EU sheep and goat electronic identification (Animal Health Law)

Sheep and goats kept past 12 months, or moved to another Member State, need an ear tag plus an electronic identifier. The identifier can be an electronic ear tag, a ruminal bolus or an injectable transponder, and these use low-frequency (134.2 kHz) RFID. There are derogations for lambs slaughtered before 12 months, and Member States with no more than 600,000 sheep and goats (160,000 goats) can drop EID for animals that stay in the country, so national rules vary.

The EU rule is a low-frequency (LF) RFID mandate at 134.2 kHz. Keepers can meet it with an electronic ear tag, a ruminal bolus or an injectable transponder, so it supports demand for all three device types across the EU.

The obligation falls on sheep and goat keepers, for animals kept past 12 months or moved to another Member State. Electronic identification has been compulsory for animals born after 31 December 2009, and the Animal Health Law has required it since 21 April 2021.

National rules vary because of the derogations for lambs slaughtered before 12 months, and because Member States with no more than 600,000 sheep and goats (160,000 goats) can drop EID for animals that stay in the country. Tag and bolus suppliers need to check each country's arrangements.