Livestock identification

The ability to trace livestock from property of birth to slaughter is crucial to the safety of red meat. The Australian red meat industry has implemented a national system to ensure the quality and safety of beef, lamb, sheepmeat and goatmeat.

National Livestock Identification System

The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is Australia's system for identification and traceability of livestock. It was introduced in 1999 to meet European Union requirements for cattle exports. Since then it has expanded to enable cattle, sheep and goats to be traced from property of birth to slaughter for:

• biosecurity
• meat safety
• product integrity
• market access

NLIS is endorsed by major producer, feedlot, agent, saleyard and processor bodies. In addition to this it is underpinned by State and Territory legislation, which forms the regulatory framework for the system.

A subsidiary of MLA, NLIS Ltd, operates the central NLIS Database on which the livestock movements must be recorded. State and Territory authorities provide information on:

• Property Identification Codes (PIC).
• Ordering NLIS devices imprinted with your PIC.
• NLIS regulations for cattle, sheep and goats.

NLIS database login

Login to the NLIS database or create a database account

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