The new tagging rules apply only to sheep and goat exports which have been tagged after the new rules came into force. Any animal which meets this criteria must be tagged with two tags bearing the same number, unless they are intended for slaughter within 12 months. Additional tags can be applied at the point of export.
Sheep or goats which were tagged before the new rules come into force may continue to be tagged with one tag only. Only breeding animals first tagged after the new rules came into force are affected by this change.
Exporters are reminded that the new tagging rules apply only to exports to Britain. All sheep and goat exports to the South are not affected and can continue to be tagged as normal. Imports of sheep and goats are not affected.
This rule change is essential for any future export of sheep or goats to Britain and will be reflected in appropriate changes to current export certification for sheep and goats. A Customer Information Note will be issued to local exporters to advise of the changes.
Additional information on the changes is supplied in the Question and Answer document below.
Further information is also available at DARD's website
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Question and Answer Brief
Double-tagging of sheep and goats going to Great Britain
What is changing?
Sheep or goats from Northern Ireland which are first tagged after new rules came into force in GB this January, and which are going for export to GB for breeding, must be tagged according to the new rules that apply in GB. This means that they must be double-tagged with two tags bearing the same number in each ear.
This only applies to sheep or goats which are intended to be kept in GB beyond 12 months of age. It does not apply to animals that are intended for slaughter before they reach the age of 12 months.
Currently, only sheep and goats going to Member States outside the UK or Republic of Ireland need two identical tags.
Will double tagging apply to all animals?
No. Sheep or goats which were tagged before the new GB rules came into force can be sent to GB under the usual Northern Ireland tagging rules ie a single green natal tag, with or without movement tags.
Also, lambs that are intended for slaughter before 12 months of age can be sent under the Northern Ireland tagging rules ie a single green natal tag, with or without movement tags.
NB: The new requirement for two tags bearing the same number in each ear, only applies to sheep and goats first tagged after the new GB rules came into force, and which are going for export to GB but will not be slaughtered before 12 months of age. In other words, breeding animals first tagged after mid-January 2008 (see specific dates at question 4).
What are the tagging and record keeping requirements?
Sheep and goats must be double-tagged (one in each ear) with tags bearing the same number. This can be achieved by ordering an additional tag which matches the existing natal tag, or by applying two new identical tags. In either case the colour of the additional tag or tags should be blue.
Any necessary tags can be applied at the point of export. If two new tags are applied they must be cross-referenced with the existing natal or movement tag in the flock register when they are applied.
When will these new double-tagging rules be introduced?
England introduced new tagging rules for sheep and goats on 11 January 2008. Scotland introduced similar rules on 18 January and Wales did so on 22 January 2008.
In GB the new rules require sheep and goats which are born after the dates above, and which will not be slaughtered within 12 months of birth, to be tagged with two identical tags before leaving the holding of birth. The authorities in GB have decided that breeding sheep and goats sent to GB, from the rest of the EU, including from Northern Ireland, should also be tagged with two identical tags.
Why is double-tagging being introduced in Great Britain?
European legislation has required double-tagging of sheep and goats since July 2005. The UK initially obtained a derogation which allowed us to keep our national system of single tags on the holding of birth with movement tags each time they move. However, we lost this derogation in the summer, due largely to poor compliance with the rules, and GB have now introduced double-tagging of sheep and goats in line with other Member States.
Have these changes been introduced in Northern Ireland?
Double tagging requirements have not been introduced in Northern Ireland and all flock keepers here must continue to apply our national system of single tags on the holding of birth with movement tags on the second and subsequent holdings. Keepers must also complete movement documents and flock registers correctly.
Will this affect sheep and goats going to the Republic of Ireland?
No. There is no change to the rules for export of sheep and goats to the Republic of Ireland. Identical tags are not required.
Where can I get further information?
Information on tagging requirements can be obtained from the DARD website.
