A method performed by a network node includes the network node receiving, from a first portion of a service chain, a packet having a header portion that includes a first service chain path ID and a metadata field. The method further includes the network node retrieving, according to one or more predefined rules, one or more tags included in the metadata field. The method further includes the network node generating a second service chain path ID based on the one or more retrieved tags. The method further includes the network node replacing the first service chain path ID by inserting the second service chain path ID in the header portion, where the packet is forwarded, to a second portion of the service chain, in accordance with the second service chain path ID.