Approved identifiers for livestock

All livestock in Western Australia must be correctly identified according to species. Correct identification is a vital part of our biosecurity system to assure trading partners that we can effectively trace and manage livestock disease outbreaks and chemical residue detections.

There are 2 types of identification, registered (e.g. stock brand, earmark, pig tattoo) and approved (e.g. brand, microchip, brass tag).

To understand more about registered identifiers, see the relevant species information at Livestock ownership, identification and movement. 

Approved identifiers 

Any organisation or recognised group in WA, such as a breed society that has a preferred system for identifying animals registered to it, may apply to have that system accepted as an 'approved identifier' under section 43 of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (Identification and Movement of Stock and Apiaries) Regulations 2013. Members of these organisations may use the approved identifier to identify their animals instead of using their registered identifiers (e.g. registered stock brand, earmark or pig tattoo). 

Owners must still be registered as owners of stock with the department and meet any National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) identification requirements, as relevant for the species. 

Approval process 

Organisations wishing to have their identification system approved can apply to the department: 

Brands Registration Office 
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 
PO Box 1231 
Bunbury WA 6231 

Or email to brands.bunbury@dpird.wa.gov.au 

Applications must include details of: 

• The type of identifier, for example, brand, microchip, ID number.
• The database containing details relating to that animal, for example, the database organisation and contact details.
• The requirements for owners to update details when an animal is sold.
• The procedure for a department stock inspector to determine ownership of the animal from the identifier. 

Approved identifiers by species 

The department is currently reviewing the list of approved identifiers to ensure it remains current and meets legislative requirements.

If you require information in the meantime, please contact the Livestock Biosecurity team using the details below.