Sheep and goat eID National Implementation Plan

Updated October 2024

Implementation dates

1 January 2025

  • All sheep and farmed goats born on or after this date must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving their property of birth
  • Property to property movement scanned and recorded on the NLIS database

1 January 2027

  • All sheep and goats must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving a property, regardless of age

Date N/A – no abattoirs or saleyards in the ACT

  • Abattoirs scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database
  • Saleyards scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database

Information and resources

The ACT Government is aligning the ACT implementation plan with NSW to ensure ACT farmers will meet the mandatory requirements of NSW saleyards and processors.

Please visit the ACT Farmers Support Package webpage for information on the ACT’s Sheep and Goat eID implementation Primary Producers rebate scheme.

Implementation dates

30 June 2024

  • Abattoirs scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database

1 January 2025

  • All sheep and farmed goats born on or after this date must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving their property of birth
  • Property to property movement scanned and recorded on the NLIS database
  • Saleyards scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database

1 January 2027

  • All sheep and goats must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving a property, regardless of age

Information and resources

The Minister for Agriculture, the Hon Tara Moriarty MLC, supports electronic identification (eID) implementation as a priority.

The NSW Government announced a $38m industry support rebate package in 2023 that will deliver additional investment as part of the 2023-24 and 2024-25 budgets to support the implementation of eID for sheep and farmed goats in NSW.

The NSW Sheep & Goat eID Infrastructure Scheme will provide a rebate for eligible readers, software, hardware, modifications, equipment & training for:

  • Producers - 50% rebate up to $15,250 for eligible readers, software, hardware and equipment
  • Saleyards - 100% rebate up to: small $48,000; medium $146,000; large $525,000; extra-large $790,000.
  • Agents - 50% rebate up to $2,000
  • Processors - 50% rebate up to: small $44,000; medium $52,000; large $97,000.

The NSW Government announced an additional $1.4m support package for eligible saleyards in relation to costs associated with equipment installation on the 12 April 2024.

The NSW Government announced a $10.2m Sheep & Goat eID tag point of sale discount of $0.76 for 2025 White NLIS accredited devices. The program will run from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025 or until funds are exhausted.

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Local Land Services (LLS) staff specialising in sheep & goat eID/ National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) continue to attend a wide range of events (including field days, livestock agents, merchandising stores, grower groups and agricultural consultants) addressing stakeholder concerns and explaining the mandatory ID process in NSW.

The NSW DPIRD chaired Sheep & Goat Traceability Reference Group continues to meet regularly with industry representatives to discuss implementation of eID in NSW.

Processors began scanning individual eID’s for sheep and goats and uploading to the NLIS Database on 1 July 2024. DPIRD Industry Liaison Officers continue to support Processors in addressing software and upload issues, to assist them meeting compliance with regulatory requirements.

The Biosecurity (National Livestock Identification System) Amendment (Electronic Devices) Regulation 2024 commenced on 30 June 2024. It makes amendments to the Biosecurity (National Livestock Identification System) Regulation 2017 (NLIS Regulation) to support the implementation of individual electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats in NSW.

The NSW DPI Sheep & Goat eID webpage continues to be updated with information, resources and case studies for all industry sectors.

Implementation dates

1 January 2025

  • All sheep and farmed goats born on or after this date must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving their property of birth
  • All sheep and goats must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving a property, regardless of age
  • Abattoirs scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database
  • Property to property movement scanned and recorded on the NLIS database
  • Saleyards scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database

Information and resources

The NT will be making amendments to the current NT Livestock Act 2008 to incorporate the newly approved Sheep and Goat NLIS Standards. These are anticipated to be in effect by April 2025.

A comprehensive communications campaign has been undertaken in the first half of 2024 to communicate the new requirements coming into effect 1 January 2025. This includes updating the NT website to nationally consistent messaging.

Equipment has been purchased to undertake ear tagging and will be rolled out through the regions in the last quarter of 2024, starting in the Darwin region and moving south.

The NT is striving to get full compliance with the new requirements by 1 January 2025 and will be using the first 12 months as an education period for mandatory compliance.

The NT National Livestock Identification System webpage continues to be updated with information and resources.

