NLIS Tag Numbers Explained — What Each Part of Your Tag Means
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NLIS Tag Numbers Explained — What Each Part of Your Tag Means
If you've ever looked at an NLIS ear tag and wondered what all those numbers and letters actually mean, you're not alone. There's a lot crammed onto a small tag, and it's not always obvious what's what.
This guide breaks down every part of an NLIS tag number — the visual ID, the electronic RFID number, year codes, manufacturer codes, and how it all ties back to the NLIS database.
Two Numbers on Every NLIS Tag
Most NLIS-approved tags carry two separate identification numbers:
- The Visual ID Number — what you can read with your eyes on the tag panel
- The RFID (Electronic) Number — stored on the microchip inside the tag, read by a scanner
These two numbers are linked together in the NLIS database. When you scan a tag electronically, the system matches the RFID number to the visual ID and pulls up the animal's movement history.
The Visual ID Number — What's on the Tag Panel
Property Identification Code (PIC)
The most prominent set of characters is usually your PIC — the Property Identification Code assigned to your property. This is an 8-character alphanumeric code (e.g., NC123456) that identifies the property of birth or where the tag was applied.
The first two letters indicate the state:
- N — New South Wales
- Q — Queensland
- V — Victoria
- S — South Australia
- T — Tasmania
- W — Western Australia
Year Letter Code
A single letter on the tag indicates the year of manufacture (which generally corresponds to the year of birth). Current year letter codes:
| Year | Letter | Tag Colour |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | T | Black |
| 2025 | W | White |
| 2026 | X | Orange |
| 2027 | Y | Light Green |
| 2028 | Z | Purple |
The year letter and tag colour work together — so if you see an orange tag with the letter X, you know it's a 2026 tag.
Individual Animal Number
Each tag also has a unique sequential number that identifies the individual animal within your herd. For example, a tag reading NC123456 X 0042 tells you:
- NC123456 — the property (NSW)
- X — 2026 year of manufacture
- 0042 — the 42nd tag in that batch
The RFID (Electronic) Number
Inside NLIS electronic tags, there's a tiny RFID transponder that stores a unique 16-digit number. This number can only be read by an electronic tag reader — you can't see it on the tag.
Each eID tag number is globally unique. No two tags anywhere in the world share the same electronic number.
Manufacturer Codes
The main approved manufacturers in Australia are:
- Allflex — the most widely used brand in Australia
- Leader Products — major Australian manufacturer
- FOFIA — growing in popularity, competitive pricing
How the Tag Number Links to NLIS
- You order tags — pre-programmed with unique RFID numbers and printed with your PIC
- You apply a tag — the animal now has both a visual and electronic ID
- You register the tag — through the NLIS database or your state system (e.g., NSW LLS or QLD Biosecurity)
- The tag links to your PIC — the NLIS database knows that animal belongs to your property
- When the animal moves — the new owner scans and transfers, creating a movement record
Visual-Only vs Electronic Tags
Some older or management tags are visual-only — they have a number but no electronic chip. These don't meet NLIS requirements for cattle movements.
For cattle, electronic NLIS tags are mandatory for all movements. For sheep and goats, the rules vary by state — some now require electronic eID tags.
What If a Tag Is Lost or Damaged?
- The animal needs a replacement tag before it can be moved
- The replacement tag must be linked to the original tag's RFID number in the NLIS database
- Contact your state authority for the replacement process
Need Help With NLIS Tags?
We stock NLIS-approved tags from Allflex, FOFIA, and Leader. If you're not sure what the numbers on your tags mean, get in touch — happy to help.