Key dates for livestock owners
Current requirements
- All sheep and goats born from 1 January 2025 must have an eID device applied prior to leaving the property of birth
- All sheep and goats with eID devices moved between properties must have these individually recorded and uploaded in the NLIS database within 48 hours of the movement.
From 1 January 2027
- All sheep and goats must have an eID device applied prior to leaving any property, regardless of age
What you need to do to be eID ready
Key tasks
Current requirements
- Livestock owners must ensure that sheep and goats born on or after 1 January 2025 are properly identified with an NLIS accredited eID device before sheep or goats leave any property.
- Recording individual property to property (P2P) movements for sheep and goats with eID devices in the NLIS database. A P2P is any movement of livestock to a different PIC, that is not to a saleyard or processor. Under the NLIS, P2P movements between different property identification codes (PICs) must be recorded in the NLIS database within 2 days.
This includes
- Movement of livestock between your own properties if those properties have different PICs
- Purchasing livestock privately or on an online platform, e.g. on Auctions Plus
- Moving livestock to and from leased/agistment property/stock route
- Any other movements irrespective of whether or not the livestock are sold.
Generally, it is the responsibility of the party receiving the livestock to complete the movement on the NLIS database.
From 1 January 2027
- Livestock owners must ensure that all sheep and goats of any age are properly identified with an NLIS accredited eID device before they leave any property (including agistment properties), regardless of their age.
Any time
- All owners of one or more sheep or goat must have a Property Identification Code (PIC). You can apply for a PIC through Local Land Services
- Register for an NLIS account on the database to report livestock movements, visit the NLIS website
- Attend workshops and field days or complete online learning modules to learn how to implement the new eID system for NLIS (Sheep and Goats), including scanning of eID devices and recording these in the NLIS database.
- Sheep and goats identified with an eID device that are not vendor bred, do not need to be listed in 'other PICs' on an NVD when being moved. Ensure you correctly fill out the 'number of NLIS electronic devices in this consignment' question on the NVD. See this guide to filling in an NVD.
Support available
You can find more information at Training and Resources.
To learn about NLIS requirements for sheep and goats in NSW visit the NSW DPIRD NLIS Sheep and Goat website.
For more information on how to complete individual NLIS transfers with eID devices, or to find a current list of accredited NLIS devices, visit the Integrity Systems Company Website.
If you are unsure whether you are likely to need equipment beyond eID devices to meet the requirements, you can use our Sheep and Goat eID equipment purchasing guide for producers which will walk you through some factors to consider.
Sheep and Goat eID Equipment Rebate Program
The NSW Government has invested $2 million into this program to make eID equipment more affordable for people across the state. Eligible producers and agents can get 50% of the cost back, up to $1,500, when they buy a handheld eID reader. Applications open 2 March 2026 and close 31 August 2026, or earlier if the program’s funding is fully allocated.
For more information, see the NSW Sheep and Goat eID Equipment Rebate Program page.
FAQS
What is an eID device?
An eID device is an electronic identification (eID) device that has an internal microchip (RFID) and is printed with a unique serial number (NLIS ID), which is attached to individual sheep and goats in the form of an ear tag, or sometimes a leg band for goats.
Why is eID being implemented?
The NLIS (Sheep and Goats) mob-based system was fully implemented in mid-2010. The international markets we sell to now have higher traceability requirements, and the growing volume of international trade and travel has increased biosecurity risks to Australian livestock industries. Therefore, a more accurate and efficient traceability system for is required for sheep and goats.
The introduction of eID will provide more accurate and timely traceability of animals which will:
- Reduce time delays to manage an emergency disease or residue incident
- Enable more targeted response activities, reducing the number of livestock and producers impacted (including livestock destroyed)
- Reduce the time that Australia is restricted from export markets following an emergency disease or residue incident.
Why is ultra-high frequency eID not being implemented?
Currently, ultra-high frequency (UHF) eID technology is not being implemented for the following reasons
1. Lack of Accreditation:
Currently, there are no UHF livestock eID devices that are NLIS accredited or in the NLIS accreditation process for sheep and goats. The use of NLIS-accredited devices is essential to ensure consistency and reliability in traceability.
2. Infrastructure Upgrades:
Implementing UHF eID would require significant upgrades to existing infrastructure, including readers and other eID systems. These upgrades would be costly and time-consuming, and they need to be compatible with the new technology.
3. Resource Constraints:
The additional time and resources required to trial, acquire, and upgrade the entire supply chain to support UHF eID technology are substantial. Given the current national implementation timeline, the existing eID equipment remains the most viable option for the foreseeable future.
4. Future Considerations:
If new eID technologies, including UHF, become available in the future, members of the sheep and goat supply chain are encouraged to investigate their suitability.
While UHF eID technology may hold potential, the lack of accreditation, need for infrastructure upgrades, and resource constraints mean that the current eID system remains the best option for meeting immediate implementation goals.
Will the NLIS database be upgraded as part of eID implementation?
The Commonwealth Government announced $22.5 million for an upgrade of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database.
Integrity Systems Company will use this investment to develop a new database that has improved functionality, user-friendliness, analytics, reporting and cybersecurity. The new database will be developed independently to avoid impacting the functionality of the current database.
