Published on 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD & MARINE CONFIRMS NEW SUPPLY PROCESS FOR BOVINE EAR-TAGS UNTIL 2018

The Department of Agriculture Food & Marine have confirmed a new supply process, which will allow all suppliers of bovine ear tags, whose ear-tags meet the requirements for bovine identification set down in EU Legislation (Regulation 911/2004) and the Department specification, to supply approved tags from November 1st 2016.

The EU Commission has decided that it will take a number of months to consider an application by Ireland for new proposed standards relating to tag approval. In view of this decision by the Commission and in order to avoid any disruption in the supply of ear tags, the Department has decided to proceed to approve tag suppliers whose ear-tags meet the requirements for bovine identification set down in EU Legislation (Regulation 911/2004). These requirements include that the tags are tamper-proof and are not re-usable, as objectively assessed by independent experts. This process will enable the supply of approved tags from 1 November next. The new arrangements will remain in place until 31 December 2017.

The Department has met potential tag suppliers and has invited them to submit applications for approval to supply bovine identification ear tags in Ireland from 1st November 2016.

The Department has advised tag suppliers on issues relating to the suitability of tissue tags for BVD testing purposes and has offered to provide further guidance and assistance as necessary. 'Tissue tags’ that are used for BVD testing purposes can be approved as the second official ear-tag if they meet the requirements of an identification tag.

Applications from tag suppliers for approval to supply ear tags will be assessed against the requirements of EU regulations relating to bovine identification, as well as the ancillary requirements which have been in place for many years (secure premises, ability to interact with the Department’s IT system, etc) and which are designed to ensure that the supply of tags comply with all of the requirements of these regulations.

The Department will also meet with stakeholders including farm organisations and the BVD Implementation Group to update them on these arrangements.