Cattle identification and traceability in England are set to change over the next two years, marking a major step forward in disease control and trade across the farming sector, Defra has announced.
From summer 2026, Defra will introduce changes to cattle identification, registration, and reporting to improve the Government’s ability to respond effectively to disease. These changes will also simplify regulations and support the industry in boosting productivity, food security, and international trade.
What are EID tags?
Electronic identification (EID) tags will become mandatory for all newborn calves in England from 2027, using low-frequency (LF) technology. This replaces the current visual tagging and manual reporting system.
How EID Works:
- Low-Frequency Technology: Each tag contains a microchip storing the animal’s official identification number.
- Benefits: When animals move, keepers can scan the tag electronically, allowing faster and more accurate record-keeping than manual input. This system improves traceability, strengthens biosecurity, and ensures rapid response to disease outbreaks.
Why is this change happening?
The introduction of EID tags is part of a broader effort to modernise livestock management and enhance disease control. Key reasons include:
- Disease Control: Strengthening the UK’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to animal disease outbreaks, protecting both farmers and the rural economy.
- Trade and Productivity: Simplifying regulations and boosting productivity, food security, and international competitiveness. Following the recent UK-EU SPS deal, this system will help reduce trade friction and support exports of agri-food products.
- Modernisation: Moving towards a fully digital system for animal identification, aligning England with global best practices in traceability.
Supporting measures
The rollout of EID will be complemented by:
- A new cattle movement reporting system that will be easier for farmers, markets, abattoirs, and regulators to use.
- £200 million investment in the UK’s main research and laboratory facilities at Weybridge to bolster protection against animal disease.
- Free annual veterinary visits for livestock farmers to check for disease, improve biosecurity, and receive tailored health and welfare advice.
Defra will also take a more proportionate approach to enforcement, allowing keepers to correct issues before further action is considered, reducing red tape while strengthening biosecurity.
Timeline for implementation
- Summer 2026: Initial changes to cattle identification, registration, and reporting begin.
- 2027: Mandatory use of LF EID ear tags for all newborn calves. The Government will provide early guidance to allow farmers to plan, ensuring access to the right tags, readers, and systems at scale.
Industry response
The NFU has welcomed the move towards electronic tagging and a new multispecies livestock traceability service. NFU Livestock Board chairman David Barton emphasised the importance of extending a multispecies platform to sheep and goats. While acknowledging the benefits of low-frequency tags, he expressed disappointment that UHF technology had not been included.
By contrast, the Scottish government will mandate UHF technology for cattle, potentially creating cross-border challenges where some animals may need double-tagging. Wales has yet to confirm its approach.
The introduction of EID tags marks a major step towards modernising livestock management in England, improving disease control, supporting farmers, and enhancing the competitiveness of the UK’s agricultural sector. Farmers are encouraged to begin preparing now for a smooth rollout in 2027.