Frequently Asked Questions: Sheep & Goat EID Implementation
The frequency of biosecurity incursions and the associated economic, community and environmental risks and impacts are increasing.
The direct economic impact of an incursion of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) to the Australian livestock sector is estimated to be billions of dollars. There would be devastating personal, social and economic consequences extending far beyond agricultural industries and communities.
Transitioning to a more robust traceability system for sheep and goats has been supported by industry and Government at a state and national level.
This system will mean a change from a mob-based traceability system to one where individual sheep and goats will be traced using electronic identification tags (EID), similar to that for cattle.
Implementation of an EID system to individually trace sheep and goats will also deliver the national and international standards of traceability.
Here we hope to regularly update FAQ’s livestock producers may have in an effort to plan for the mandatory introduction of sheep and goat EID on 1st January 2025.
If the answers you require aren’t listed here please contact us by Email or LiveChat. We’ll answer you promptly and add your question/answer to the list.
Thank you for collaborating on this important topic. Why not order a Free Sample and Buying guide HERE
What is the proposed Nationwide timeline?
30 June 2024
-Mandatory processor EID scanning and upload.
1 January 2025
-Mandatory EID for all sheep and farmed goats born from this date, prior to leaving property of birth.
-Mandatory EID scanning and upload by saleyards and depots.
-Mandatory EID property to property transfers.
1 January 2027
-Mandatory EID for all sheep and farmed goats prior to leaving any property.
Western Australia
Following a successful pilot of the Tag Incentive Payment (TIP) scheme and funding received via the 2023-24 State Budget, the 2023 TIP scheme has been extended.
Rebate Scheme
The discount on sky blue breeder electronic identification tags for sheep and goats will be available until 31 December 2023. Fully accredited sky blue tags for 2023 will receive a $0.75 discount per tag via participating manufacturers.
More information from Agric WA can be found HERE
Focus Points:
All applicable Tag Brands can be found HERE
The Discount will be available until 31st December 2023.
Sky Blue EID tags can also be used in subsequent years.
Further details will be updated as available.
New South Wales
The NSW Farmers $1 (+GST) tag price goal is supported in Queensland and South Australia. Download NSW implementation brochure HERE
Rebate Scheme
The $38 million NSW Sheep and Goat EID Infrastructure Rebate Scheme will soon be open.
When do applications open:
1. For processors and saleyards from 1 August 2023.
2. For producers and stock and station agents from 3 October 2023.
Focus Points:
$38 mil of grants available for producers.
50% rebate off the purchase price of livestock Weighing & Scanning equipment.
Use of the gear for cattle operations is not excluded.
Further details will be updated as available.
Tasmania
TASMANIA’S peak farming body supports moves to limit sheep and goat electronic ear tag costs to around $1 or less.
Further details will be updated as available.
Queensland
The QLD Farmers $1 (+GST) tag price goal is supported in NSW and South Australia.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) will be holding a number of workshops for the sheep and goat industry beginning in August 2023. For more details see the DPI site HERE
Further details will be updated as available.
South Australia
The SA Farmers $1 (+GST) tag price goal is supported in Queensland and NSW.
Rebate Scheme
The Government of South Australia has committed funding to support implementation of the first stage of EID for sheep and farmed goats.
This package will assist the supply chain to transition to EID through:
1. A 50% discount per eligible EID tag in 2023–24 and 2024–25 for lambs and kids
2. Support of 75% towards the cost of essential infrastructure required for implementing EID across the supply chain.
Focus Points:
A rebate will be available for sheep and goat producers who have purchased eligible tags since 1 January 2023.
Further details will be updated as available.
General ID Questions
Estimated Tag Manufacturer Lead Times
For the latest estimated lead times for tag manufacturers please CLICK HERE
MLA/LPA Vendor Declaration Forms
Once you are registered and accredited with LPA, you can order LPA NVDs online at any time via the LPA Service Centre. Both hard copy forms and electronic LPA NVDs (eDECs) are available. You can also order LPA NVDs by calling 1800 683 111 (9am – 5pm Monday-Friday, AEST).
Each LPA NVD booklet contains 20 LPA NVDs and costs $40.00 (GST inclusive). This price includes all postage and handling.
Cheaper and faster than hard copy LPA NVDS, eDECs can be accessed immediately and offer cost savings of 48%. Each eDEC costs $0.95, and can be purchased in bundles of 5, 10, 20, 50 or 100.
