DAERA Minister launches consultation on mandatory electronic identification for newborn cattle

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, has launched a public consultation on plans to introduce mandatory Electronic Identification (EID) for newborn cattle in Northern Ireland.

EID ear tags look like conventional ear tags but include a microchip programmed with the animal's unique identification number, which can be read automatically by a tag reader.

Announcing the consultation, Minister Muir said: “Ensuring the health and traceability of our livestock is fundamental to safeguarding Northern Ireland's agri-food sector, protecting public health and maintaining our reputation for high standards in animal welfare and food safety.

“EID has already proven its value in the sheep sector and internationally in cattle traceability.  Now is an opportune time to consider mandatory bovine EID, as it can eliminate tag reading errors and improve efficiency for animal handling on farms, at markets and at processing sites.  Consequently, it will reduce administrative burdens, improve transparency and health and safety throughout the supply chain, while supporting overall efforts to control disease in Northern Ireland.”

Minister Muir added: “I recognise that any change will mean some adjustments for industry, and that is why I am proposing a phased approach, with voluntary bovine EID being introduced first from mid-2026.  Subject to a favourable response to the consultation, mandatory EID could then be introduced for newborn calves at some point during 2027.”

Introducing EID on a voluntary basis from mid-2026 will allow those herd keepers who are keen utilise this technology to adopt it sooner should they wish. 

It will also provide a longer transition period for the wider industry to use up stocks of non-EID tags in advance of the proposed mandatory implementation of EID for newborn cattle during 2027.

The consultation closes on 23 February 2026 and DAERA encourages farmers, industry representatives and other interested stakeholders to share their views.

The consultation document along with details on how to respond are available from the DAERA website.

Notes to editors:

1. Cattle in Northern Ireland are currently identified for traceability purposes using conventional plastic ear tags. These tags currently are printed with a unique animal number, which are visually read and noted manually, when it needs to be recorded.
2. It is expected that the option for herd keepers to identify cattle with EID tags on a voluntary basis will be introduced in July 2026, subject minor legislative amendments and to the necessary changes being made to the Department's Northern Ireland Farm Animal Information System (NIFAIS) system.
3. EID is widely used in animal identification, and it has been mandatory in NI to electronically identify sheep since 31 December 2009.