NLIS Tags & Livestock Identification

The National Livestock Identification System, or NLIS, is Australia’s system for identifying and tracing cattle, sheep and goats. It helps protect Australia’s clean, green reputation, supports biosecurity and food safety, and gives Australian producers a competitive edge in global markets.

For producers, NLIS is not optional — it is compulsory. But it can also be a powerful tool for better livestock management.

NLIS combines three key things:

1. A Property Identification Code, known as a PIC
2. An approved NLIS tag or device
3. Records stored on the NLIS database

As livestock are bought, sold or moved, their movement is recorded on the NLIS database. This creates a traceability record that helps track animals from property of birth through the supply chain.

For cattle, this is done through individual electronic identification. For sheep and farmed goats, national eID requirements now apply. From 1 January 2025, sheep and farmed goats born on or after this date must be fitted with an approved NLIS eID device before leaving their property of birth.

NLIS helps protect:

• Australia’s livestock industries
• Producer livelihoods
• Export market access
• Animal health and biosecurity
• Food safety and traceability

In the event of a disease outbreak, chemical residue issue or biosecurity threat, accurate traceability helps authorities respond faster and limit the impact on producers and industry.

NLIS was first introduced for cattle in 1999 and later expanded to include sheep and goats. It is now a key part of Australia’s livestock traceability system.

The need for accurate livestock traceability grew after major international and domestic food safety events, including BSE, chemical residue incidents and increasing export market requirements.

Today, NLIS plays an important role in proving the integrity of Australian red meat and livestock products.

Because NLIS is mandatory, it makes sense to get the most out of it.

Used well, electronic identification can support better livestock management, not just compliance.

Benefits may include:

• Faster livestock recording
• Better feed and mob management
• Easier identification of poor performers
• Improved herd and flock quality
• Better preparation for market specifications
• Stronger traceability records
• Support for lost or stolen stock identification
• Better on-farm decision making

More knowledge means better management.

At Eartags Warehouse, we help Australian producers choose the right NLIS-approved tags for cattle, sheep and goats.

Whether you need visual tags, NLIS cattle tags, sheep and goat eID tags, applicators or advice, we make ordering simple.

Not sure what tag you need? We’re all ears.

For more information on what you need to do to become NLIS compliant click here.

Links for more information:

National Livestock Identification System website

NLIS Frequently Asked Questions

NLIS Database Helpdesk

Contact the NLIS on support@nlis.com.au or 1800 654 743.

This information has been adapted from www.nlis.com.au.