The eNVD will replace the eDEC system in the future, but at this stage a date for the phase out of the eDEC has not been determined. Producers will be encouraged to transition to the eNVD system once their eDECs are used.
You can find further information on LPA National Vendor Declarations HERE
Year Colours & Year Letters
For details of Year Colours and Year Letters please CLICK HERE
Reader Manuals & Apps
For more detailed information with regards to RFID (EID) Readers (Scanners) and Applications, visit our dedicated downloads section. please CLICK HERE
Western Australia
Western Australia DPI
For more detailed information please refer to the DPI WA WEBSITE
Western Australia Cattle
NLIS Cattle in Western Australia
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- 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.
- Tags can be purchased directly from your re-seller. For more information please refer to the AGRIC WA WEBSITE
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For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
Western Australia Sheep & Goats
NLIS Sheep & Goats in Western Australia
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- NLIS (Sheep and Goats) uses a combination of visually readable ear tags printed with a Property Identification Code (PIC), an NLIS movement document which accompanies every mob of sheep or goats when they move, and the recording of all movements of sheep and goats in the NLIS database, to provide traceability.
- Tags can be purchased directly from your re-seller. For more information please refer to the AGRIC WA WEBSITE
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For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
Western Australia Pigs
NLIS Pigs in Western Australia
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- State and territory governments will legislate for NLIS Pigs to commence from 1 February 2018, however there are already some aspects of pig traceability that are mandatory, such as the need for a PIC and the use of slap brand tattoos.
- The current mandatory requirements are:
- All properties running pigs require a PIC.
- All pigs must be identified with a tattoo or (from 1 February 2018) an NLIS approved tag before leaving the property.
- A PigPass NVD or other movement document is required for all movements of pigs off a property.
- All pig movements must be reported to the PigPass database within 48 hours of the arrival at a new PIC.
- Tags can be purchased directly from your re-seller. For more information please refer to the For more information please refer to the AGRIC WA WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
Queensland
Queensland DPI
For Queensland NLIS Declaration Statement Form CLICK HERE
- This is a form to be completed and uploaded with your order allowing 4tags to submit an “application to purchase NLIS devices” form on your behalf
For Queensland Land owner request for access or removal to industry systems (NLIS, LPA NVD) Form CLICK HERE
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- This is a form to be completed and uploaded with your order when you are not the land owner where the animals are kept and you:
- require access to industry systems (NLIS, LPA NVD), or
- no longer require access to industry systems (NLIS, LPA NVD)
For Regional DAF offices please refer to the DAF QLD WEBSITE
Ordering NLIS devices in Queensland from 1 October 2019
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- Please be advised that NLIS device orders cannot be processed unless the producer has a current biosecurity entity registration. From 1 October 2019 requests for NLIS devices will be denied unless registration is current. Please ensure you have a current biosecurity entity registration before submitting an order.
- Biosecurity entity registration is separate to the industry system of LPA. Detailed information about who must be registered is available at QLD GOV WEBSITE.
- The form can also be downloaded as a fillable PDF HERE
- Biosecurity Queensland have emailed all registered entities with expired registrations providing instructions on how to renew registration. If you as a producer have an online account, you can renew your registration on the Biosecurity Entity Registration Portal. If you don’t have an online account, to get access call the DAF Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.
Assistance is also available at Regional Offices - Once you have access to your online account you can generate your own NLIS device order form online and supply to 4Tags with your order for approved NLIS devices. As producers with an online account have already verified their details, the NLIS order form you can access using your online account is pre-authorised. This means you no longer need to seek separate authorisation from a biosecurity officer before submitting your order to 4Tags. This speeds up the NLIS tag ordering process for Qld producers.
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Up to date biosecurity entity registration information is a critical part of Queensland’s robust biosecurity system. Biosecurity entity registration allows DAF to better prepare for biosecurity emergencies, respond to biosecurity risks and trace the origin and spread of a pest or disease. This makes it easier to, for example, contact cattle producers if there’s a biosecurity event that could affect their industry.
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
Queensland Cattle
NLIS Cattle in Queensland
- To order an approved device or tag you must first obtain an ‘Application for Permanent NLIS Device’ signed by an inspector
- This application is available from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) offices where inspectors are located.