Will the price of tags be lowered for producers in NSW?
There was a government-supported discount on sheep and goat eID devices in NSW between 1 November 2024 to 31 December 2025. This discount was 76c per device off the cost of white sheep and goat NLIS eID devices.
What is the benefit of having sheep and goat eID if there is a disease outbreak?
Implementing eID for sheep and goats offers significant advantages, particularly in terms of traceability and response efficiency due to the enhanced ability to trace and manage livestock during a disease outbreak or food safety concern, leading to quicker and more effective responses, reduced impact, and protection of export markets.
This is demonstrated by the 2020 SAFEMEAT Traceability Evaluation Exercise which showed that within 24 hours, 70% of sheep with visual tags could be traced back to their vendor or property of residence for the past 30 days. In contrast, 99.64% of sheep with eID devices could be traced in the same timeframe, showing the superior accuracy and completeness of traceability with eID.
Why should we implement eID if feral animals can spread emergency animal diseases including FMD?
Livestock traceability and feral animal management work together to manage animal disease transmission.
While feral animals may play a role in the transmission of some livestock diseases, transmission between livestock is likely to be the major immediate threat in the case of emergency animal diseases given the larger numbers and closer geographic proximity of domesticated livestock.
Control of feral animals during an exotic disease emergency is outlined in the AUSVETPLAN for wild animal response (https://animalhealthaustralia.com.au/ausvetplan).
How will implementing eID impact me as a producer?
Implementing eID for your sheep and goats will bring about a few key changes in how you manage and track your livestock:
- Switching to eID Devices:
Starting 1 January 2025, you will need to use NLIS-accredited eID devices instead of traditional NLIS visual tags for all lambs and kids born from that date. Additionally, by 1 January 2027, all older sheep and goats must have an eID device before they leave any property, regardless of their age.
- Individual Movement Recording:
From 1 January 2025, all NLIS transfers involving sheep and goats with an eID device will need to be recorded as individual movements. This means you’ll need to upload the individual eID device numbers for each animal being moved, replacing the previously used mob-based movement system.
Do I need a new tag applicator?
It is recommended that you buy the applicator that is accredited for the eID device you are purchasing. They are designed specifically and accredited with the corresponding device to suit the shape of the tag and to accommodate the microchip without damaging it during application. Using the correct applicator will help ensure the eID is applied well and stays in the ear and remains functioning.
What eID equipment do I need for my property?
The need for eID equipment varies depending on your farming operations. Here’s what you should consider:
Basic Requirements:
For many producers, purchasing additional eID-related equipment may not be necessary. However, if you regularly move large numbers of livestock between properties with different Property Identification Codes (PICs) or bring in stock from private sales or online platforms like Auction Plus, you will need access to an eID device reader.
Advanced Data Collection:
If you're interested in collecting individual animal data on health, fertility, genetics, weight gain, or wool traits, you might want to invest in eID equipment. This allows you to make more informed management, monitoring, and selection decisions, ultimately improving productivity and profitability.
Need More Information?
If you're unsure whether you need eID equipment, it’s a good idea to consult the Sheep and Goat eID Equipment Purchasing Guide for Producers. This guide provides detailed information to help you make the right choice for your operation.
Will there be changes to the current tag colour system?
No. NSW will continue to strongly recommend use of the year of birth colour system for eID devices, however, this system is not mandatory in NSW. Post-breeder eID devices will always be pink.
The year of birth breeder colours are rotated through an eight-year cycle. Goat leg bands are always yellow for breeders and pink for post-breeders.
Year | Colour | |
|---|---|---|
2019 | 2027 | Light Green |
2020 | 2028 | Purple |
| 2021 | 2029 | Yellow |
| 2022 | 2030 | Red |
| 2023 | 2031 | Sky Blue |
| 2024 | 2032 | Black |
| 2025 | 2033 | White |
| 2026 | 2034 | Orange |
Do my lambs/kids that are born in 2024 need an eID when I sell them in 2025 or 2026?
No, if you have any sheep or goats that are born during 2024 (or earlier), they can still be moved or sold with an NLIS visual tag until 1 January 2027.
- Any sheep or goats that are born from 1 January 2025 onwards, must have an eID device applied before being moved or sold.
- Any sheep or goats that are born during 2024 or earlier must have an eID device applied to be moved or sold from 1 January 2027.
- These animals can be moved or sold with an NLIS visual tag until this date.
If I tag an animal with an eID device that already has a visual NLIS tag in its ear, do I need to remove the visual tag (and is this legally allowed?)
No, do not remove any existing NLIS visual tags. A sheep or goat may have several NLIS visual tags, but they can only have one eID device (which must be an NLIS eID device). Use an NLIS eID breeder device if the animal was bred on your PIC, or use an NLIS eID post-breeder device (pink) if the animal was not bred on your PIC.
My animals currently have non-NLIS eID devices, what do I need to do for eID implementation?
When animals are required to have an eID device, you must remove the non-NLIS accredited eID device and replace with an NLIS-accredited eID device. Animals must only ever have one eID device attached when they leave the property, which must be NLIS accredited. You can tell if a device is NLIS accredited as it will have the NLIS logo printed on the device.
