Funding will be available to offset some of the costs of transition from the original NLIS API to the new system. Any questions relating to funding availability for NLIS API upgrades, feel free to contact ISC Program Manager Digital Adoption – rjeffrey@integritysystems.com.au

A significant project is currently underway to uplift the NLIS database and as part of that project existing APIs will become obsolete. To continue to service your clients, it is recommended that you upgrade to the API which will service the uplifted NLIS. Any questions relating to technical aspects of NLIS Integration, feel free to contact ISC Integration Analyst – pquigley@integritysystems.com.au

Yes. ISC is administering a $3.9 million (ex GST) Commonwealth grant to help support existing NLIS third-party API integrators and State Departments of Agriculture transition to the uplifted NLIS.

Third-party integrators interested in applying for funding support will need to complete an application form. Applications are expected to open in mid February 2025. Interested applicants will be asked to share information about their business and demonstrate their experience serving the red meat industry, technical capabilities, and risk management.

The funding is to be used to offset some of the costs of transitioning from the current NLIS API to the Uplifted version. Funding can be used for technical developments, project management and communications to clients.

In consultation with the Commonwealth, ISC has developed a funding framework to distribute grant funds to current NLIS integrators. To do this ISC will engage a Review Panel to assess all applications and make funding decisions. An independent Review Panel chair will oversee the Review Panel.

A set of funding principles has been endorsed by the Commonwealth to determine funding allocations. Funding allocations are based on the level of technical change required to transition to the new API, as well as research and analysis of current API usage.

No. The grant funding is only available to third-party integrators that have an existing API connection to the NLIS.

At this stage there is only one funding round available.

No. The grant is designed to help support and offset some of the costs of transitioning to the new API. It will not cover all the development costs of transitioning to the uplifted NLIS.

Applications will be open on the 12th of February 2025 and close on the 19th of March 2025.

Yes. There is funding available to support State and Territory governments' transition to the uplifted NLIS. The specific arrangements for this will be discussed directly with the relevant department.

NLIS Uplift API documentation will be released into the NLIS Uplift Developer Portal progressively throughout 2025. The first documentation is expected to be available late January 2025

While software integrators do not need myMLA accounts themselves to access the NLIS Uplift APIs, their customers must have valid myMLA credentials. The API authentication works through a combination of: 

1. The integrator's application/client key 

1. The customer's myMLA credentials 

This dual authentication approach allows integrators to develop applications that securely access NLIS Uplift API features on behalf of their customers 

The Uplifted NLIS Database will be made available to end users by mid-late 2025 at which point a transition period will begin where both systems will be accessible. The old NLIS will be fully decommissioned by mid 2026. 

From an integrator grant perspective, Integrators have had access to the new ISC Developers Portal from 3 February 2025. To successfully meet grant requirements, development work needs to be completed by 1 February 2026, along with the other grant requirements outlined above.  

A shared cost approach to upgrades is being used to ensure commercial and industry benefits can continue to be realised from NLIS. To meet the grant requirements, it is expected that third-party integrators contribute at least 20% of the grant funds allocated to their business.  To demonstrate the 20% contribution, third-party integrators will need to provide a financial statement at the conclusion of the project as detailed in the project agreement between successful Integrator applicants and ISC. 

To be eligible to receive funding, third-party integrator must:

• Have an existing API connection
• Be using the NLIS API for biosecurity or traceability purposes
• Have accessed the NLIS in the past year

Furthermore, applicants will not be eligible for consideration if:

• The provider is the recipient of other Commonwealth traceability grants that fund similar upgrades
• Any NLIS users upload data via the web and not through an API

The NLIS API uplift features will be rolled out progressively and communicated to all integrators. The specific changes affecting your integration will depend on which APIs you currently use. Rather than receiving all new functionality in a single update, features will be introduced in phases, with clear communication provided before each release. This means you may need to implement multiple updates over time, but only for the APIs relevant to your integration.

Only Integrators that use the existing NLIS API solely for biosecurity and traceability purposes are eligible to apply. Please contact ISC if you would like to discuss your eligibility.

Third-party integrators that have an existing API connection to the current NLIS and use this for traceability and biosecurity purposes can apply. This can include tag and device manufacturers, software providers for processors, feedlots, saleyards, and on-farm management program providers.

No, integrators must apply based on the sector they predominately support. This is to ensure that all Integrators connected to NLIS have an opportunity to apply and be supported.

Third party industry integrators include software developers that support tag and device manufacturers, processors, feedlots, saleyards, livestock agents and on-farm management program providers with an existing NLIS API connections. 

No, a myMLA account is not required. However, developers will be required to provide some basic details before gaining access to the Developer Portal 

As part of the Uplifted NLIS, all NLIS users must have valid myMLA credentials. A single myMLA account can be linked to one or more NLIS accounts, allowing the user to switch between multiple accounts under a single authenticated session.

The creation and linking of NLIS account to myMLA accounts can happen now. More information is available on the ISC website here.

Information on how to create a myMLA account and link NLIS accounts is available on the ISC website here.

For email or phone support, contact ISC Customer Service. 

Email: info@integritysystems.com.au 

Phone: 1800 683 111 (8am-7pm AEST Monday - Friday; 9am-5pm AEST Saturdays - Sundays) 

Once ISC is satisfied that all features of current NLIS are available in the Uplifted NLIS, all legacy APIs (including NLIS Connect) will no longer be available. ISC will ensure all integrators are kept informed of these changes well ahead of any deprecation.

Up to $20,000 in support costs is available for project management, training, and communications for eligible integrators. NLIS Integrators specific for supply chain traceability i.e. software developers of processors, saleyards and feedlots will be eligible for up to $20,000, and up to $5,000 of support costs is available for tag and device manufacturers.

These stakeholder groups have been identified  as NLIS Integrators that are critical to ongoing livestock traceability and solely serve the red meat supply chain sector for traceability purposes (based on the volume of NLIS tags transacting through their business).