National Sheep Identification System (NSIS)
The EU-wide system for the identification and registration of ovine (sheep) and caprine (goats) animals are set down under Council Regulation (EC) No 21/2004 of 17 December 2003 (as amended). These rules are implemented in respect of sheep in Ireland under the National Sheep Identification System (NSIS).
Under the NSIS, all flock owners must be registered, all sheep must be tagged and details of all sheep on farms and all sheep movements must be fully recorded. This system, which encompasses producers, marts, meat factories and others, provides that Ireland has full traceability for all sheep, on an individual basis.
Click here for information on:
Sheep Identification and Tagging Requirements
Approved Tag Suppliers for the National Sheep and Goat Identification Systems (NSIS and NGIS) (pdf 83Kb)
NEW TAG NUMBERING FOR SHEEP FROM 13 MAY 2010In order to comply with the provisions of EU Council Regulation (EC) No 21/2004 of 17 December 2003 as amended it is necessary for Ireland to make some changes to the National Sheep Identification System (NSIS). These changes are to facilitate the introduction of Electronic Identification (EID) for sheep across the EU. They entail moving to a new tag numbering system for sheep from 13 May 2010 and the allocation of new flock designators to all flock owners also from that date.
Under EU rules EID of sheep became mandatory for sheep born after 31 December 2009. Ireland has decided however to minimise the impact of EID for sheep farmers and has decided to apply a derogation whereby all sheep under 12 months old and intended for slaughter in Ireland will be exempt from the mandatory EID requirements. Such sheep can go to the mart or the factory with one tag in the left ear as before. In general only sheep born from this year on, 2010, and retained for breeding beyond 12 months of age or live exports will need to be electronically identified.
Click here for further details of the New tag numbering system and changes to the NGIS(doc 56Kb)
Further information on any aspect of NSIS may be obtained from the NSIS unit of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Helpline: 1890 252 713 or 01 6072901 or your Local District Veterinary Office.