Implementation of Bovine Electronic Identification (Bovine EID) in Wales: integrated impact assessment

In recent years, livestock traceability has become an increasingly important topic within the agricultural industry. With new powers granted under the UK Agriculture Act 2020, Wales has been given the ability to amend existing EU regulations governing movement reporting, allowing for a streamlined and improved approach to the traceability of all livestock species. Recognising the advancements made in electronic identification systems across Europe and the UK, the Welsh Government has taken proactive steps toward enhancing the efficiency of livestock identification and movement reporting, particularly in relation to bovine animals.

Since the mandatory introduction of electronic identification for sheep and goats in 2009, cattle have remained under a conventional identification system with the use of Bovine Electronic Identification (BEID) for farm management purposes as voluntary. However, Article 269 of the EU Animal Health Law permits Member States to adopt stricter national measures regarding bovine traceability. This presents Wales with a significant opportunity to implement compulsory BEID, replacing one conventional ear tag with an electronic version embedded with identification chips. The benefits of BEID extend beyond mere convenience—it offers greater accuracy, improved animal welfare, and enhanced traceability throughout the supply chain.

The policy shift toward BEID has not been made in isolation. The Welsh Government has actively engaged with industry stakeholders to gather insights and shape the approach through consultation processes conducted between September 2021 and January 2022. The responses received from industry representatives have been instrumental in defining the policy direction, ensuring that proposed changes align with the needs of farmers, markets, and abattoirs.

The implementation of BEID, however, requires extensive legislative and system amendments. The current Cattle Tracing System (CTS) cannot accommodate the new numbering protocols. Similarly, the relevant legislation must be revised to enable the full integration of BEID within Wales. Based on existing timelines, the Welsh Government anticipates that BEID will be mandatory for newborn calves no sooner than 2027.

Throughout the policy and delivery cycle, the Welsh Government has applied the five ways of working under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 to ensure a sustainable approach:

1. Long-term Thinking: BEID supports long-term agricultural resilience by modernising identification and traceability processes. By implementing BEID for newborn calves and introducing electronic holding registers, the industry can commence digital transformation while ensuring future-proofed systems.
2. Prevention: Enhancing traceability through BEID reduces risks associated with disease outbreaks and mismanagement of livestock movements. The ability to electronically read identification tags ensures accurate records and prevents errors, benefiting farmers and broader public health concerns.
3. Integration: BEID aligns with broader governmental priorities, including digital modernisation and sustainability in agriculture. By integrating traceability improvements into existing frameworks and new systems such as Multi-Species Wales, the policy complements wider agricultural and economic objectives.
4. Collaboration: Extensive industry engagement has ensured that farmers, livestock keepers, and sector stakeholders contribute to shaping the policy direction. This collaborative approach ensures that BEID meets the needs of those directly impacted by the changes.
5. Involvement: The Welsh Government’s consultation process will enable farmers and industry representatives to voice their perspectives. Their input will ensure that the transition to BEID is well-supported and implemented in a manner that benefits all parties involved.

As Wales moves toward full implementation, considerations remain regarding the potential re-tagging of the existing cattle herd. While future policies on this matter will depend on the successful embedding of BEID and Multi-Species Wales, the Welsh Government continues to prioritise industry needs, ensuring that necessary adaptations are made with minimal disruption.

Ultimately, the introduction of BEID represents a forward-thinking approach to livestock traceability, safeguarding both animal welfare and industry efficiency. By applying the principles of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, Wales is setting a precedent for a sustainable, technologically advanced agricultural sector.

The Welsh Government’s policy on Bovine Electronic Identification (BEID) has been developed through extensive engagement with industry stakeholders. Over the past five years, numerous face-to-face and virtual consultations have taken place, allowing farmers, unions, and agricultural professionals to voice their perspectives. As a result, NFU Cymru and the Farmers Union of Wales (FUW) have supported the adoption of BEID, advocating for Low Frequency (LF) as the preferred technology while leaving room for future consideration of Ultra High Frequency (UHF) once international standards are developed. The consultation process has been essential in shaping legislation and ensuring that concerns about usability and impact are addressed.

The introduction of BEID presents significant benefits, including enhanced livestock traceability, improved disease outbreak control, reduced paperwork, and efficient data transfer. Additionally, the integration of BEID will improve farm management practices, making routine processes such as TB testing faster and more accurate. While the system offers many advantages, challenges remain, including the need for replacement tags due to shorter lifespan, potential disruptions for markets and abattoirs handling both EID and non-EID cattle, and ongoing uncertainty regarding cattle passports. Cross-border trade may also face complications due to differing identification requirements across Great Britain.

To mitigate these challenges, policy development has prioritised industry feedback. The Welsh Government continues to refine legislative amendments based on insights gathered through consultations, ensuring that concerns are considered at each stage of implementation. Engagement with stakeholders will remain ongoing throughout the transition to BEID, allowing for continued refinement of policy and system requirements.

One of the most pressing concerns is the lack of alignment on Bovine EID tag frequency across Great Britain, which could affect seamless trade between regions. Close cooperation between GB policy teams is essential to ensure consistent regulatory standards, enabling Wales to maintain strong trade relationships while upholding high traceability standards.

Looking ahead, the impact of BEID implementation will be regularly reviewed to adapt to evolving technology and industry needs. The Welsh Government aims to complete legislative amendments by 2026, with a structured review process to assess policy and system effectiveness over time. By maintaining a commitment to stakeholder engagement and continuous evaluation, Wales is ensuring a future-proofed approach to livestock identification that balances innovation with practical industry needs.