Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
The Welsh Government has published a summary of responses following the public consultation on the Implementation of Bovine Electronic Identification (Bovine EID) in Wales. The consultation launched on 19 June 2025 and closed on 14 August 2025, with 30 responses received.
I would like to thank all stakeholders who took the time to consider and respond to this consultation. I also acknowledge the support for the long-awaited implementation of Bovine EID in Wales along with your concerns as conveyed in those responses.
After thoroughly reviewing all the feedback from the public consultation, the Welsh Government has decided to move forward with the introduction of Bovine Electronic Identification (EID) for newborn calves in Wales, using Low Frequency (LF) technology.
In recognition of the importance of cross-border coherence, we will continue to collaborate closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to ensure, where practicable, that implementation plans in Wales are aligned with those in England.
In Wales, the implementation date for Bovine EID is unlikely to be before 2027. Further information, including the technical specifications for official Bovine EID ear tags, will be made available in due course.
The Welsh Government remains committed to working in partnership with industry stakeholders to ensure that clear and timely communications are provided to cattle keepers and the wider supply chain in advance of any changes being introduced.