It was not until the introduction of a bear in 1902 that the company really expanded. Soon after the famous Steiff trademark "KNOPF IM OHR" - "BUTTON IN EAR" appeared in 1904 as the company tried to distinguish themselves from other manufacturers. The button is still very much part of Steiff toy and has come to symbolize Margaret's underlying philosophies of quality and that only the best was good enough for children.

The different types and colors or ear tags help distinguish one Steiff from another.
They represent the symbol of quality from Margarete Steiff GmbH
Is the unique characteristic of a genuine Steiff product.
Guarantees compliance with the European toy safety guidelines
  Is perforated, single-layer fabric tape since October 2,000
  Designed in such a way that children cannot harm themselves.   

The Yellow/Red Tag

This is used for the unlimited articles in the normal product range, including Cuddly Animals, Pets and Farm Animals and Wild Animals. The Steiff logo is printed on the front. Apart from the logo, the European Article Number (EAN) was also given on the front up to September 2000. This has been printed on the reverse side since October 2000.

Apart from the EAN, other information is also printed on the reverse side, e.g.:
 PA - polyamide
 PAC - polyacrylic
 PES - polyester cotton
 cotton
 wool
Import regulations for the USA
PA 4588 DE Mass 73

White/Black

This tag is used for limited edition articles. Items bearing this ear tag have been modeled on old Steiff products and are designated as replicas. The total number of articles produced, the limited edition number and the year of issue are printed on the reverse side of the tag.

White/Red

This ear tag is used for special limited edition articles. These include Steiff animals that have been manufactured for specific customers or countries. The limited edition number, the total number of articles and the year of issue are also printed on the reverse side of these tags