DAERA urges Northern Ireland livestock keepers to switch to ‘XI’ tags before 30 June 2025

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has issued a final reminder to all livestock keepers across Northern Ireland that from 30 June 2025, only ‘XI’ prefixed identification tags can be used for newborn cattle, sheep, and goats.

The change follows updates introduced under EU Animal Health Law, designed to maintain seamless access to both EU and UK markets for Northern Ireland’s livestock and agri-food exports.

A DAERA spokesperson explained:

“Since 24 June 2024, only ‘XI’ prefixed tags could be purchased from tag suppliers however, DAERA facilitated an additional 12-month transitional period for livestock keepers to use up any stocks of ‘UK’ tags that they may hold.

“As we approach the end of this transitional period on 30 June 2025, livestock keepers are encouraged to use up any remaining ‘UK’ tags. From this date, unused ‘UK’ prefixed tags will become obsolete and keepers will not be able to use them to identify their animals.”

Tagging rules and export I

implications

DAERA continues to strongly recommend the use of ‘XI’ tags for all newborn animals that may be exported outside the UK, as re-identification may be required prior to export if tagged with the outdated ‘UK’ prefix.

For animals identified in Northern Ireland with ‘UK’ tags prior to the 30 June 2025 deadline, no re-identification is required if they remain within the UK.

However, different rules apply for exporters, particularly to the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe:

• From 30 June 2025, all sheep destined for export to the Republic of Ireland must be tagged with ‘XI’ prefixes. This applies even if they were previously tagged with ‘UK’ identifiers. Re-tagging must be recorded in the flock register.

• DAERA advises that all sheep sent to market be tagged with ‘XI’ prefixes to ensure they are eligible for export purchase.

• Cattle tagged with ‘UK’ identifiers prior to 30 June 2025 can still be exported to Ireland after this date without needing re-tagging.

• For export to continental Europe, all livestock must be tagged with ‘XI’ identifiers, and any animals previously tagged with ‘UK’ must be re-tagged under veterinary supervision.

Technical tag updates

From 24 June 2024:

• All new cattle tags issued in Northern Ireland begin with “XI 0”, replacing the previous “UK 9” format.

• All new sheep tags begin with “XI 17”, replacing “UK 17”.

This update allows for future compatibility with electronic identification devices, ensuring full tag numbers can be encoded.

Further information

DAERA has made additional guidance available, including FAQs on the changes and how to comply with new tagging requirements. This information can be accessed on the DAERA website.

The Department stressed that these changes are vital to securing the continued movement of livestock across borders, in line with legal requirements and market access standards.

For further updates and official resources, visit www.daera-ni.gov.uk.