Electronic identification for cattle is coming. From a date to be confirmed in 2027, all newborn calves in England will need to be tagged with Bovine Electronic Identification (BEID) tags. Similar requirements are expected in Wales.

If you're already using EID tags for sheep, much of this will feel familiar. If not, don't worry - the transition is designed to be straightforward. Here's everything you need to know to prepare.

What is BEID?

Bovine Electronic Identification (BEID) uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology embedded in ear tags. Each tag contains a tiny microchip that stores a unique identification number, which can be read electronically without needing to physically restrain the animal.

The technical standards require:

Low frequency (LF) technology - The same technology currently used for sheep EID
Compliance with ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 - International standards for animal identification
Minimum 12cm read distance - When using a portable reader

When Does This Start?

According to the [government announcement](https://livestockinformation.org.uk/news/government-announcement-confirms-the-introduction-of-bovine-eid-tags-and-upcoming-changes-to-legislation-for-cattle-registration-and-movement-reporting/), BEID will be introduced for all newborn calves in England from a set date in 2027. The government has committed to giving at least 12 months' notice before any compulsory use.

Important: There is no requirement to retag the existing national herd. Only calves born after the implementation date will need BEID tags.

What Will the Tags Look Like?

BEID tags can be:

Flag tags - The familiar plastic tags with printed numbers
Button tags - Smaller, more compact tags
Metal tags - Durable options for certain applications

All BEID tags will use a reserved colour to distinguish them from conventional tags. Calves born after the implementation date will need at least one BEID tag (which can be either the primary or secondary tag), encoded with the WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) identification number.

The Numbering System

The identification numbering string for BEID tags will use either:

The two-letter alpha country code (GB)
Or the three-digit numeric country code (826)

Followed by a unique code of up to 12 digits for the animal. Unlike the current system, there will be no check digit.

This format aligns with existing sheep EID numbering, making it easier to use the same equipment for both species.

Do I Need to Buy Readers?

Here's the good news: you don't have to buy reading equipment.

According to Livestock Information Ltd, farmers won't need to read EID tags on their farm unless they choose to. Markets and abattoirs will handle the electronic reading.

During the transition to a fully EID cattle population, animal movements can be reported using:

EID reads - Electronic scanning
Barcode scans from passports - Using the existing barcode on cattle passports
Visual reading of tags - The same method you use now

So you can continue reporting movements exactly as you do today, even after BEID becomes mandatory for new calves.

If You Want to Buy Readers

While not required, EID readers can make herd management easier. If you're considering investing:

Compatibility

BEID tags use low frequency (LF) technology, the same as sheep EID. This means:

Existing LF sheep readers will work for cattle - No need for separate equipment
100% compatibility with readers meeting ISO 11784/11785 standards

If you already have a stick reader or panel reader for sheep EID, it should work for cattle BEID.

Types of Readers

Stick readers - Handheld devices, good for individual animal scanning
Panel readers - Fixed readers for races and crushes
Race readers - Automated reading as animals pass through

What to Look For

ISO 11784/11785 compliance
Minimum 12cm read distance (the regulatory requirement)
Battery life suitable for your needs
Data storage and transfer options
Compatibility with your farm management software

Tag Costs

Currently, a set of tags including a low frequency EID management tag costs just over £1 more than a set of conventional tags.

This small price difference is expected to narrow as EID tags become standard.

Practical Preparation Steps

Now (2026)

Only order enough conventional tags to cover calves expected in 2026. Avoid stockpiling conventional tags you may not be able to use.

Review your sheep EID setup if you have one. The same readers and systems will work for cattle.

Check your farm management software - Ensure it can handle EID data. Modern systems like Agrianta are building in BEID support.

Consider your handling facilities - Do you have a good race or crush where animals can be scanned if needed?

When BEID Launches (2027)

Start ordering BEID tags for all new calves born after the implementation date

Update your tagging routine - BEID tags are applied the same way as conventional tags

Register normally - The process for registering calves doesn't change, just the tag technology

Report movements as usual - You can still report visually, by barcode, or electronically

The Bigger Picture

BEID is part of the wider transition to the Livestock Information Service (LIS), which is replacing BCMS. Together, these changes are designed to:

Speed up disease tracing - Electronic identification makes tracking faster and more accurate
Reduce paperwork - Digital records and combined movement reporting
Improve data quality - Fewer transcription errors than manual entry
Enable better farm management - Real-time data for your own decision-making

Common Questions

Do I need to retag my existing cattle?

No. There is no requirement to retag the existing national herd. Only calves born after the 2027 implementation date need BEID tags.

Can I still use visual tags?

Yes. Calves will need at least one BEID tag, but the other tag can be conventional if you prefer. The BEID tag can be either the primary or secondary tag.

What about Scotland?

Scotland uses ultra-high frequency (UHF) technology for cattle EID. The requirements in Scotland may differ - check with ScotEID for current guidance.

What if my reader can't pick up a tag?

BEID tags must be readable at a minimum 12cm distance. If you're having trouble, check the tag is properly positioned in the ear and that your reader batteries are charged. During the transition, you can always fall back to visual reading.

Will cattle passports change?

Paper passports are expected to be phased out eventually as LIS rolls out, but this won't happen overnight. Passports will remain valid during the transition.

The Bottom Line

BEID represents a sensible modernisation of cattle identification. The technology is proven (sheep farmers have used it for years), the costs are minimal, and the transition is designed to be gradual.

The key message is: don't panic, but do prepare. Stop stockpiling conventional tags, check your existing EID setup if you have sheep, and make sure your record-keeping systems are ready for electronic data.

By the time BEID becomes mandatory in 2027, it should feel like a natural evolution rather than a dramatic change.

Sources

Government announcement on cattle identification changes - Livestock Information Ltd
Bovine official electronic identification (EID) technical standards - GOV.UK
LIS Cattle Support - Livestock Information Ltd
Changes to cattle identification and traceability - NFU Online
Electronic cattle tags to be made mandatory in England - NFU Online

Preparing for Electronic Cattle ID (BEID): A Practical Guide for 2027