Implementation dates

1 January 2025

  • All sheep and farmed goats born on or after this date must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving their property of birth
  • Abattoirs scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database
  • Property to property movement scanned and recorded on the NLIS database
  • Saleyards scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database

1 January 2027

  • All sheep and goats must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving a property, regardless of age

Information and resources

The Queensland Government announced $6.344 million to support Queensland sheep and goat producers, saleyards, processors and livestock agents implementing mandatory individual electronic identification (eID).

The Queensland Sheep and Goat Electronic Identification Rebate Scheme has now commenced. Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) will administer the scheme for Producers and agents and QDAF will administer the scheme for saleyards, processors and Agricultural Show Sub Chambers. The schemes will provide a:

  • 50% rebate up to $1600 (per Property Identification Code (PIC) based in Queensland) to sheep and managed goat producers for eID readers and eID devices.
  • 50% rebate up to $2500 (small saleyards) or $65,000 (large saleyards) for eID readers, software and hardware.
  • 50% rebate up to $2500 (small processor), or $10,000 (medium processors), or $85,000 (large processors), for eID readers, software and hardware.
  • 50% rebate up to $1600 to Queensland livestock agents and show society sub chambers for eID readers.

Queensland will transition to eID for sheep and managed goats in two stages:

  • Sheep and managed goats born on or after 1 January 2025 will be identified with an NLIS-accredited eID device before leaving their property of birth.
  • All other sheep and managed goats leaving a property will need to be identified with an NLIS-accredited eID device from 1 January 2027.

To learn more about sheep and goat eID or watch the sheep and goat eID webinar visit the Queensland mandatory sheep and goat individual electronic identification webpage.

Implementation dates

1 January 2025

  • All sheep and farmed goats born on or after this date must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving their property of birth
  • Abattoirs scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database
  • Property to property movement scanned and recorded on the NLIS database

1 July 2025

  • Saleyards scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database

1 January 2027

  • All sheep and goats must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving a property, regardless of age

Information and resources

The Government of South Australia has announced as part of the 2023-24 budget, that it will deliver investment of $9.3m to support the implementation of electronic identification (eID) for farmed sheep and goats in South Australia.

eID tag support

SA Sheep and Goat producers can access discounted NLIS accredited eID devices in the 2024 year of birth colour (black). A 95c discount will be applied by the retailer or manufacturer at the time of purchase.

Producers can also apply for rebates for NLIS accredited eID tags purchased in 2023 and 2024, that do not correspond to the current year of birth colour, via the Expanded eID Rebate.

Essential equipment and infrastructure support

Guidelines and online application forms for essential equipment and infrastructure rebate for saleyards and processors are available on the PIRSA website.

To assist with the implementation of eID for sheep and farmed goats, eligible South Australian producers can apply for a rebate on the costs of equipment needed to conduct and report property to property (P2P) movements under the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS). Applications close on 30 June 2025 at 5:00 pm or when funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

Livestock Agents can apply for essential equipment grants to support their eID scanning and reporting obligations. Agents can apply for a 75% rebate on the total cost of eligible essential equipment such as a wand reader or pocket reader up to a total value of $7,000. The rebate will apply only to purchases that have been incurred since 8 June 2023. Applications close 30 June 2025 at 5:00pm.Please visit the PIRSA eID infrastructure webpage for more information. To learn more about sheep and goat eID rebate, visit the PIRSA eID infrastructure webpage.

Education, training and extension

The Government of South Australia has provided a further $900,000 in funding to establish the eID Advantage Program to improve producer knowledge and understanding of changed responsibilities under the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).

The Program is delivering targeted training to support eID implementation and increase confidence in the use of eID.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is overseeing the development and delivery of the program, working closely with various project partners including Livestock SA. The eID Advantage Program includes:

  • workshops to upskill producers and stock agents
  • face-to-face training sessions to build understanding of eID tags, technology and how to use the NLIS database.

Implementation dates

1 January 2025

  • All sheep and farmed goats born on or after this date must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving their property of birth
  • Abattoirs scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database
  • Property to property movement scanned and recorded on the NLIS database
  • Saleyards scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database

1 January 2027

  • All sheep and goats must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving a property, regardless of age

Information and resources

The Tasmanian Government has announced it will provide $11.66 million to help Tasmanian sheep and goat producers transition to a new electronic identification system by 1 January 2025.

