A radio frequency (RF) identification system includes a tag for identifying characteristics of an ink, and a reader that receives transmitted RF signals from the tag. The tag includes a memory which stores data, and an RF source which generates RF signals. Selective data are transmitted as the RF signals, identifying characteristics of the ink, such as the color of the ink and the age of the ink. A disabler circuit can be used to shut down printing operations if the identified characteristics of the ink do not meet pre-determined criteria.