Introduction of new livestock identification tag codes

New livestock tags with the 'XI' prefix will be available to purchase from tag suppliers and can be used immediately when they are launched the week commencing 24 June 2024. From this date, 'U.K.' Uni” will no longer be available for purchase.

Existing stocks of 'UK' labels held by breeders can continue to be used with the new 'XI' prefixed labels until the final changeover date planned for January 2025. Further details on this final changeover date will be provided in due time.

DAERA recommends that tags prefixed 'XI' be applied to all newborn animals where available, particularly if it is likely that the animal will be exported in the future, otherwise they may need to be reidentified before export.

Before the deployment of the new XI tags, holders are advised not to order large quantities of “UK” tags which will not be able to be used from January 2025.

Further information on this change, including a set of questions and answers, is available on the DAERA website: Introduction to Animal Identification, Registration and Movement.

Notes to editors:

1. This change to the prefix on livestock labels, which is a legal requirement under EU animal health legislation, will ensure continued and unimpeded access (subject to normal export eligibility conditions) to EU and UK domestic markets for our livestock and agri-food products. product.

2. The change means that from the week commencing June 24, 2024:

a) All new cattle tags issued in NI will begin with 'XI 0', replacing the current UK 9. This will allow the full tag number to be encoded on electronic identification devices in future.

b) All new sheep tags issued in NI will start with XI 17 replacing the current UK 17.

3. A final changeover date, tentatively scheduled for January 27, 2025, after which 'UK' tags can no longer be used, will be confirmed later this year.

4. All media inquiries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: [email protected] or by telephone: 028 9016 3460.

5. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media inquiries only. between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Monday to Friday as well as weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

6. Follow DAERA on X and Facebook

Share this page