Electronic identification for sheep and goats
Electronic identification (eID) tags are replacing visual tags for sheep and farmed goats.
The tags must be accredited by the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) so that stock can be individually identified and traced through the NLIS database.
For many producers, the only change will be switching from a visual tag to an NLIS approved sheep and goat electronic device ().
Moving from the visual tag and mob-based system to eID will greatly improve the accuracy and efficiency of livestock traceability.
South Australia is working with the Federal and State Governments and industry to transition to eID.
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Producers
Requirements for producers and hobby farmers about eID and available support.
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Stock agents
Assistance for livestock agents using eID and requirements for moving stock.
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Saleyards
Requirements and assistance for saleyards implementing eID.
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Processors
Information for meat processors about receiving stock with eID.
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Ag shows and events
eID requirements for organisers of agricultural shows and events.
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eID explained
Understand eID tags and how eID is important for biosecurity and traceability.
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eID implementation timeline
When | Who | What's required |
|---|---|---|
1 January 2025 | Producers | Sheep and farmed goats born on or after 1 January 2025 must be identified with an NLIS-accredited eID tag before leaving their property of birth. Producers who conduct property to property (P2P) movements must record individual movements of sheep and farmed goats identified with eID tags on the NLIS database within 2 days of arrival. |
| Processors | Processors must record individual movements of sheep and farmed goats identified with eID tags on the NLIS database within 2 days of slaughter. | |
| 1 July 2025 | Saleyards | Saleyard operators must scan sheep and farmed goats identified with eID tags and record individual movements on the NLIS database. |
| 1 January 2027 | Producers | All sheep and farmed goats leaving a property must be identified with an NLIS-accredited eID tag. |
Amendments to the Livestock Regulations 2013
As part of a national agreement, South Australia is moving from the visual device and mob-based approach to individual eID for sheep and farmed goats. This will improve traceability and better protect the state’s $4.9 billion livestock industry in the event of disease outbreak.
On 1 January 2025, changes to the Livestock Regulations 2013 came into effect in SA to support the implementation of mandatory eID for sheep and farmed goats. The amendments broadly cover:
- changes to tagging requirements to support a staged introduction of electronic identification of all sheep and farmed goats consistent with South Australia’s eID Implementation Timeline
- updating the details required to be specified on movement documentation to reflect the change to individual identification of sheep and farmed goats
- changes to the information required to be uploaded to the NLIS database and the timeframes it must be uploaded within
- defining 'harvested rangeland goats' and formalising existing requirements so these goats can continue to access tag-free pathways from property of capture direct to processor or approved goat depot.
See the updated Livestock Regulations 2013.
eID advisory groups
A South Australian eID Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) has been established to provide industry expertise, input and feedback to PIRSA for stage 1 of the sheep and goat eID implementation project.
The Sheep and Goat Traceability Task Force (SGTTF) was established following the in-principle agreement for government to implement an eID system. It includes representatives from:
- national peak industry bodies
- SAFEMEAT
- the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- state and territory governments.
The SGTTF focuses on national issues, such as maintaining consistency between the states and ensuring the NLIS database can manage the roll out. It is not a decision-making body, but it provides advice through the National Biosecurity Committee.
