The Canadian Sheep Identification Program is an industry-led initiative to develop a trace back system that will address producer concerns about sheep health and meet consumer expectations for quality assurance and food safety.

• Rationale
• Background
• How does the program work?
• Guidelines
• Tags
• Legislation/Enforcement
• Liability and Responsibility
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Brochures and Forms Download Section
• News Releases
• Members of the CSIP Committee

Guidelines for Producers

As of January 1, 2004

All sheep and lambs must bear an approved CSIP ear tag before they leave any premises.

This includes animals leaving the premises temporarily.
(for example: exhibitions, veterinarian clinics, community pastures)

It will be illegal to transport untagged animals.

Sheep producers are required to:

• Ensure that an approved CSIP ear tag is applied to all sheep and lambs before they leave your farm.

• Keep a record of:

• All sheep or lambs entering your flock for breeding purposes.
• All sheep 18 months or older leaving your farm, other than those sold directly to a federally or provincially inspected abattoir.
(Click here to download the Record of Movement Form)

• Imported sheep must have a Canadian approved national identification tag applied within 7 days of arrival.

• All animals purchased must bear an approved CSIP ear tag. If a tag is subsequently lost, you must immediately apply a new approved CSIP ear tag and record the identification number with as much information about the origin of the animal as is known.

• Approved CSIP ear tags must not be removed from any live animal or tampered with for any reason and must not be re-used. If an animal dies on your property, the tag should be removed, saved and recorded with the cause of death if known.

• Tags must be purchased from an approved distributor. When purchasing tags, you will be asked to provide your name, telephone number and address.