Northern Ireland cattle electronic ID (bovine EID)

Since 7 September 2026 Northern Ireland keepers can choose a white LF EID tag in place of one conventional tag on newborn calves; any EID tag used must be LF. Mandatory EID for calves was proposed for 2027 but DAERA is still considering the consultation, so it is not yet a requirement.

Northern Ireland's scheme is LF only: under the EU Animal Health Law, which still applies there, any bovine EID tag used must be low frequency (LF). Since 7 September 2026 keepers can fit one white LF EID tag in place of one conventional tag on a newborn calf, and RFID News reported in September 2026 that this makes Northern Ireland the first UK region to offer bovine EID.

For now demand is voluntary. We reported that tags come from the DAERA-approved suppliers that already sell conventional cattle tags, cost roughly £1.50 to £2 more and are not subsidised, while readers are optional at around £600 excluding VAT. Markets and abattoirs do not have to install scanners for the launch.

Mandatory EID for newborn calves was proposed for 2027, but DAERA is still considering the consultation, which closed on 23 February 2026, so there is no decision and no date. That decision would turn a voluntary market into a requirement for every cattle keeper in Northern Ireland.