What do I have to do differently in the National Livestock Identification System database when I start using eIDs?
When you begin using NLIS-accredited eID devices, here's what you need to know:
1. Device Registration:
Once you purchase NLIS-accredited eIDs, they are automatically registered as active devices on your Property Identification Code (PIC) in the NLIS database by the manufacturer of the eID device. There's no need for you to register these devices yourself.
2. Recording Movements to Saleyards and Processors:
Saleyards and processors are responsible for recording the movement of individual sheep and goats onto and off their facilities. They will update the NLIS database with the movement details, which will remove the eID devices from your PIC once the animals leave your property through these premises. If you buy animals through a physical saleyard (not online), the eID devices will also be moved onto your property by the saleyard.
3. Property to Property (P2P) Movements:
If you're moving livestock from one property to another (P2P movements), or purchasing via an online auction site, the producer receiving the stock must scan each individual animal’s eID and upload the movement details to their PIC in the NLIS database. This step ensures the accurate tracing of livestock between properties.
For more detailed information, visit www.nlis.com.au or contact ISC Customer Service at 1800 683 111 for assistance with NLIS.
What are the on-farm benefits from eID?
Implementing electronic identification (eID) for your sheep and goats offers several valuable benefits for on-farm management:
1. Accurate Individual Identification:
eID allows you to accurately and consistently identify individual animals on a large scale. This is particularly useful for managing large herds, as it ensures precise tracking and monitoring of each animal.
2. Enhanced Data Collection:
By combining eID with data collection on traits important to your business—such as health, fertility, genetics, weight gain, and wool characteristics—you can store and analyse individual animal data. This information becomes a powerful tool for enhancing production.
3. Informed Decision-Making:
Access to detailed individual animal data allows you to identify the top and bottom performers in your herd. This enables more informed management, monitoring, and selection decisions, leading to improved productivity and profitability.
4. Improved Disease Management:
eID enables faster and more accurate tracing of animals, which is crucial in the event of a disease outbreak. This capability allows governments to reduce the spread of disease and respond to exotic disease incidents more quickly. For producers, this reduces the risk of livestock loss and minimizes the potential impact on revenue.
Overall, eID offers significant advantages for both day-to-day farm management and long-term business success.
My animals never leave the farm, do they need an eID?
According to the NSW Regulation, sheep and goats are required to have a permanent identifier, such as an NLIS-accredited eID device, before they are moved from their property of birth or any subsequent property. However, if your animals never leave your property, they are not required to have an NLIS eID device.
Where can I get more information on what I need to do to implement eID?
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has many resources on its website, including free online training, specialist resources and the LLS events page listing face-to-face workshop opportunities across NSW.
For NLIS database support, contact Integrity Systems Company Customer Service on 1800 683 111 or at support@integritysystems.com.au.
Can eID be used to identify stolen stock?
Lost, stolen or stray stock can have a status assigned to their individual eID device, which is then recorded in the NLIS database as an individual device status. Providing the eID device has not been removed, Integrity Systems Company will send an automated warning email to the NSW DPIRD NLIS Enquiries Email Inbox when that device is scanned into the NLIS database by a saleyard or abattoir operator, or a producer.
The NSW Police Force Rural Crime Prevention Team sees the implementation of sheep and goat eID as a valuable tool in preventing and detecting livestock theft. It is critically important that producers adopt proper practices around the use of eID devices such as conducting regular PIC reconciliations to ensure an accurate record of devices and livestock numbers on a property. Furthermore, it is essential for producers to ensure any property- to-property movements are accurately recorded on the NLIS database as the RCPT relies on the accuracy of this information when conducting stock theft investigations.
How will the implementation of eID impact me if I’m a harvested rangeland goat producer?
A harvested rangeland goat (HRG) is a goat captured from the wild, not born through a managed breeding program, and not subjected to any animal husbandry procedures or treatments. Here’s what you need to know about their movement and requirements:
- Tag-Free Movement:
HRGs can be moved tag-free when sent directly to an abattoir for slaughter or via one registered goat depot, provided the consigner meets certain accreditation requirements.
- New Requirements from 1 January 2025:
- Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) HRG Accreditation: Owners of HRGs will need to complete the LPA module specifically tailored for HRG accreditation. This accreditation is to ensure compliance with new standards and best practices.
- The PIC will need to be LPA accredited for HRG, following completing of the HRG LPA module.
- HRG National Vendor Declaration (NVD): When consigning HRGs, owners must use the HRG National Vendor Declaration (NVD). This document ensures that all necessary information about the HRGs is provided and that they meet required standards for movement and processing.
These requirements aim to maintain high standards for the handling and processing of HRGs, ensuring traceability and compliance with the NLIS Regulation and industry standards.
For more information visit the ISC HRG webpage
Upcoming events
To find out where our team will be delivering information about sheep and goat eID, visit the LLS Upcoming Events page or sign up for our newsletter.
Contact us
If you have any questions you can contact us at sheepgoateid@dpird.nsw.gov.au.