Chain Traceability

Tire barcode labels are specialized identification labels used to track individual tires throughout the manufacturing process and supply chain. Two formats serve different stages: bead labels are applied to the tire bead area for WIP (work-in-progress) tracking within the factory, and tread labels are applied to the tread surface for retail display and distribution. Barcodes on tire labels encode unique identifiers — allowing tires to be tracked from green tire through vulcanization, finished product, warehouse, distribution, retail sale, and end-of-life recycling.

Tire bead labels are applied to the inner bead area of the tire — typically before vulcanization (pre-cure) as part of WIP tracking in the manufacturing plant. They must survive vulcanization temperatures of 170°C–200°C+ and remain scannable throughout the supply chain. Tread labels are applied to the outer tread surface of finished tires — after curing — for retail display, regulatory compliance information (EU tyre labelling, US DOT/UTQG), and distribution tracking. Bead labels are the manufacturing traceability tool; tread labels are the consumer and supply chain communication tool.

For tire bead labels (WIP tracking), Code 128 and Data Matrix are the most widely used symbologies, with Data Matrix preferred for small label formats due to its high data density and error correction. For finished tire labels and supply chain use, GS1-128 (Code 128 with Application Identifiers) is the standard for distribution and retail. For consumer-facing labels, QR Codes are increasingly required — specifically for EU tyre label EPREL database linking. The AIAG B-11 standard specifies barcode requirements for tire identification; we can engineer labels to any symbology requirement.

Yes — and this is our core specialty. Our pre-cure bead barcode labels use specially formulated rubber-based adhesives and PET facestocks with protective topcoatings engineered to withstand vulcanization at 170°C–200°C+ and high mold pressure. The adhesive chemically bonds with the tire rubber during curing, and the barcode maintains full scannability post-cure. Every label is 100% barcode-verified to AIAG M-110 grade before shipment. We have supplied vulcanization-rated bead barcode labels to Bridgestone and Michelin production lines for over 35 years.

Both technologies have complementary strengths. Barcodes (Code 128, Data Matrix) require line-of-sight scanning but are lower cost, universally compatible, and sufficient for most WIP and supply chain tracking applications. RFID enables automated, non-line-of-sight identification — ideal for conveyor-based automated tracking, high-volume finished tire warehousing, and supply chain applications where manual scanning is impractical. Our hybrid labels combine both barcode and embedded RFID chip, allowing you to use existing barcode infrastructure while adopting RFID capabilities — giving you maximum flexibility without changing your current processes.

AIAG B-11 (Tire and Wheel Identification Label Application Standard) is the specific AIAG standard governing tire label content, placement, symbology, and print quality requirements. AIAG M-110 is the barcode print quality verification standard — defining minimum barcode grades for automotive supply chain use. Both standards are mandatory requirements for supplying major automotive tire manufacturers. Our labels are designed and verified to both standards, and our quality system (IATF 16949) includes ongoing barcode quality monitoring.

Our pre-cure bead barcode labels permanently bond to the tire during vulcanization and are designed to remain scannable for the full tire lifecycle — typically 15+ years. The barcode and human-readable text are protected by durable topcoatings resistant to abrasion, UV radiation, oils, and chemicals. Post-cure tread labels are designed for supply chain, retail, and distribution durability — typically 2–5 years under normal storage and handling conditions, as they are usually removed or replaced by the end consumer.

Yes. Variable data printing — including unique serialized barcodes, sequential numbers, date codes, and plant codes — is one of our core capabilities. We offer thermal transfer printing for variable data in both pre-printed label stock (with variable fields printed on-demand) and fully pre-printed serialized label rolls. Variable data labels are essential for tire traceability — allowing individual tire tracking from manufacturing through the full supply chain. We can also supply blank label stock compatible with your existing thermal transfer printers.

Our barcode tire labels are manufactured under IATF 16949 quality management certification (the gold standard for automotive suppliers), ISO 9001:2015, and ISO 14001:2015. Labels are designed to meet AIAG B-11 tire identification standard and verified to AIAG M-110 barcode quality grade. For RFID labels, our products comply with ISO 18000-6C and EPC Gen 2 standards. These certifications are verified requirements for supplying Tier-1 tire manufacturers including Bridgestone, Michelin, and other global OEMs.

Minimum order quantities vary by label format, print specification, and whether variable data is required. We accommodate both high-volume OEM production runs and smaller specialty orders. Pre-printed fixed data labels can be ordered in lower quantities than fully serialized variable data orders. Contact our technical sales team for a detailed quote tailored to your specific requirements — there is no minimum for initial consultation, sample requests, or qualification testing.