How does the NLIS work?

Traceability through the Supply Chain

As animals are bought, sold and moved along the supply chain, they must be tagged with an NLIS accredited tag or device from their property (PIC) of birth. In most cases this tag will remain with the animal for their entire life and it is illegal to remove this tag.

If tags are lost or become defective then a new tag can be applied, however if the animal is no longer at its place of birth then a ‘post breeder’ tag must be used. This indicates that the animal no longer has ‘lifetime’ traceability.

All animals leaving a PIC must be identified with an NLIS accredited device before moving, unless a permit is obtained from the state or territory. Each movement they make to a location with a different PIC must be recorded centrally on the NLIS database by people with NLIS accounts. NLIS accounts are free to open and operate.

Using this information, the NLIS is able to provide a life history of an animal's movements and discern if contact with other livestock occurred. The NLIS is required to facilitate the traceability of animals in accordance with the National Traceability and Performance Standards.

How to set up and use your NLIS account 

1. Obtain a Property Identification Code (PIC)
2. Register for an NLIS account
3. Order NLIS devices. Contact your State or Territory Department of Agriculture to find out the process for ordering tags in
4. Apply NLIS devices to your livestock
5. Record livestock movements onto and off your property (PIC)
6. See information about your NLIS transactions.