Animal Identification | Integrity Systems

Why animal identification is needed

The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is Australia’s system for identifying and tracing livestock. Giving each animal a permanent, individual identity means it can be traced through the supply chain. All animals leaving a property (PIC) must be identified with an NLIS-approved device before they move - unless a specific exemption applies or a permit is issued by your state or territory authority. This protects Australia’s red meat industry by promoting the following:

Market access:

Trusted traceability underpins access to premium domestic and export markets.

Fast response:

Animals can be traced quickly in disease, food safety, or chemical-residue incidents.

Biosecurity:

Supports on-farm and national biosecurity risk management.

It’s the law:

livestock must be identified before moving off a property.

One animal, one identity - for life

Once an animal is identified, the device stays with it for life. If a device is lost or stops working after the animal has left its property of birth, apply an NLIS-approved post-breeder device.

It is an offence to remove an NLIS device from an animal and apply another. Check your state/territory NLIS authority for how to handle non-functioning devices.

Approved devices

Only devices approved by Integrity Systems may be used under NLIS. A device can play two roles, depending on where the animal is in its life. How to tell a device is approved: Approved devices carry the NLIS logo. Cattle devices also have the words ‘Do not remove’ printed on the male button.

Breeder device

This is the first device applied to an animal on its property of birth, before it is moved for the first time.

Cattle - white
Sheep & Goats - yellow / ‘year of birth’ colour

Post-breeder device

A replacement device applied after an animal has left its property of birth, such as when the original tag is lost or fails.

Cattle - orange
Sheep & Goats - pink

Device types & identification requirements by species

Cattle

Devices are electronic (RFID) - either:

A single RFID ear tag, or a rumen bolus + visual ear tag combination.
All cattle must be identified before moving off a property.
White = breeder
Orange = post-breeder

Cattle approved devices list

Sheep & goats

From 1 January 2027, all sheep and managed goats must be tagged with a species-specific NLIS-approved electronic (eID) device before leaving a property. Note that eID has been used in Victoria since 2017.

Yellow/YOB = breeder
Pink = post-breeder

Sheep & Goat approved devices list

Harvested Rangeland Goats & state specifics

Only Harvested Rangeland Goats consigned using the HRG NVD can move with a NLIS device. Always confirm with your state/territory NLIS authority. More help:

Who approves devices

Integrity Systems approves all animal identification for use in the NLIS under the NLIS Animal Identification Technology (AIT) Approval Program. This is carried out in conjunction with SAFEMEAT’s NLIS Device Standards Committee. Before a device earns an NLIS logo licence it must pass assessment, testing and auditing, then complete a 36-month field trial demonstrating suitability and retention.

Learn about the NLIS AIT Approval Program →

How devices get onto NLIS

Here’s how a device goes from the manufacturer to your PIC:

When you order devices, you supply your PIC.
The manufacturer then validates that you can order devices by checking your PIC.
The manufacturer prints and uploads each device’s NLISID and RFID to your PIC on the NLIS database.
The manufacturer sends you the devices for use via post.

Where to order devices

Before you can order NLIS devices, you need to apply for a Property Identification Code (PIC) from your state or territory department of agriculture. How to order, by state:

Queensland - contact QLD DAF to obtain authorisation and then order devices through your rural retailer, reseller or local agency.
Victoria - order through Agriculture Victoria.
All other states - order NLIS devices online through resellers, rural retailers, or agencies.

Find your state/territory contact →

How to provide feedback about devices

If you have a problem with an approved device - contact the manufacturer first. If you’re not satisfied with their response, you can lodge a complaint with Integrity Systems and we’ll investigate.

✉ Lodge a device complaint Online: NLIS Device Complaint Form

Scanners & readers

Integrity Systems approves the identification device, applicator and instructions, but does not approve equipment such as readers or scanners. All electronic devices (RFIDs) must be readable by commercially available handheld and panel readers operating within the bandwidths defined in AS5019-2001. This is part of the device approval process. No reader on hand? You can hire or borrow a wand or panel reader from your agent. A crush can also help you hold an animal steady to read its device.

Documents

Tech Tips: Animal identification and the NLIS Database

NLIS Approved Cattle Devices

NLIS Approved Sheep & Goat eIDs

NLIS Approved Sheep & Goat Visual Devices

NLIS AIT Requirements

Frequently asked questions

An electronic device (RFID) has both an NLISID and an RFID number - either can identify an animal on your property.

NLISID - printed on the outside of the tag and read visually. The first eight characters are the PIC the device was issued to.

RFID - the number on the chip inside the device, read electronically with a tag reader.

Apply the device following the manufacturer’s instructions. Cattle tags go in the right ear; sheep tags usually go in the left ear.

The producer moving the animal is responsible for identifying it before it leaves the property. You do not need to notify NLIS when you tag an animal - devices are automatically registered to your PIC by the manufacturer when issued. It’s good practice to keep your own record of which tag numbers went on which animals.

Either works. Record movements with either number using the ‘livestock moved onto/off my property’ function in the NLIS database.

LPA Accredited producers approved in the HRG module can move eligible goats without an NLIS device to either one registered goat depot or direct to slaughter using a HRG NVD. Movements outside of this pathway require goats to be tagged and consigned using the Goat NVD.

Electronic tags are read with a wand or panel reader. If you don’t have one, hire or borrow from an agent, or use a crush to steady the animal.