FAQs

The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is Australia's system for the identification and traceability of cattle, sheep and goats.

All animals are identified with an accredited NLIS tag or device from their property (PIC) of birth. As animals are bought, sold and moved along the supply chain, each movement is recorded centrally on the NLIS database. Using this information, the NLIS is able to provide a life history of an animal's movements.

The NLIS combines three elements to enable the lifetime traceability of animals:

1. All livestock are identified by a visual or electronic ear tag/device. 

2. All physical locations are identified by means of a Property Identification Code (PIC).

3. All livestock location data and movements are recorded in a central database.

1. Property Identification Code (PIC)

A Property Identification Code (PIC) is an eight-character code allocated by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or an equivalent authority in each state or territory to identify a livestock-producing property. Producers must have a PIC to move livestock on and off a property.

2. Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) National Vendor Declaration (NVD)

Each time livestock are moved off a PIC they must be accompanied by some form of movement documentation. For LPA accredited PICs, this must be an LPA NVD.  LPA NVDs guarantee that on-farm practices meet LPA requirements, and ultimately customer expectations.

3. Record Keeping

Australia’s on-farm assurance and traceability systems underpin our reputation for producing safe, high quality livestock products for both domestic and export markets. The effectiveness of these systems depends on compliance and accurate record keeping.

Yes, hobby farmers must register livestock movements on the NLIS database, regardless of the property size or the number of animals on the property.

A Property Identification Code (PIC) is an eight-character code allocated by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or an equivalent authority in each state or territory to identify a livestock-producing property. Producers must have a PIC to move livestock on and off a property – it forms the basis of Australia’s food safety and traceability programs.  

There are differences between states and territories in how PICs are managed.  In some states, amalgamation of separate PICs owned by the same entity, into a single PIC, is allowed.  In other states, one property can be issued multiple PICs if there are livestock owned by multiple entities on the property.  It is important to understand the requirements for your state or territory.

PICs are issued by state and territory departments to identify parcels of land used for agricultural purposes. To obtain a PIC, contact the relevant authority in your state or territory.

To learn more about PICs and to check to confirm that your PIC is accredited, you can visit the NLIS website.

The Livestock Production Assurance NVD is a food safety document that includes questions regarding livestock management practices and livestock history.

As a signed declaration that accompanies livestock along the supply chain, NVDs provide assurance from the producer through to the processor that the meat will be safe to eat and is ethically produced.

You must be LPA accredited to access LPA NVDs. When you tick the boxes and sign your LPA NVD, you are declaring your on-farm practices meet LPA requirements, and ultimately customer expectations.

Your declaration must be backed up by accurate farm records. This is your pledge that the meat from your farm has been produced safely, ethically and meets biosecurity requirements – it means you stand by what you sell.

For the current version of the LPA NVD, and to learn more about electronic eNDV system, visit the NLIS website.

Good records and systems are the foundation of the integrity system.

When you tick the box on your LPA NVD, you are guaranteeing your on-farm practices meet LPA requirements, and ultimately customer expectations. Your tick must be backed up by accurate farm records.

When it comes to keeping good records for LPA, there is no perfect formula; however, the LPA record keeping templates on the NLIS site are used by many producers and include all details that must be recorded.

Remember, that should you be required to participate in an LPA audit, your LPA records will be reviewed by an auditor, so it’s important to make sure they are accurate and up to date.

The timeframe for retaining records varies between LPA and state and territory requirements. 

To learn more about necessary record keeping and to download the templates required to maintain your LPA records, visit the NLIS site.

Your local state or territory authority can help you with the following:

• PIC registration
• Ordering NLIS devices
• Livestock movement requirements
• NLIS compliance, including timeframes for completing transfers on the database
• Checking chemical residue history when purchasing/leasing or agisting property.

To report stolen livestock, you should contact your local police.