Q&A for the Voluntary Introduction of Electronic Identification in cattle

Overview and Policy Approach

1. Question - What is bovine EID?

Answer – Bovine EID is a method of identifying livestock using electronic ear tags with a microchip containing the animal’s unique ID number. These tags can be read using scanning equipment, allowing animal identity to be recorded quickly and accurately. The EID tag will have the animals ID number embossed on it and can still be read visually.

2. Question – What does the voluntary introduction of EID mean, and why is it being introduced on this basis?

Answer – The voluntary introduction of EID means that herd keepers in NI may choose to use an official EID tag in place of one of the conventional tags, without any requirement to do so. It is being introduced on this basis to provide choice and flexibility, support those already using EID-compatible technology, and allow a phased, lower-risk transition ahead of any future decision on mandatory EID. It also supports wider industry developments, including aligning with the Bovine Genetics Project (BGP), where tissue sampling tags may include EID functionality. Overall, the introduction of voluntary EID now allows some of the benefits to be realised without placing additional requirements or costs on those who do not wish to adopt it.

3. Question – Will EID become mandatory in the future?

Answer –This ability to use EID on a voluntary basis does not pre‑empt any future decision on mandatory EID. 

The Department has consulted on the potential introduction of mandatory bovine EID. The findings are currently being considered, prior to making any recommendations to Minister on proposals for mandatory EID.

4. Question - Do I have to tag all animals with EID if I choose to use it?

Answer – No, as the introduction is voluntary, herd keepers may choose to use EID tags on their newborn cattle, but there is no requirement to re-identify the full herd with EID tags. EID‑tagged and conventionally tagged animals can coexist, and existing identification rules continue to apply to all animals regardless of tag type.

5. Question - How will voluntary EID be enforced, and are there any penalties?

Answer - Existing cattle identification enforcement arrangements will continue unchanged. Herd keepers who choose to use EID must use approved tags purchased from approved tag suppliers. However, as EID is voluntary, there are no penalties for choosing not to use it.

6. Question – When will EID tags be available?

Answer - Approved EID tags are expected to be available from 7 September 2026.

Benefits and Practical Use

7. Question – What are the benefits of using EID tags?

Answer – EID offers many benefits, for example:

• Reduced tag reading errors 
• Improved traceability and data accuracy.
• Enhanced health and safety by reducing animal handling which will have a positive impact on animal welfare as they will only need to be scanned with a handheld reader.
• Opportunities to streamline herd management, such as weight tracking and health monitoring.
• Potential for faster and more efficient processes in markets and abattoirs.

8. Question - Can EID help reduce errors in farm records?

Answer – Where electronic scanning is used, EID can help reduce the risk of errors that may occur when recording tag numbers manually. This can support more accurate record keeping and make on-farm management tasks more efficient.

9. Question - Will EID reduce paperwork or inspections?

Answer - The introduction of EID does not change existing regulatory requirements, so herd keepers must continue to meet the same obligations for record keeping and inspections. However, where EID is used, it can help streamline processes by improving accuracy and reducing manual recording, which may support more efficient on‑farm management and compliance activities.

10. Question - Will I have to report movements differently if I use EID?

Answer - No, the introduction of EID does not change existing requirements for reporting cattle movements. Herd keepers must continue to follow current notification procedures. While EID can support faster and more accurate recording where scanning is used, it does not alter how or when movements must be reported.

Costs and Financial Considerations

11. Question - How much will this cost farmers?

Answer - Only those who choose to adopt EID will incur any additional costs as it is a voluntary introduction. EID tags are expected to be about £1.50–£2 more than conventional tags. If keepers wish to purchase devices to read EID tags, they typically cost around £600 excluding VAT, depending on the specification, although if they have EID equipment for sheep these may also be used for cattle.

Furthermore, some herd keepers in NI already use EID technology through the application of herd management tags, therefore EID tags are likely to replace the need for these additional EID management tags, which may result in some savings for some herd keepers.

Those who do not adopt EID can continue exactly as they do now with no additional costs.

12. Question - Will any financial support be available for herd keepers?

Answer - There are no plans to subsidise the use of EID tags. 

13. Question - Will there be costs for markets and abattoirs?

Answer - Operators such as markets and abattoirs may choose to upgrade equipment/IT, but that is voluntary. Many are expected to already have similar technology for sheep EID. 

Technology, Tags and Equipment

14. Question - Which technology is being introduced on the tag and why?

Answer - Low Frequency (LF) EID tags are being introduced and are already in use to identify sheep across the UK since 2010. NI must follow EU Animal Health Law (AHL) for how livestock are identified, registered and moved. Under AHL, bovine EID is optional, but if it is used, it must be LF tags. EID tags are designed to meet the same standards as conventional cattle identification tags. They must be robust enough for normal farm use. As with all tags, there is a small risk of loss or damage, and existing rules for replacing tags continue to apply.

15. Question - Do EID readers need internet or mobile signal to work?

Answer – EID readers can scan and store tag numbers without the need for internet or mobile coverage. Some devices can later transfer data to farm software or other systems where connectivity is available, depending on the type of equipment used.

16. Question - Can EID link with farm software or apps?

Answer – Many EID readers can link with farm management software or mobile applications to support record keeping. This can help farmers track information such as weights, treatments or movements more efficiently. Compatibility will depend on the type of reader and software chosen.

