Mandatory electronic identification (eID) for newborn sheep and goats is a requirement in Tasmania from 1 January 2025.
eIDs are National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) approved tags that contain a microchip which provides a unique electronic identification of an animal.
eIDs are not just for producers of sheep and goats. Once implemented in Tasmania, the new requirements will apply even if you own only a few backyard animals.
By January 2027, all sheep or goats leaving your property must be fitted with an eID, regardless of their age or destination.
Tasmania's rollout schedule is described in the implementation plan:
Tas Sheep and Goat Electronic Identification Implementation Plan(PDF 538Kb)
The elD system:
allows enhanced biosecurity management as individual sheep and goats to be traced more accurately and efficiently,
allows us to quickly respond and recover from emergency animal disease outbreaks,
improves consumer confidence in sheep and goat products,
strengthens market access, and
enhances herd monitoring and management.
Financial assistance
To support the introduction of national mandatory individual electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats by 1 January 2025 the Government is providing funding for eligible applicants:
Grant Round 3 Producer Support Scheme
Now open
| Grant Round 3 is now open for applications to provide reimbursements for eID scanning equipment.
Eligible applicants include:
- Sheep and goat owners
- Agricultural show societies
- School farms
- Organisations that run livestock events for (or with) sheep or goats
- Local Government
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Veterinarians that treat sheep or goats
|
Grant Round 2 eID Tag Rebate Scheme
Now open
| This round provides a discount of $1 per tag (or $4 per legband) to eID purchasers at the point of sale for NLIS approved eIDs. You do not need to apply for this discount, just check with your rural supplier.
The discount scheme aims to help owners of sheep and goats transition from the current visual device and mob-based approach to individual sheep or goat tags, by providing a discount on purchased tags.
For more information visit the Grant Round 2 webpage. |
Grant Round 1 of the Support Scheme Now closed
|
Next steps
1 June 2024 – 30 June 2026:
A
grant round for eID tag funding. This round provides rebates for NLIS approved eID ear tags and leg bands.
1 July 2024 – 30 June 2025:
A
grant round for eID scanning devices. This round will provide rebates for eID scanning equipment for eligible producers, show societies and other categories.
1 Jan 2025:
Mandatory eID tagging of all sheep and goats born on or after 1 Jan 2025 that move off the property. All supply chain participants ready to scan eID tags
1 Jan 2027:
Mandatory eID tagging of all sheep and goats that move off property regardless of age or destination.
Biosecurity (Livestock Traceability) Regulations
Biosecurity Tasmania sought feedback from stakeholders on the new Regulations in 2024 over a period of 8 weeks and 4 days.
Submissions were used to inform the development of the new Regulations.