- For Regional DAF offices please refer to the DAF QLD WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
Queensland Sheep & Goats
NLIS Sheep in Queensland
- To order an approved device or tag you must first obtain an ‘Application for Permanent NLIS Device’ signed by an inspector.
- This application is available from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) offices where inspectors are located.
- For Regional DAF offices please refer to the DAF QLD WEBSITE
NLIS Goats in Queensland
- • All farmed goats must be identified with an approved NLIS device before travelling to a goat depot.
- For further information please refer to the BZ QLD WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
Queensland Pigs
NLIS Pigs in Queensland
- State and territory governments will legislate for NLIS Pigs to commence from 1 February 2018, however there are already some aspects of pig traceability that are mandatory, such as the need for a PIC and the use of slap brand tattoos.
- The current mandatory requirements are:
- All properties running pigs require a PIC.
- All pigs must be identified with a tattoo or (from 1 February 2018) an NLIS approved tag before leaving the property.
- A PigPass NVD or other movement document is required for all movements of pigs off a property.
- All pig movements must be reported to the PigPass database within 48 hours of the arrival at a new PIC.
- Tags can be purchased directly from your re-seller. For more information please refer to the For more information please refer to the BZ QLD WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
New South Wales & ACT
New South Wales DPI
For Department of Primary Industries NSW information please refer to the NSW DPI WEBSITE
New South Wales Pigs
NLIS Pigs in NSW
- State and territory governments will legislate for NLIS Pigs to commence from 1 February 2018, however there are already some aspects of pig traceability that are mandatory, such as the need for a PIC and the use of slap brand tattoos.
- The current mandatory requirements are:
- All properties running pigs require a PIC.
- All pigs must be identified with a tattoo or (from 1 February 2018) an NLIS approved tag before leaving the property.
- A PigPass NVD or other movement document is required for all movements of pigs off a property.
- All pig movements must be reported to the PigPass database within 48 hours of the arrival at a new PIC.
- Tags can be purchased directly from your re-seller. For more information please refer to the For more information please refer to the NSW DPI WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
New South Wales Cattle
NLIS Cattle in New South Wales
- 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.
- Tags can be purchased directly from your re-seller. For more information please refer to the NSW DPI WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
New South Wales Sheep & Goats
NLIS Sheep & Goats in New South Wales
- NLIS (Sheep and Goats) uses a combination of visually readable ear tags printed with a Property Identification Code (PIC), an NLIS movement document which accompanies every mob of sheep or goats when they move, and the recording of all movements of sheep and goats in the NLIS database, to provide traceability.
- Tags can be purchased directly from your re-seller. For more information please refer to the NSW DPI WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
South Australia
South Australia DPI
For more detailed information please refer to the DPI SA WEBSITE
South Australia Cattle
NLIS Cattle in South Australia
- Cattle owners who purchase electronic National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags must pay $1.50 to the Cattle Industry Fund.
- Authorised tag suppliers collect and forward the money on behalf of the cattle owner.
- For more detail on the Cattle Industry Fund please refer to the PIR SA WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
South Australia Sheep & Goats
NLIS Sheep & Goats in South Australia
- All sheep and goats must be identified with a visually readable NLIS device before being moved to any property or location with a different PIC.
- For further information please refer to the PIR SA WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
South Australia Pigs
NLIS Pigs in South Australia
- State and territory governments will legislate for NLIS Pigs to commence from 1 February 2018, however there are already some aspects of pig traceability that are mandatory, such as the need for a PIC and the use of slap brand tattoos.
- The current mandatory requirements are:
- All properties running pigs require a PIC.
- All pigs must be identified with a tattoo or (from 1 February 2018) an NLIS approved tag before leaving the property.
- A PigPass NVD or other movement document is required for all movements of pigs off a property.
- All pig movements must be reported to the PigPass database within 48 hours of the arrival at a new PIC.
- Tags can be purchased directly from your re-seller. For more information please refer to the For more information please refer to the PIR SA WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
Northern Territory
Northern Territory Bio Security
For more detailed information please refer to the NT BIO SECURITY WEBSITE
Northern Territory Cattle
NLIS Cattle in the Northern Territory
- In the Northern Territory (NT) all cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats must have an approved NLIS device attached to their right ear before they are moved off a property regardless of where they are going.
- An appropriate order form should be completed and provided with your order.
