NLIS Cattle

NLIS (Cattle) was introduced in NSW on 1 July 2004 and involves electronic identification of cattle and recording of all cattle movements in the NLIS database. Cattle are identified with approved NLIS ear devices, or rumen boluses and a matching ear tag. All movements of cattle to sale, slaughter or to any other property are recorded in the NLIS database.

• Getting started for cattle producers
  This gives an introduction to  NLIS requirements for identification and movement of cattle in NSW (including pets, poddy calves, buffalo, bison, beef and dairy cattle).
• Identification and stock movements (PDF, 231.2 KB)
  This guides you through the general NLIS requirements for identifying cattle in NSW, particularly when moving them from one property to another.
• Cattle - questions and answers
  A collection of questions we receive about the NLIS database and how it works.

All movements of cattle between properties with different Property Identification Codes (PICs) must be recorded in the NLIS database and all cattle must be identified with an NLIS device before they leave their property of birth or any other property.

• 8 step guide to moving and selling cattle
  Follow these 8 steps to make sure you are complying with your NLIS obligations when moving or selling cattle.
  Advice for moving or selling cattle.

• Guidelines for managing an agent code (PDF, 296.92 KB)
  This document provides stock and station agents with advice on their NLIS requirements for management of their agent code and temporary transfers.
• Guidelines for NSW abattoirs (PDF, 264.59 KB)
  A guide to the NLIS requirements for abattoirs managing the slaughter of cattle in NSW.
• Guidelines for NSW knackeries (PDF, 377.7 KB)
  An overview of NLIS requirements for knackeries managing the slaughter of cattle, sheep and goats in NSW.
• Quick guide for stock agents (PDF, 404.44 KB)
  A summary of NLIS requirements for stock and station agents in NSW.
• Agistment requirements (PDF, 197.2 KB)
  This factsheet outlines NLIS requirements in NSW for producers moving cattle temporarily from their property to an agistment property (moving cattle to another property where feed is available).
• Property-to-property transfers (PDF, 210.62 KB)
  There are important NLIS requirements in NSW when transferring cattle between properties with different Property Identification Codes (PICs).
• Utilising carcase information (PDF, 395.5 KB)
  Read about the regulations that you need to know about when working with cattle after they are slaughtered.
• Online sales
  Understand the NLIS requirements for anyone who is purchasing or selling livestock online.

• NLIS Procedures for Cattle PDF, 347.27 KB
  Everything you need to know about identification and recording of cattle movements in NSW.
• Livestock movements in emergencies – NLIS and General Biosecurity Duty
  This procedure outlines how the NLIS requirements and the General Biosecurity Duty (GBD) can be met in emergency livestock movement situations caused by bushfire, flood, or other emergencies.
• NLIS Compliance Monitoring
  This procedure describes the requirements for monitoring the NLIS in NSW, consistent with national requirements, with the aim of encouraging industry to improve lifetime traceability of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.
• Managing statuses, errors and data transfers on the NLIS database
  This document describes procedures for assigning and managing statuses, correcting errors and performing special data transfers on the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database.
• Supply of approved identifiers
  This procedure describes the minimum requirements for the supply of approved permanent identifiers as part of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS)
• NLIS Procedure for cattle, sheep and goat abattoirs and knackeries
  This procedure details the measures that must be adopted by operators of abattoirs and knackeries in NSW to effectively implement the NLIS in accordance with state legislation and red meat standards, and by meat safety inspectors when monitoring and enforcing compliance by those establishments.
• NLIS Procedure for livestock movements for NSW shows and sporting events (PDF, 494.74 KB)
  This procedure clearly outlines mandatory NLIS requirements for all livestock attending shows and events, provides clarity on available support networks, and reflects DPIRD's investment in driving long-term behavioural change through targeted interventions that address known compliance barriers.

• Join the NLIS
  Record livestock movements between properties and information about your livestock and/or property.
  Register for an NLIS account
• MLA – information about NLIS cattle
• LPA – information about NVDs