Mandatory Sheep EID From 1 January 2025 — What Australian Producers Need to Know

What Has Changed?

Before 2025, NLIS compliance for sheep and goats was largely mob-based. A flock could be identified collectively using a property-level visual tag and movement documentation. Individual animal tracking was only mandatory in a small number of states.

The new national mandate changes this entirely. Every individual sheep and managed goat must now carry its own approved NLIS electronic ear tag (eID tag) before leaving a property. Each tag contains a unique electronic identifier linked to the animal's home PIC in the NLIS database — creating a cradle-to-plate traceability record for every animal.

Who Does This Affect?

The mandatory eID requirement applies to all producers who move sheep or managed goats in Australia, including:

Sheep meat producers (prime lamb, merino crossbred)

Wool growers

Stud and seedstock operations

Dairy sheep producers

Goat meat and fibre producers

Anyone who moves sheep or goats to agistment, a sale, a feedlot, or to another property

Small-scale producers are not exempt. If your animals move off your property, they need individual eID tags.

What Tags Are Required?

Only NLIS-approved eID tags satisfy the mandatory requirement. Visual-only tags (without an electronic component) are not sufficient on their own for movement compliance, though they may still be used for on-farm colour coding and management.

Farm & Acre Co stocks the following NLIS-approved electronic sheep & goat tags: 

Allflex RapidID Sheep tags & Full range

Leader Products- eid Sheep tags & Full range

Allflex Tamperproof EID Sheep Tag

A trusted, proven eID tag used widely across Australia. The tamperproof design uses a one-piece construction that cannot be reused once applied, providing added security and tag integrity. Available in the current year-of-birth colour with full NLIS accreditation.

Allflex RapID EID Sheep Tag

The RapID is Allflex's two-piece lightweight option designed for fast, easy application. It offers excellent read rates and retention, making it a popular choice for high-throughput operations like shearing sheds and lamb marking. Available in a full range of NLIS year-of-birth colours & more.

Year	Colour

2025

White

2026

Orange

2027	Light Green

2028

Purple

post breeder eID- is available in PINK

How the eID Tag System Works

Each eID tag contains an RFID transponder that stores a unique 15-digit NLIS identification number. This number is permanently linked to your Property Identification Code (PIC) and registered in the NLIS database.

When animals are scanned — at the yards, at the saleyards, or at an abattoir — the reader captures the ID number and records the movement. This creates a complete chain of custody for every animal across its entire lifetime.

State-by-State Subsidies and Assistance

Several states have introduced subsidy or rebate schemes to help producers transition to mandatory individual eID. These programs vary significantly by state and are subject to change.

What About Visual Tags?

Visual NLIS tags (those without an electronic chip) remain part of the sheep identification system for several reasons:

Year-of-birth colour coding — helps producers quickly identify a mob's age at a glance

On-farm flock management — colour tags can identify different mobs, sires, or management groups

Pink introduced tags — all sheep arriving from another property should carry a pink NLIS tag POST BREEDER.

However, a visual tag alone does not meet the movement requirement from 1 January 2025. An approved eID device must also be present.

• NLIS approved Visual-only ear tags will be removed from the market - producers can continue to buy and use management tags, but no visual tags will bear the NLIS logo after 1 January 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

My sheep have never left the property. Do they still need eID tags?

If your sheep are never moved off-property, the eID requirement technically doesn't apply to those animals. However, the moment any animal is sold, moved to agistment, or sent to a sale, it must carry an approved eID device. Most producers find it simpler and more cost-effective to tag all new lambs at marking time.

Can I use eID tags from any supplier?

No — only NLIS-approved eID devices may be used. Farm & Acre Co only stocks fully accredited Allflex eID tags that meet the NLIS standard. Always check that any tag you purchase is listed as NLIS-approved before ordering.

What happens if I move an untagged sheep?

Moving sheep without approved NLIS tags is an offence under state livestock legislation. Penalties vary by state but can be significant. If you're unsure whether your animals are correctly tagged, contact your local state agriculture department.

Do bucks and wethers need eID tags too?

Yes. The mandatory eID requirement applies to all sheep and managed goats moved off-property, regardless of sex or age (with limited exceptions for very young animals — check your state's specific rules for lambs at foot).