Key dates for abattoirs and knackeries
1 August 2023 - 31 January 2024
- NSW Sheep and Goat eID Rebate Scheme open for processors
30 June 2024
- Mandatory for processors to scan tags and upload eID data to the National Livestock Implementation System
What you need to do to be eID ready
Key tasks
By June 2024
- Complete installation of any required eID processor software and hardware as well as any necessary infrastructure changes.
- Complete any required staff training on how to use all new eID equipment and software. Provide software training and demonstrations where needed to ensure a smooth transition to the new eID system at processors.
- Conduct testing of eID scanning and recording capability before 30 June 2024 to identify and mitigate any issues.
From June 2024
- Start scanning and uploading the prescribed information to the NLIS database for individual sheep and goats fitted with eIDs from 30 June 2024.
From 30 June 2024, until 1 January 2027, sheep and goats with eIDs and those with visual tags will have different NLIS requirements. During this period, there will be two types of uploads to the NLIS database
- Mob-Based uploads – from 30 June 2024 to 1 January 2027, all sheep and goats with visual tags and/or eIDs that are processed will continue to be uploaded as mob-based kills.
- Individual uploads – in addition, from 30 June 2024 any sheep and goats with eIDs must be individually scanned, and the prescribed information uploaded to the NLIS database:
- Date of slaughter
- Processor PIC (or processor ID)
- Chain number
- Operator number
- Body number
- Consignment PIC (PIC of the property the stock were last held)
- Identification particulars (RFID or NLIS ID number) for each body
- NVD serial number
- Species
Kill data must be uploaded to the NLIS database by COB the next working day after slaughter for abattoirs, or seven days after slaughter for knackeries. All records to be kept for two years.
Visual and eID emergency identifiers will be available to order for use on sheep or goats that arrive missing their permanent identifiers.
For missing NLIS tags:
- If the stock were born from 1 January 2025, use an NLIS emergency eID.
- If the stock were born before 1 January 2025 and did not come from Victoria, use an NLIS emergency visual tag or eID.
- If the stock were consigned from Victoria, use an NLIS emergency eID.
From January 2027
- All sheep and goats at an abattoir or knackery for processing must have eIDs and kill data reported to the NLIS database as individual uploads. Mob-based uploads will no longer be accepted.
Visual emergency identifiers will no longer be available.
Support available
For support on any of these steps, contact us at sheepgoateid@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
NLIS sheep and goat guidelines for NSW abattoirs (and knackeries).
For more information on how to complete NLIS transfers, visit the Integrity Systems Company Website.
NLIS database user guide for processors.
Factsheet for Australian processors mandatory reading of eID tags in sheep and goat
Sheep and Goat eID Infrastructure Rebate Scheme
$38 million has been allocated by the NSW Government to support the sheep and goat industry transition to mandatory eID. This includes the $7.2 million Australian Government contribution.
The NSW Sheep and Goat eID Infrastructure Processors Rebate Scheme provides funding to eligible processors for the costs associated with the purchase and installation of eligible items as part of the implementation of mandatory individual eID tagging for sheep and goats within NSW.
Applications for the NSW Sheep and Goat eID Infrastructure Rebate Scheme were open from 1 August 2023 to 31 January 2024 for processors. Applications are now closed.
For further details on the NSW Sheep and Goat eID Infrastructure Processors Rebate Scheme, visit the NSW Sheep and Goat eID Rebate Scheme page.
Why is eID being implemented?
The NLIS (Sheep and Goats) mob-based system was fully implemented in mid-2010. The international markets we sell to now have higher traceability requirements, and the growing volume of international trade and travel has increased biosecurity risks to Australian livestock industries. Therefore, a more accurate and efficient traceability system for is required for sheep and goats.
The introduction of eID will:
- Provide more accurate and timely traceability of animals
- Reduce time delays to manage an emergency disease or residue incident
- Reduce the number of animals and producers impacted (including animals destroyed) in response to an emergency disease
- Reduce the time that Australia is restricted from export markets following an emergency disease or residue incident
What will processors need to do?
At a minimum, all processing plants needed to be equipped to read sheep and goat eID devices and be able to upload the individual eID devices to the NLIS database by 30 June 2024. NLIS uploads must be completed by close of business the next working day after slaughter for abattoirs, or seven days after slaughter for knackeries.
Recording of eID devices can be achieved manually by using fixed or hand-held eID readers in combination with processor software that is linked to the NLIS database, or by recording the printed NLIS ID number on the exterior of the device. Each processor will be unique in relation to the type and number of eID readers and the software they may require.
Other optional equipment that can be integrated with eID readers and software include automatic drafters, scales and hook tracking.
What do we do if sheep or goats are not tagged with eID after the required date?
In NSW, all sheep and goats born from 1 January 2025 must be fitted with an eID device before leaving their property of birth. All sheep and goats of any age must be fitted with an eID device before leaving any property from 1 January 2027.
If stock arrive without an eID device at a processor, and are non-compliant with this timeline, the suggested actions are:
- If there is a small number of stock in a consignment without eIDs, an emergency eID (with the processor PIC) can be fitted to each sheep or goat, and the vendor charged for the cost of the eID.
- If an entire consignment of stock is not identified with eIDs:
- the stock cannot be processed and should be returned to the vendor under permit
- the stock may be slaughtered without eIDs on the direction of a NSW DPIRD Compliance Officer, or government veterinarian, on welfare grounds. Each sheep or goat must be correctly linked to the PIC of origin as determined by the NVD.
- the stock can be held until sufficient emergency eIDs can be obtained and attached
What do I do if I can’t reach 100% eID read rate?
eID tags may not be read successfully if the:
- eID is damaged
- reader is experiencing interference
- reader is damaged.
If the issue is with the tag, you may have to manually record the visual NLIS ID number printed on the exterior of the eID or fit an emergency eID to the animal. If the issue is with your reader or other equipment, contact your equipment manufacturer.
Please refer to the NLIS Database user Guide for processors; stock with an electronic device.
Will harvested rangeland goats have to be fitted with eIDs?
Harvested rangeland goats (HRG) will not have to be identified with an eID device if they are captured from the wild, meet the definition of an HRG and are moved directly to a processor, or via one registered depot.
From 1 January 2025 HRGs must be transported with a HRG specific National Vendor Declaration (NVD). This is available only to accredited HRG producers. Any goats consigned without the specific HRG NVD will require an eID device to be attached and they cannot be consigned as an HRG.
If any HRGs spend longer than 10 days at a goat depot or are moved from a goat depot to another PIC that is not a processor, an eID will need to be attached to each HRG.
All goats and all sheep must be fitted with eID devices when they are sold directly to a processor.
Upcoming events
To find out where our team will be delivering information about sheep and goat eID, visit our Upcoming Events page or sign up for our newsletter.
Contact us
If you have any questions you can contact us at sheepgoateid@dpi.nsw.gov.au.