17. Question - What happens if an EID tag fails or stops working?

Answer - If an EID tag cannot be read electronically, the animal ID can be visually read as it is also printed on the EID tag. In the event of an animal losing an EID tag, keepers should replace this in line with existing requirements, using an approved replacement tag (either conventional or EID)

18. What should I do if my reader cannot scan an EID tag?

Answer - If a tag cannot be read electronically, the printed identification number on the tag can still be read visually. Keepers should check the reader is being used correctly and, where necessary, consult the equipment supplier. 

19. Question - If someone uses EID tags, do they have to use a reader?

Answer – No, there is no requirement to purchase or use a reader as part of the implementation of EID. The tags will display the official identification number and can be read visually in the normal way. Readers are optional equipment that can help keepers and businesses realise the benefits of electronic scanning.

20. Question - Where can I buy EID tags and equipment?

Answer – Approved EID tags must be purchased from DAERA approved tag suppliers. These are the same suppliers that currently provide conventional cattle identification tags, and herd keepers can order EID tags in the usual way. EID equipment, such as handheld readers or panel systems, can be purchased from agricultural equipment suppliers. There is no requirement to purchase this equipment, and it is optional for those who wish to use electronic scanning, as EID tags can still be read visually.

Markets, Movements and Trade

21. Question - What happens if I sell EID-tagged cattle to a keeper who does not use EID?

Answer – Animals identified with EID tags can be sold or transferred as normal. The tags can still be read visually, so they can be managed by keepers who do not use EID equipment. The use of EID does not affect the movement or sale of animals.

22. Question - Will markets and abattoirs be required to scan EID tags?

Answer – No, the voluntary introduction does not place new requirements on markets or abattoirs to purchase equipment or to scan animals. EID tags remain visually readable, so existing processes can continue. Over time, businesses may choose to adopt scanning where it improves efficiency and accuracy, and many already have experience with sheep EID technology.

23. Question - Will having both EID and non-EID animals slow things down in markets or abattoirs?

Answer – EID-tagged animals can continue to be processed in the same way as conventionally tagged animals, as tags are visually readable. Over time, some markets and abattoirs may choose to use scanning to improve efficiency, but this is not required. The presence of mixed tag types should not prevent normal operations.

24. Question - Will there be any impact on trade movement due to different technology or the colour change of EID tags?

Answer – No, the introduction of EID will not affect trade movements. EID tags can still be read visually, so existing identification and movement processes remain unchanged. Cattle moving into NI from GB or other ‘Third Countries’ (non-EU Member State countries) must continue to be reidentified on arrival. The use of white EID tags in NI also aligns with practice in the Republic of Ireland, providing greater consistency for farmers, marts and processors.

Tag Specifications and Colour

25. Question – What colour will the EID tag be?

Answer – The EID tag will be white. Stakeholders and those who responded to the Department’s consultation on mandatory bovine EID replied positively to the operational benefits of EID tags being a different colour, as they will:

• Allow immediate visual identification of EID‑tagged cattle.
• Help quickly identify which tag is lost if one is missing.
• Improve efficiency when using readers by clearly indicating the correct ear.
• Reduce errors during the transition period when both EID and non‑EID animals coexist. 

26. Question - What will the colour requirements be for the tag?

Answer - The front leaf of the EID tag must be white, and the rear leaf may be white or yellow. If using a button tag, it will be all white.

27. Question - Could the move to EID cause problems if yellow and white tags are both in circulation?

Answer – No, using white EID tags is intended to reduce confusion by clearly distinguishing EID tags from conventional yellow tags. This makes it easier to identify EID-tagged animals at a glance and to tell which tag is missing if one is lost. Existing rules on replacement tags will continue to apply, therefore the current system for dealing with lost tags will remain in place.

28. Question - Can animals with ‘XI 0’ prefixed tags be upgraded to EID?

Answer – Yes, if you have an animal previously identified with a set of conventional non-EID tags, and you wish to upgrade it to EID, you can do so by ordering an EID format replacement tag for that animal from your normal approved tag supplier. You may even do so if the animal is still identified by both its previous tags, by applying the EID format replacement tag as a third tag, provided you can do so without compromising the animal’s welfare.

29. Question - Can animals with ‘UK 9’ prefixed tags be upgraded to EID?

Answer - The ‘XI/899’ numbering regime introduced in June 2024 is fully compatible with EID encoding requirements, however, the older ‘UK 9’ format cannot be converted to EID. After assessing all feasible options, it was concluded that retrospectively upgrading ‘UK 9’ animals to EID tags would not be practical or proportionate. As the breeding herd gradually moves to the ‘XI 0’ numbering regime, this issue will phase out naturally.

Data, Compliance and Related Initiatives

30. Question - What information is stored on the EID chip, and are there any data protection concerns?

Answer - The EID chip is used to carry the animal’s identification number in a format that can be read electronically. It does not hold personal data about the herd keeper as it is an animal identification device and the relevant information on keepers and holdings continues to be held within existing departmental systems.

31. Question - Does EID increase the risk of fraud or tag misuse?

Answer - Existing enforcement and offence provisions on cattle identification remain unchanged. EID can strengthen accuracy and auditability by reducing manual transcription errors and enabling faster checks where businesses choose to scan. Only DAERA‑approved EID tags from approved suppliers can be used as official identifiers.

32. Question - How does EID relate to the Bovine Genetics Project (BGP)?

Answer - From September 2026, the BGP plans to DNA sample the existing breeding herd by applying an additional tag which may also incorporate EID technology. Tissue-sampling tags will also be introduced for newborn animals from January 2027.