Live export holding facilities and the NLIS

Live export holding operators are identified under the Biosecurity Act 2014 as a registrable biosecurity entity and must comply with the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) requirements.

Registrable biosecurity entities must register with Biosecurity Queensland to be allocated a property identification code (PIC) for livestock traceability purposes.

NLIS tagging requirements

All cattle, sheep and goats must be identified with an NLIS device before travelling to a live export holding.

Any of these animals that arrive at the facility without a device must be reported to a Biosecurity Queensland inspector within 24 hours of delivery and be fitted with an orange NLIS post-breeder device bearing the PIC of the holding before leaving the holding.

Movement records

All animal movements must be accompanied by a movement record from the place where the animal is kept to the live export holding.

A copy of the movement record must be kept by the exporter for 5 years. Any additional identification requirements and documentation for importing countries must also be met.

Reporting to the NLIS database

It is the exporter's responsibility to report all movements of cattle, sheep and goats to the NLIS database within 48 hours of the animals arriving at the export holding.

To report to the NLIS database, exporters must register for a 'live exporter' NLIS account. To register for a 'live exporter' account visit the NLIS website. If you require further assistance contact the NLIS helpdesk on 1800 654 743.

MLA tech tips (PDF, 4.5MB) are available on the NLIS database to assist live exporters with the NLIS reporting requirements.

Property of origin certification

Property of origin certificates certify that the properties from which animals or animal products originate are free of relevant reportable or notifiable diseases and pests. The provision of property of origin certificates by the Queensland Government is essential to facilitating international trade.

Find out more and apply for property of origin certification for the export of livestock, other commercial or exhibited animals, or animal products.

Reporting on cattle movements

Place to live export holding

You must report the following information to the NLIS database when cattle arrive at your live export holding:

• NLIS or RFID device number for each animal
• serial number of the movement record
• PIC of the place of origin
• PIC of the live export holding
• date of arrival.

Live export holding to vessel

All cattle must be scanned and the following information must be reported to the NLIS database when cattle leave the holding:

• NLIS or RFID device number for each animal
• serial number of the certificate under the Export Control Act 1982
• PIC of the live export holding
• code for the place of destination (EEEEEEEE)
• date of movement.

Reporting on sheep and goat movements

Sheep and goats are reported using the 'mob based movement' function which can be found in the live export account.

Place to live export holding

You must report the following information to the NLIS database when livestock arrive at your live export holding:

• species
• number of animals
• serial number of the movement record
• PIC of the place of origin
• PIC of the live export holding
• date of arrival
• the PIC of any place, other than the place of origin, as shown on the animal's approved device
• if the animals have been vendor-bred or not.

Live export holding to vessel

You must report the following information to the NLIS database when livestock leave the holding:

• species
• number of animals
• serial number of the certificate under the Export Control Act 1982 PIC of the live export holding
• code for place of destination (EEEEEEEE)
• date of movement
• the PIC of any place, other than the place of origin, as shown on the animal's approved device
• if the animals have been vendor-bred or not.

Also consider...

• Watch a short video on the National Livestock Identification System.