- For more information and access to forms please refer to the NT GOV DOCS
- For additional NT information please refer to the NT GOV NLIS WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
Northern Territory Sheep & Goats
NLIS Sheep in Queensland
- To order an approved device or tag you must first obtain an ‘Application for Permanent NLIS Device’ signed by an inspector.
- This application is available from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) offices where inspectors are located.
- For Regional DAF offices please refer to the DAF QLD WEBSITE
NLIS Goats in Queensland
- • All farmed goats must be identified with an approved NLIS device before travelling to a goat depot.
- For further information please refer to the BZ QLD WEBSITE
NLIS Sheep & Goats in NT
- Sheep are prohibited animals in the NT due to the presence of blue tongue virus in the Top End and its potential impact on the livestock industry. You must get written permission from the chief inspector of livestock, and meet all other requirements if you want to bring sheep into the NT.
- You must fill in an NT waybill if you want to move goats off the property where they are kept in the NT. Please refer to the NT GOV WEBSITE
- For detailed information relating sheep & goats in NT please refer to the NT GOV WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
Northern Territory Pigs
NLIS Pigs in NT
- There are no commercial pig farms in the Northern Territory (NT) but there are a number of hobby producers.
- ou can find out more about raising and keeping pigs by reading the Agnotes on the NT GOV WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
Victoria
Agri Victoria
For detailed information relating to Agri Victoria requirements please refer to the AGRI VICTORIA WEBSITE
Victoria Cattle
NLIS Cattle in Victoria
- Procurement of NLID devices is managed via the Victorian Government.
- Orders can be placed via 4tags.com
- For more information please refer to the AGRI VIC WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
Victoria Sheep & Goats
NLIS Sheep & Goats in Victoria
- Procurement of NLID devices is managed via the Victorian Government.
- Orders can be placed via 4tags.com
- For more information please refer to the AGRI VIC WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
Victoria Pigs
NLIS Pigs in Victoria
- State and territory governments will legislate for NLIS Pigs to commence from 1 February 2018, however there are already some aspects of pig traceability that are mandatory, such as the need for a PIC and the use of slap brand tattoos.
- The current mandatory requirements are:
- All properties running pigs require a PIC.
- All pigs must be identified with a tattoo or (from 1 February 2018) an NLIS approved tag before leaving the property.
- A PigPass NVD or other movement document is required for all movements of pigs off a property.
- All pig movements must be reported to the PigPass database within 48 hours of the arrival at a new PIC.
- Tags can be purchased directly from your re-seller. For more information please refer to the For more information please refer to the AGRI VIC WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
Tasmania
Tasmania DPIPWE
For more detailed information please refer to the TAS DPIPWE WEBSITE
Tasmania Cattle
NLIS Cattle in Tasmania
- All cattle leaving a property must be NLIS identified.*
- Tasmanian producers must provide their issued Part ID when placing a NLIS order
- Completing DPIPWE’s NLIS Registration Form allows you to order NLIS tags in Tasmania. For more information please refer to the TAS PRAS WEBSITE
- * Bobby calves consigned for slaughter are exempt from the System and can continue to use the bobby calf ear tags.
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
Tasmania Sheep & Goats
NLIS Sheep & Goats in Tasmania
- Tasmanian producers must provide their issued Part ID when placing a NLIS order.
- All sheep and goats must be identified with an NLIS Sheep Breeder Tag before being dispatched to a sale yard or to another property.
- Completing DPIPWE’s NLIS Registration Form allows you to order NLIS tags in Tasmania. For more information please refer to the TAS PRAS WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
Tasmania Pigs
NLIS Pigs in Tasmania
- State and territory governments will legislate for NLIS Pigs to commence from 1 February 2018, however there are already some aspects of pig traceability that are mandatory, such as the need for a PIC and the use of slap brand tattoos.
- The current mandatory requirements are:
- All properties running pigs require a PIC.
- All pigs must be identified with a tattoo or (from 1 February 2018) an NLIS approved tag before leaving the property.
- A PigPass NVD or other movement document is required for all movements of pigs off a property.
- All pig movements must be reported to the PigPass database within 48 hours of the arrival at a new PIC.
- Tags can be purchased directly from your re-seller. For more information please refer to the For more information please refer to the TAS PRAS WEBSITE
For more detailed information please refer to our State Specific page Click Here
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