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New cattle ear tag numbers - important information

Thursday, 13 September 2007

Herd-keepers are asked to note that an important change to the cattle ear tag numbering system will be introduced from Saturday 15 September 2007.

At present, ear tag numbers may consist of less than 14 characters. However, all new orders of cattle ear tags must be printed in a 14-character format from 15 September 2007. This change will also apply to replacement tags from this date.

This change means that any herd numbers consisting of less than six digits will have zeros added to create a six digit number. DARD is writing to herd-keepers whose herd numbers consist of fewer than six digits to inform them that their herd number will be expanded to six digits.

Existing stocks of ear tags may be used for a period of one year. After the end of September 2008 tags of less than 14 characters may no longer be used.

The changes are being introduced to facilitate the export of cattle going for breeding and production to some EU member States where importers require 14 characters on tags. New rules will be introduced for the export of such animals and these will be given to exporters shortly. There will be no changes for the export of cattle to Britain.

ARD is also reminding herd keepers that the manufacture of all ear tags, including replacement tags, can be authorised through an approved ear tag manufacturer or agent. Herd keepers may also use the APHIS online service to obtain MC10 authorisations for purchasing tags. For more information visit the website at www.ruralni.gov.uk

Notes to Editors:

  1. Most herd numbers already consist of six digits and will remain unchanged, but if a herd number is less than six digits, zeros will be added (after the two-digit electoral area number). For example, if the herd number is 538 it will be packed out to 530008. If the herd number is 0637, it will be packed out to 060037; and herd number 42576 will be packed out to 420576.
  2. The individual animal number will also have zeros added, if necessary, to form four digits.
  3. Under the Cattle Identification (No 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 and the Cattle Identification (Enforcement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 a herd keeper is responsible for individually identifying each bovine animal in his herd with an approved ear tag applied to each ear.
  4. This change is necessary in order to facilitate the export of cattle from Northern Ireland to some EU member States.
  5. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
  6. A detailed FAQ is below. Further information is available from the DARD website at: www.dardni.gov.uk

Frequently asked questions

Summary of change to format of cattle ear tags

Why is the format of ear tags changing?

EU legislation has always allowed any number of characters to be used on cattle ear tags, provided this does not exceed fourteen. However, for commercial reasons, some importers in other EU member States are now insisting that ear tags have 14 characters before they will accept our cattle. DARD is therefore introducing these changes in order to facilitate trade. This is not required for trade to GB.

When will the changes take effect?

From Saturday 15 September 2007, all new and replacement tags will be printed with fourteen characters.

Will my herd number change?

If your herd number is currently made up of less than six digits, then it will be changed to a six digit format by the addition of zeros eg the herd number 5834 will now become 580034. In all future correspondence with DARD, you must use your six digit herd number. DARD is writing to all those herd-keepers directly impacted by this change.

What will these changes mean for me?

Your herd number will change to six digits but you will not need to change the tags which have already been applied to your cattle. However, please note that any replacement tags ordered from Saturday 15 September will be printed in fourteen character format.

Can I use up existing supplies of ear tags?

Yes, DARD will allow herd keepers to use up existing supplies of ear tags, which consist of less than 14-characters until the end of September 2008.

Will a barcode also have to be printed on a tag?

This is optional, depending on whether you intend to export to a country which requires barcodes to be printed on the tag. Tag suppliers have indicated that they can facilitate a request for a barcode to be included but it will be a commercial decision for you to decide whether it is required.