  • Grant funding (Round 1) has been extended to the end of September 2024 and is providing up to 75% of the cost of necessary electronic scanning equipment in supply chain facilities for saleyards, processors, livestock transporters and transport depots, livestock agencies and agents.
  • A second funding round (Round 2) opened 1 June 2024 and is providing, at point of sale, a $1 rebate off the retail price of NLIS approved eID ear tags and $4 off the retail price of goat leg bands.
  • The third round of funding (Round 3) opened on 1 July 2024 for producers, show societies, not for profit organisations, and mobile veterinarians, and provides between 75%-100% off the cost of electronic scanning equipment.

To learn more about sheep and goat eID rebate, visit the Tasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment Sheep and goat electronic identification webpage.

Implementation dates

1 January 2017

  • All sheep and farmed goats born on or after this date must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving their property of birth

31 December 2017

  • Abattoirs scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database

31 March 2018

  • Saleyards scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database
  • Property to property movement scanned and recorded on the NLIS database

1 January 2022

  • All sheep and goats must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving a property, regardless of age

Information and resources

Individual eID is mandatory in Victoria.

Victoria’s implementation of eID was completed in January 2022. Watch Agriculture Victoria’s Transition to Electronic Identification of Sheep and Goats in Victoria to learn more about its experience.

The Agriculture Victoria National Livestock Identification System webpage has information, resources and videos.

Implementation dates

1 January 2025

  • All sheep and farmed goats born on or after this date must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving their property of birth*

*within six-months of birth or before leaving their property of birth (whichever is earlier).

1 July 2025

  • Abattoirs scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database
  • Saleyards scan devices and notify movements to the NLIS database

1 July 2026

  • All sheep and goats must be fitted with an accredited NLIS eID device before leaving a property, regardless of age
  • Property to property movement scanned and recorded on the NLIS database

Information and resources

$25.6 million has been committed toward assisting industry transition to mandatory electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats.

The WA Sheep and Goat Advisory Group will continue to meet on the implementation of eID in WA.

A Tag Incentive Program went live on 28 March 2023, offering a 75 cent per tag discount for fully accredited sky blue (year of birth colour) eID tags. The 2023 tag incentive payment scheme has been extended until 31 December 2024.

A current TIP Scheme is open for black year-of-birth eID tags until 31 December 2024. An additional TIP round for 2025 will be considered and announced in late 2024 Since 28 March

2023 WA producers have purchased in excess of 2.2 million eID tags for sheep and goats, giving a good indication of acceptance and planning by the WA sheep and goat industries.

An infrastructure grant scheme, opened on 16 November 2023, has been developed to assist with purchase of essential eID equipment and infrastructure upgrades in critical congregation points along the supply chain. To date this scheme, comprising two rounds, has seen 92 applicants receive approval for funding up to a total of $2.3 million.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development staff specialising in sheep eID/National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) continue to attend a wide range of events to help address stakeholder concerns and explain the mandatory ID process in WA, including field days with livestock agent companies, grower groups and agricultural consultants.

The WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development electronic identification for sheep and goats webpage is continuing to be update with information and resources.

Information and resources

Commonwealth co-investment arrangements with states and territories have all been finalised, with details available on the Federal Financial Relations website. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry continues to work with industry, states and territory governments to support the work of the SGTTF Communication and Engagement Grant, to support national electronic identification (eID) implementation efforts.

Work is underway with Integrity Systems Company, administrator of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS), to support the uplift of the NLIS database and associated systems. This is a significant whole-of-system, multi-year undertaking that will deliver benefits for the broader Australian livestock sector.

