Options for identifying GB exports of livestock to the European Union and movements to Northern Ireland: factsheet

Cattle 

Where animals are registered for the first time, the keeper can order new runs of tags with the suffix ‘GB’ on the secondary tag – with the ‘GB’ being separate from the official ID, for example at the bottom of the tag. 

This could also be utilised where replacement/duplicate tags are ordered for animals that have already been registered, if the intention is to export the animal. 

Where an animal is already registered and identified, the keeper can order a third (management) tag with the prefix ‘GB’ followed by the animals individual number. This will be done if the intention is to export the animal.  

Sheep and goats 

Where animals are registered for the first time, the keeper can order new runs of tags with the suffix ‘GB’ on the EID and plastic tag along with prefix ‘UK’ and the animals individual number provided it does not affect legibility of the official ID – so the ‘GB’ would need to be at the bottom of a flag tag, the centre of a button tag or at the end of a fold over tag.   

This would work for new born animals as well as slaughter lambs being upgraded to full EID. 

This could also be utilised where replacement/duplicate tags are ordered for animals that have already been registered, if the intention is to export the animal. 

Where an animal is already registered and identified, the keeper can order a third (management) tag with the prefix ‘GB’ followed by the animals individual number and match it up to the existing ID. This will be done if the intention is to export the animal.  

Additional tags for exported sheep and goats must not be red or black. 

Pigs 

Where animals are registered for the first time the keeper can order new runs of tags with the suffix ‘GB’ along with the prefix ‘UK’ and the animals individual animal number, again it would require to be separate from the official ID, for example at the bottom of the tag. 

Where an animal is already registered and identified, the keeper can order a second (management) tag with the prefix ‘GB’ followed by the animals individual number. This will be done if the intention is to export the animal.  

General information 

In all of the above scenarios the tag used must be plastic, you cannot use a metal tag. None of these scenarios involve the removal of a tag. 

Your regular ear tag supplier will be able to provide these tags. You must tell them that they are for animals intended for export to the EU or Northern Ireland and you should explain whether you need these export tags for previously identified animals, or for as yet unidentified animals. 

You should confirm with the importer that your exported animals are identified by an acceptable method. 

Cattle being exported for slaughter must be freeze-branded on the hind quarters with an L mark. 

You must also return the cattle passport of any animal that is exported to the EU to ScotEID within seven days of the export taking place. 

Read more information.