Applications are now open for the latest round of the NSW Government’s electronic identification (eID) equipment rebate program, providing practical support to sheep and goat producers transitioning to the national eID system.
The program offers a 50 per cent rebate, up to $1,500, on the purchase of a handheld eID reader. A total of $2 million has been allocated for this round, helping producers and livestock agents invest in equipment needed to scan and manage electronic tags.
The rebate builds on strong uptake of the existing eID Tag Discount program, with more than 15.5 million discounted tags purchased since November 2024. Electronic identification is already becoming common in livestock transactions, with more than 3.5 million tags scanned at NSW saleyards since 1 January 2025, and around 58.8 per cent of sheep and goats moving through saleyards in 2026 now fitted with eID tags.
The rollout forms part of the NSW Government’s $41 million investment to implement the federally mandated eID system for sheep and goats. The technology improves livestock traceability, strengthens biosecurity response capability, and supports continued access to domestic and international markets.
Transitional arrangements remain in place, meaning older animals do not require individual eID tags until 1 January 2027.