What is changing?

Livestock identification tags in Northern Ireland are moving from the ‘UK’ prefix to the ‘XI’ prefix. This prefix is a legal requirement under EU animal health law and supports continued access to both the EU and UK internal markets for livestock and agri-food products.

‘XI’ prefix tags have already been made available to order, and from the switchover date all newly born cattle, sheep, and goats must be tagged using the new prefix.

What does this mean for Northern Ireland farmers?

Farmers need to be prepared to use ‘XI’ tags for all new livestock born after the change takes effect. Animals born and tagged before that date can still carry ‘UK’ tags, provided they are correctly logged before the switchover.

However, DAERA recommends using ‘XI’ tags for newborn animals wherever possible, particularly if there is any chance the animal may be exported in future. This can help avoid the need for re-identification later.

• Use ‘XI’ tags for all newborn cattle, sheep, and goats from the mandatory start date
• Animals tagged with ‘UK’ prefixes before the change may still remain valid in some cases
• Avoid ordering excess ‘UK’ tags that may no longer be usable
• No reimbursement is expected for unused old-prefix tags

How should livestock be tagged?

Tagging requirements depend on where animals are going and whether they are remaining within the UK or being exported.

Exports to continental Europe

DAERA has advised that livestock being exported to continental Europe must be identified with the new ‘XI’ tags before export. For cattle, this re-identification must be carried out under veterinary supervision.

Exports to Ireland

Sheep exported to Ireland after the switchover must be re-identified with ‘XI’ tags. For cattle, animals identified with ‘UK’ tags before the change can still be exported to Ireland without re-identification, subject to the relevant rules.

Animals remaining in the UK

Livestock identified in Northern Ireland with ‘UK’ tags before the switchover date and remaining within the UK do not need to be re-identified.

Why accurate records matter

Changes to identification rules make accurate livestock records more important than ever. Farmers need to ensure tag details, registrations, and animal movements are correctly recorded, especially where exports are involved.

It is also important that farm software systems are updated to recognise and handle the new ‘XI’ prefix correctly.

How Herdwatch can help

Herdwatch can make the transition to ‘XI’ tags simpler by helping Northern Ireland farmers manage livestock identification and registration more efficiently.

Record tag information accurately

Store and manage livestock tag details in one place, helping reduce the risk of errors during the changeover.

Keep herd records up to date

Update your herd register quickly and maintain clear identification records for local compliance and export requirements.

Support registration and traceability

Herdwatch helps streamline record keeping and supports accurate traceability, reducing paperwork and improving day-to-day farm management.

Make compliance easier

By keeping identification data organised and accessible, Herdwatch helps farmers stay on top of changing requirements and avoid unnecessary mistakes.

Prepare early for a smooth transition

The move from ‘UK’ to ‘XI’ tags is an important change for Northern Ireland livestock farmers. By planning ahead, updating records, and using the correct tags at the right time, farmers can stay compliant and avoid disruption.

Good preparation now will help make the transition more straightforward, particularly for farms involved in export markets.