Order NLIS Tags for Properties in QLD
You can order your tags without any state restrictions.
If your property is located in Queensland (QLD), you can conveniently order NLIS approved ear tags directly from our website; however, all Queensland (QLD) property owners must first register as a biosecurity entity, which you can learn more about below.
NLIS Tags for Cattle, Bison, & Buffalo
The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) ensures lifetime movements of cattle, bison, and buffalo can be identified and recorded within Australia.
- NLIS accredited devices for cattle must be an electronic (RFID) device. This can be either a single ear tag, or a rumen bolus/visual ear tag combination.
- Devices which have full or conditional NLIS accreditation status are accredited devices for cattle (PDF, 432KB), bison and buffalo and must be fitted to the animal before they are moved off a property.
- A white 'breeder' tag must be fitted to cattle, bison and buffalo before the animal is moved off its property of birth.
- Once fitted, a tag must remain on the animal for life.
- If a tag is removed or falls off, it must be replaced with an orange 'post-breeder' tag.
For more information about NLIS tag requirements for cattle in QLD visit the Queensland government website.
NLIS Tags for Sheep & Goats
NLIS (Sheep & Goats), is Australia's system for identifying and tracing sheep, lambs and goats.
- Devices which have full or conditional NLIS accreditation status are accredited devices for sheep and goats (PDF, 680KB) and must be fitted to the animal before they are moved off a property.
- A coloured tag corresponding to the animal's year of birth must be fitted to sheep and goats before the animal is moved off its property of birth. Learn more on our Year Colours & Letters page.
- Once fitted, a tag must remain on the animal for life.
- If a tag is removed or falls off, it must be replaced with a pink 'post-breeder' tag.
Tracing of sheep and goats is mob-based, which means individual livestock are identified with a visual ear tag, printed with a Property Identification Code (PIC), and recorded as a group. Please note, QLD is currently transitioning to mandatory individual electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats. To learn more about individual eID for sheep and goats, visit the QLD government website.
For more information about NLIS tag requirements for sheep and goats in QLD visit the Queensland government website.
NLIS Tags for Pigs
The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) ensures lifetime movements of pigs can be identified and recorded within Australia.
Tracing of pigs is mob-based, which means individual livestock are identified with a visual tag (not RFID device or NLIS ID tag) and recorded as a group. All pig movements (even pet pigs) must be recorded in the national PigPass database, which is immediately transferred to the NLIS database.
- Devices which have full or conditional NLIS accreditation status are accredited devices for pigs (PDF, 102KB).
- A registered brand for a pig under the Brands Act 1915 is also an approved device for use on pigs.
- A device or a brand must be fitted to pigs before the animal is moved off a property.
- Once fitted, a device or brand must remain on the animal for life.
- If a tag is removed, or falls off, it must be replaced with an orange 'post-breeder' tag.
For more information about NLIS tag requirements for pigs in QLD visit the Queensland government website.
Registering as a Biosecurity Entity in QLD
If you are not already registered as a biosecurity entity in Queensland, you can do so on the Business Queensland site. Once you have registered, you will be allocated a property identification code (PIC) that is associated with the property where you keep your animals.
Biosecurity entity registration also allows livestock owners to use:
- Industry quality-assurance programs, including Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) and PigPass
- The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS), which provides permanent identification and traceability of cattle, sheep, pigs and goats.
For more information on biosecurity entity registration, including how to check if you are registered, how to register, renew or update your registration, please visit the Business Queensland biosecurity entity registration page.
Useful Information
Our NLIS Products
We offer a full range of NLIS approved products from your favourite suppliers!
With Yolla Ear Tags, there's no need to look anywhere else for your NLIS tags. We offer a full range of NLIS-approved tags and accessories from your favourite suppliers all in one place. We let you customise and visualise your NLIS tags before you order, so you can buy with confidence.
Wholly owned and operated by farmers like you, we strive to bring you the best products at the best prices. With competitive pricing and flat rate shipping, you can rest easy knowing you're getting the best value.
If we don’t stock the product you want, there’s a fair chance we can get it for you. Simply contact our team for help.
NLIS FAQs
Have a question about NLIS? We've put together some of the most frequently asked questions about NLIS below:
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.
Still Have Questions About the NLIS Tag Requirements in Queensland?
Feel free to contact our team for further assistance.
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