UHF AZ-U9-D12
UCODE 9 Round UHF RFID Inlay, Ø 12 mm
- Chip
- NXP UCODE 9
- Antenna size
- Ø 12 mm
- Read range
- up to 7 m (reference)
Application engineering
NFC & RFID Tags for Cosmetics
Let shoppers check a product with a phone tap, and let counters count their own stock.
Design for the real reading environment
Beauty brands face two problems at once: counterfeits that undermine trust at the moment of repurchase, and counter stock that is small, fast-moving and expensive to count. Two tag families address them: NFC labels any current smartphone can tap, and UHF labels for sweep-speed inventory.
Antenza lists both: NXP NTAG213 NFC tags with a unique 7-byte ID and an ECC originality signature, and a 12 mm round UHF inlay on NXP UCODE 9 for jars, tubes and small cartons. Small antennas and conformable face stocks are selected for curved and metallised packs and confirmed on your packaging in the sample round.
What beauty brands are up against
- 01
Counterfeits at repurchase
A convincing fake bought once can end a customer relationship, and online marketplaces amplify the exposure.
- 02
Grey-market diversion
Product sold into one channel resurfaces in another; without unit-level identity there is no evidence trail.
- 03
Small, curved, metallised packs
Compacts, tubes and glass bottles with metallic decoration are hard placements for any antenna.
- 04
Counter counts
High-value testers and stock are counted by hand at closing time, and shrink is found late.
How Antenza supports cosmetics brands
Phone-tap NFC
NTAG213 tags are read natively by current iPhone and Android phones; the tag opens your URL, and your landing page decides what shoppers see.
Honest about authentication
The NTAG213 unique ID and originality signature help identify genuine chips, but a static URL can be copied. For cryptographic, tap-unique authentication, ask about NFC chips with SUN messaging (such as NTAG 424 DNA), which are not in our listed range. See NFC tags for brand protection.
Placement engineering
Small antennas and stand-off options for metallic decoration and curved glass, validated on your real packaging in the sample round.
UHF for counter stock
The 12 mm round UCODE 9 inlay fits caps and small cartons and brings apparel-style cycle counting to backbar and counter inventory.
Typical cosmetics tag specification
Metallic decoration changes both NFC and UHF behaviour. The sample round on your real packaging is where the final antenna and position are fixed.
| NFC layer | NXP NTAG213 (ISO/IEC 14443-A, NFC Forum Type 2), 144-byte user memory |
|---|---|
| UHF inventory layer | NXP UCODE 9, 12 mm round inlay |
| Formats | Small adhesive label · NFC sticker · round inlay for caps; seals on request |
| Face | Printable and clear options; conformable stocks for curves |
| Identity | Unique chip ID per tag, linked to your verification or content URL |
| Read range (reference) | NFC: a few centimetres with a phone · UHF 12 mm round: up to 7 m Reference only; depends on reader, antenna, power and the tagged material |
Products for this application
The 12 mm round UHF inlay and the NTAG213 NFC tags in our range; NFC specifications are shared on request.
UHF 
HF / NFC 
HF / NFC 
HF / NFC 
HF / NFC 
HF / NFC 
HF / NFC 
HF / NFC 
HF / NFC How ordering works
- 01
Specify
Share surface, read distance, chip preference and volume. We shortlist tags that fit.
- 02
Sample
Receive sample tags of the shortlisted designs to try in your own setup.
- 03
Validate
Test on your items, readers and printers. We adjust chip, size or format if needed.
- 04
Produce & ship
Volume production with 100% inline electrical test, then export shipping.
Frequently asked questions
Do shoppers need an app to tap the tag?
No. NTAG213 is read natively by current iPhone and Android phones: a tap opens the URL stored on the tag, and the experience on that page is yours.
Can a counterfeiter copy an NFC tag?
A static URL can be copied onto another tag. The NTAG213 originality signature lets an app check that the chip is a genuine NXP part, and your backend can flag duplicate or implausible scan patterns. For tap-unique cryptographic messages, use a chip with SUN authentication such as NTAG 424 DNA; ask us and we tell you what we can supply.
Will NFC work on metallised packaging?
Often yes, with the right position or a thin stand-off layer, but it must be validated on the real pack. Send packaging samples with your inquiry.
Can one tag do authentication and inventory?
NFC and UHF use different frequencies with different strengths: NFC for a shopper’s tap, UHF for bulk counting. Programs that need both usually use two tags or a dual-frequency tag; we advise what fits your pack and budget.
Which NTAG should we choose?
NTAG213 (144 bytes) holds a URL plus a short record, which is enough for most tap-to-web uses. If you need more memory, see NTAG213 vs NTAG215 vs NTAG216.
Do you offer tamper-evident seals?
Tamper-evident constructions, such as labels designed to break when removed, can be quoted on request. They are not part of the listed range, so we confirm feasibility on your pack with samples first.
Further engineering reading
- NFC for Brand Protection: Identity Is Not Authentication
Build an NFC brand-protection brief around threats, tag security and a verification service. A copied URL or static UID is not proof of authenticity.
- NTAG213 vs NTAG215 vs NTAG216: Size the NFC Payload
Choose NTAG213, 215 or 216 by the actual NDEF payload and workflow. Check usable memory, locking and finished-tag performance before specifying NFC labels.
- UHF, HF or NFC? Choose the RFID Frequency for the Job
Compare RFID frequencies by reading workflow, phone compatibility and tagged material. Choose a practical shortlist before testing tags on your items.
Talk to an RFID engineer
Adding NFC or RFID to a beauty product?
Send packaging samples and the goal (authentication, engagement or inventory). An engineer replies within 24 hours with options and a sample plan.
Email us: sales@antenza.com