Animal Identification (NLIS)

Animal Identification

All animals leaving a property (PIC) must be identified with an NLIS accredited device before moving unless there is a specific exemption or a permit is obtained from the state or territory authority.  

If you are moving an animal off its property of birth, tag the animal with an NLIS accredited breeder device (white for cattle, yellow or ‘year of birth colour’ for sheep and goats).

Once an animal has been tagged, the tag should remain with the animal for life.  if a tag is lost and the animal is no longer on its property of birth, tag the animal with an NLIS accredited post-breeder device (orange for cattle, pink for sheep or goats). 

It is an offence to remove an NLIS tag from an animal and apply another tag.  Check with your state/territory NLIS authority for how to deal with non-functioning tags/devices in your jurisdiction.

Tagging requirements for cattle

NLIS accredited devices for cattle must be an electronic (RFID) device. This can be either a single ear tag, or a rumen bolus/visual ear tag combination.

All cattle must be tagged with an NLIS accredited device before being moved off a PIC.

For more information about NLIS accredited cattle devices, see our Accredited Devices List for Cattle and the FAQ What is an (electronic) RFID? What is a (visual) NLISID?