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livestock
Livestock Tagging

The Livestock Unique Identification Service (LUIS) was developed as the foundation of livestock traceability in collaboration with Ear Tag Manufacturers, to enable unique tag allocation for Cattle, Sheep, and Goats across Great Britain. Livestock need to be officially identified by a unique number which includes both country of origin, and flock or herd mark. This information is required by law and is vital to enable government and industry to react quickly and effectively in the event of a livestock disease outbreak.

Find an approved tag supplier >

Information about
LUIS and users

LUIS replaced the existing Sheep and Goat Ear Tag Allocation System (S&GETAS) in March 2022 and the Cattle Ear Tag Allocation Systems (CETAS) in Feb 2023. The LUIS service is now being used by ear tag manufacturers and suppliers to order unique tag numbers initially for sheep, goats, and cattle.

 

The ministerial announcement in June 2025 confirmed that new requirements will see Electric ID (EID) mandatory for all new-born calves from 2027, using low frequency (LF) technology. This means animals with eID eartags are able to be scanned when animals are moved, rather than a visual read and manual input of the tag number. Electronic cattle traceability will strengthen the UK’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to animal disease outbreaks, protecting farmers and the rural economy. 

 

LUIS is only for use by approved tag manufacturers and suppliers. You can find out more about becoming an approved tag supplier or manufacturer by clicking the link.

 

If you are a government user who wants access to LUIS reports, contact the LUIS support team by emailing
luis@livestockinformation.org.uk.