WA’s Tag Incentive Payment (TIP) for electronic identification (eID) tags to support sheep and goat producers transition to the new national livestock traceability system has been expanded and extended for a fourth year.

A 60-cent discount per eID tag will apply to 2026 orange year-of-birth eID tags, as well as pink and yellow eID tags required for older sheep and goats leaving a property once the mandatory system becomes fully operational on July 1, 2026.

The improved Australia-wide eID system for sheep and goats will support a rapid response in the event of an emergency animal disease or food safety incident, while underpinning valuable trade relationships and export markets.

Since the TIP scheme commenced in April 2023, more than 10 million eID tags have been sold under the scheme, administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

DPIRD animal product integrity and traceability manager Michael Britton congratulated producers on embracing the new system.

“We applaud the early adopters of eID, who have helped saleyard and abattoir operators to test the new eID technology, before the system becomes fully operational,” Mr Britton said.

“This will aid a smooth transition to the new system, while enhancing traceability, which is important to reduce the impact of an emergency animal disease incident.”

As of January 1, 2025, all new sheep and goats were required to be eID tagged before leaving their birth property or within six months of birth.

From July 1, 2026 all sheep and goats must be eID tagged before leaving any property, regardless of age, and all movements must be scanned and recorded on the National Livestock Identification System database.

WA saleyards and abattoirs commenced scanning eID tags on July 1.

The department continues to help industry to adapt to the new eID requirements, including two dedicated outreach and engagement officers visiting saleyards, abattoirs, export depots and feedlots to support the
transition process.

DPIRD has also established a sheep and goat eID hotline to answer regulatory, compliance or technical questions for producers during the transitional period.

The new TIP scheme will commence on  January 1, 2026 and conclude on December 31, 2026.

For more information about the tag incentive payment and the implementation of  sheep and goat eID in Western Australia visit their website.

For producer queries call the DPIRD Sheep and goat eID Hotline between 9am – 4.30pm weekdays on 1300 926 547.