New Cattle Ear Tag Numbers – Important Information

DARD
13th 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 6 digits will have zeros added to create a 6 digit number.  DARD is writing to herd-keepers whose herd numbers consist of less than 6 digits to inform them that their herd number will be expanded to 6 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 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.

DARD 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.

Further information is available soon from the DARD website at: www.dardni.gov.uk