eID tags explained

NLIS accredited eID devices (tags) contain a radio frequency identifier (RFID) microchip that can be read using a handheld scanning wand or panel reader.

They do not store data but allow animals to be individually identified so they can be traced through the NLIS back to their property of birth or last place of residence.

eID tags are species specific and it is important to buy the correct tag for the species, and use a year of birth (YOB) colour system.

The NLIS use a year of birth (YOB) colour system, which is voluntary in South Australia. The default colour for breeder tags is yellow. Post breeder eID tags are pink. Grey and brown eID tags are not included in the year-of-birth colour system and are not NLIS approved.

NLIS accredited eID tags have 2 unique numbers:

• Radio frequency identification (RFID) number – a non-visible 16-digit electronic microchip number that can be scanned with a handheld wand or panel reader.
• NLIS number – a visual number printed on the outside of the tag representing:
  • property identification code (PIC) of the property it was issued to
  • reference to the tag manufacturer
  • device type (breeder or post breeder) and species
  • year of manufacture
  • device serial number.

More information

• eID tag tips factsheet ( PDF 567.3 KB )
• NLIS approved sheep and goat eIDs
• Ordering approved NLIS electronic devices for sheep and goats ( PDF 900.7 KB )