NAIT Education

NAIT (National Animal Identification and Tracing)

Electronic ID tags and online record management is mandatory for all New Zealand cattle and deer farmers. NAIT tag scanners enable you to improve the productivity and health of your animals through enhanced electronic record keeping. Ensure your operation is fully compliant with NAIT by capturing accurate electronic data for the movement of livestock on and off your property.

Electronic ID (NAIT) management is simple and affordable with AgriEID scanners. Easily scan NAIT electronic tag numbers to your computer via USB or Bluetooth with AgriEID software.

Step 1: Register as a Person in Charge of Animals (PICA)

All individuals responsible for the day-to-day management of cattle or deer must register as a PICA with NAIT. You don't need to be the owner - farm managers, graziers, and contract milkers can be PICAs.

Register your NAIT account at www.nait.co.nz or contact NAIT on 0800 624 824.

Step 2: Register Your Property/Location

Register each property or location where you keep cattle or deer. You'll receive a unique NAIT location number for each property. If you have an existing AHB (Animal Health Board) herd number or dairy participant code, have it ready during registration as NAIT can link previously purchased tags to your account.

Step 3: Purchase NAIT-Approved RFID Tags

Purchase NAIT-approved RFID ear tags from rural supply stores (such as PGG Wrightson or Farmlands) or directly from tag manufacturers. Each tag contains a unique 15-digit RFID number and a visual ID number printed on the tag.

Tags can be ordered through:

  • Rural supply stores
  • Tag manufacturers (Allflex, Z Tags, Leader)
  • OSPRI's MyOSPRI system

Step 4: Tag Your Animals

All cattle and deer must be tagged with a NAIT-approved RFID ear tag within 180 days of birth or before their first off-farm movement, whichever comes first.

Apply tags to the RIGHT EAR ONLY following the manufacturer's instructions for maximum tag retention.

Important: It is an offence under the NAIT Act to remove a NAIT tag without permission from NAIT, or to alter or reuse a NAIT tag. Contact NAIT on 0800 482 463 before removing or replacing any tag.

Tagging Exemptions:

  • Bobby calves (under 30 days old going direct to processor)
  • Animals deemed unsafe to tag (must be visually marked and can only go to processor)
  • Trophy deer and fallow deer at game estates/safari parks/zoos

Step 5: Register Your Animals in NAIT

After tagging, you must register animals in your NAIT account within 7 days of tagging and before they are 180 days old or before their first off-farm movement.

Registration links the animal's RFID tag number to your NAIT location and establishes traceability.

Register animals through:

  • MyOSPRI online portal (www.ospri.co.nz)
  • Your herd recording software (if using an information provider like LIC or CRV)
  • AgriEID software integrated with NAIT

Step 6: Complete Animal Status Declaration (ASD) Forms

When moving cattle or deer between properties, to saleyards, or to meat processors, you must complete an Animal Status Declaration (ASD) form. This is a legal document that transfers vital health and TB information about your animals.

As of June 2025, updated ASD forms are required to comply with new EU veterinary medicine regulations.

Order ASD forms:

Keep all completed ASD forms for at least 12 months.

Step 7: Record Animal Movements in NAIT

All cattle and deer movements must be recorded in the NAIT database within 48 hours of movement.

Record movements through:

  • MyOSPRI online portal
  • Your information provider (LIC, CRV, AgriEID)
  • NAIT mobile app

You need to record:

  • RFID or visual ID of each animal
  • Date of movement
  • From location (NAIT number)
  • To location (NAIT number)
  • ASD form reference (if applicable)

Movements recorded by others:

  • Saleyards record movements to and from their premises
  • Meat processors record movements to the abattoir
  • Stock agents can assist with recording movements

Step 8: Ensure NAIT Scanner Capability

Ensure you have an NAIT-compatible RFID scanner to accurately read and record animal tag numbers. AgriEID scanners provide reliable NAIT tag reading via USB or Bluetooth connection, making movement recording simple and efficient.

Compliance Reminders:

  • Animals cannot legally move between properties without a NAIT tag
  • Failure to comply with NAIT requirements can result in significant fines
  • Meat processors may charge additional fees for untagged animals
  • Untagged animals may be ineligible for export markets

Additional NAIT Resources:

National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) Website NAIT Frequently Asked Questions NAIT Database Helpdesk Contact NAIT on nait@ospri.co.nz or 0800 624 824 (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm NZ time)

NAIT User Guides: Getting Started Guide and Moving Animals Guide and NAIT Online Manual