Livestock

Key changes for NSW eID

Jan 2, 2025

Electronic identification (eID) is now mandatory for sheep and goats in NSW.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is reminding livestock producers and industry stakeholders that electronic identification (eID) is now mandatory.

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The following came into effect on January 1:

Mandatory use of eID devices such as tags for all sheep and goats born from January 1, 2025, prior to leaving the property of birth.
For property-to-property movements, any sheep or goats with an eID device must be scanned, and the entire movement uploaded to the NLIS database.
Saleyards and goat depots need to scan eIDs and record individual livestock sheep and goat movements on the NLIS database.

NSW DPIRD sheep and goat traceability director Kiowa Fenner said the new requirements would strengthen the integrity of the state’s livestock traceability system.

The NSW Government is staggering the implementation of eID, so all sheep and goat movements will not be required until January 1, 2027. Processors have been able to scan eIDs and upload eID data to the NLIS database since June 30, 2024.

Ms Fenner said the department had been actively working with saleyards and stock agents across the state, to ensure they were ready for the changes on January 1.

“NSW DPIRD has also been working to provide producers with the resources and practical skills to make the switch to eID, with workshops and presentations across the state continuing in 2025,” she said.

“Producers are encouraged to begin preparing for the shift to eID and for many this will be as simple as simply purchasing eID devices rather than visual tags for their lambs and kids next year.”

When producers purchase white 2025 NLIS-accredited devices from their preferred retailer, they will receive a $0.76 discount under the NSW Tag Discount Program until October 31 or until funds are exhausted.

For more information, go to: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/bfs/your-role-in-biosecurity/primary-producers/nlis/eID