The purpose of this document is to specify the standards for the operation of the electronic tag based NLIS (Sheep & Goats) system in Victoria. These standards apply to all sheep and goats born on or after the commencement date (1 January 2017) that move after this date from or onto a Victorian property.

The expected outcome of the adoption of an electronic NLIS (Sheep & Goats) system in line with these standards will be compliance of sheep and goats born in Victoria after the commencement date with Australia’s National Livestock Traceability Performance Standards and the traceability requirements of Australia’s Primary Production and Processing Standard for Meat and Meat Products (FSC 4.2.3) which came into effect on 31 July 2015.

Under (FSC4.2.3) a meat producer is any party involved in growing, supplying or transporting animals for human consumption. These standards represent minimum mandatory requirements needed to ensure compliance with Victorian legislation for sheep or goats born on or after the commencement date. These standards need to be read in conjunction with legislation covering sheep and goats born before the commencement date.