IndustryComments
Australian Dairy FarmersNIL at this time
Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC)AMIC supports national harmonisation in the implementation of sheep and goat eID across jurisdictions and considers it vital in minimising the cost on businesses and maintaining the confidence of Australia’s trading partners. This will reduce the complexity for businesses operating and transacting across state borders and enable clear and consistent communication of changes to stakeholders along the supply chain.
AMIC encourages all states to adopt eID as quickly as possible, with mandatory tagging of all lambs born after 1 January 2025 a minimum requirement.
During the adjustment period, AMIC will support states that may choose to phase-in eID for sheep born before 1 Jan 2025 and already tagged with a visual mob-based tag, but all sheep movements must be identified with an eID by 1 January 2027.
Cattle Council of AustraliaNIL at this time
Goat Industry Council AustraliaNIL at this time
SAFEMEATNIL at this time
Sheep Producers
  • Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) is the national peak body of the Australian Sheepmeat industry and is responsible for advocating for issues that are beyond state borders, individual regions or enterprises. A key policy of, and request made by SPA of government has been the implementation of individual electronic identification (eID) for sheep in conjunction with broader whole-of-system reform to nationally strengthen traceability for biosecurity, food safety, emergency response, and to support market access claims. We must continuously improve our systems to protect our producers, industry and markets.
  • The SPA’s Policy Council has representation from all State Farming Organisations and across the supply chain. SPA engages regularly with its Policy Council and members on traceability reform and the outcomes of the Sheep and Goat Traceability Task Force, as well as provide them the opportunity to give feedback on State-based issues related to national traceability reform and harmonisation.
  • SPA contributes to traceability programs and projects, and collaborates with Integrity Systems Company (ISC), Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), SAFEMEAT, state and federal government and industry partners. This collaboration ensures effective compliance and enforcement activities and that targeted research and development is implemented to improve national traceability for sheep.
Wool Producers
  • WoolProducers Australia (WPA) is the peak representative body representing Australian woolgrowers and plays a critical role in working closely with companies and entities funded by woolgrower funds including compulsory levies or fees for service. Its mission is to develop constructive and profitable outcomes for woolgrowers nationally.
  • WoolProducers Australia is committed to supporting a fully integrated national traceability system that meets the national traceability standards.
  • To accept the implementation of individual digital/electronic identification of livestock only when the following system enhancements have been implemented:
    • The establishment of a nationally harmonised traceability system that operates according to nationally consistent business rules,
    • Investment into a database capable of handling all farmed FMD susceptible livestock species,
    • The creation of an equitable funding arrangement for both the establishment and ongoing maintenance of an enhanced system.
  • Ensuring that any national traceability system is able to incorporate technological advancements that ensures that NTPS are being met while making the system more cost competitive for producers
  • On 30 January 2024, WPA withdrew their support for the continued roll-out of eID in sheep, as two of their caveats have not been met. If those caveats are addressed and WPA are satisfied, support will be recommitted to the national roll-out.
Integrity Systems Company (ISC)
  • ISC has prioritised developing the existing NLIS database to ensure it has the capacity to ingest the significant increase in volume of data expected with full implementation of sheep and goat eID nationally. A range of enhancements have been implemented over the past 18 months to support the scalability and performance of the system and this work will continue through to October 2024.
  • ISC has been awarded a $22.5m Australian Government grant to support the rebuild and uplift of the NLIS database.
  • The Project will be delivered in six stages over three years between Jul-23 and Jun-26.
  • The first stage of the project – the Strategic Discovery phase – was completed in October 2023, and engaged broadly with stakeholders to determine the vision and scope for the new platform build. The second stage of the project – Detailed Discovery and Define –completed in early 2024 and has delivered a current state assessment of the NLIS database to document how it is currently used by industry and government and has developed a future state definition for the new platform that will inform the architecture, design, and build phases of the project over the coming years.
  • Governance and consultation frameworks for the project have been established, and a comprehensive stakeholder engagement and communication plan has been developed to ensure stakeholders remain informed and engaged as the project progresses.
  • A vendor has now been engaged to support the delivery of stages 3 (Architecture & Design), 4 (Platform build) and 5 (Deploy & Transition) of the project. The Architecture & Design phase commenced in early June 2024 and will deliver the detailed architecture and design elements for the new platform build. There will be extensive engagement with stakeholders and end-users during stage 3 on the approach for the platform build, including the user-experience and the more detailed requirements that will underpin the system functionality. Following the conclusion of stage 3, the build is expected to commence from October 2024 onwards.

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