Understanding proposed updates to livestock traceability regulations
A robust and effective traceability system finds a balance in technical reporting and practicality.
The potential benefits of a strong livestock traceability system extend from on-farm emergency preparedness to increased international trade security. While knowing where any animal is at any given time may be a gold standard for some, livestock industry representatives recognize there’s a fine balance. Traceability systems need to be science-based and practical, ensuring they don’t create unnecessary burdens in day-to-day operations.
In 2016, the Cattle Implementation Plan (CIP), a traceability roadmap developed by the cattle industry for government consideration, was endorsed by 19 organizations. Since then, industry and government have continued discussions on traceability, with a common goal of a world-class system that is effective in supporting trade relationships and emergency preparedness, while also respecting on-the-ground practicalities.
With proposed federal updates now on the horizon, Alberta Beef Producers (ABP), is continuing its advocacy and collaboration efforts, guided by our producer-developed policy on traceability. In partnership with other provincial and national organizations, ABP is committed to ensuring producer voices are at the table.
Proposed Updates for 2026
In 2023, CFIA pre-published proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Act, with a public comment period following shortly thereafter. Following the report on those findings, and further consultation with industry, CFIA is expecting to publish the final version in Canada Gazette II (CGII) before April 2026.
The proposed regulatory updates are largely consistent with the CIP. While there are many details associated with any regulatory update, some of the most important updates for producers include:
- A requirement to obtain, a premises identification (PID) number from your provincial government. (If you already have a PID, you will need to keep the account information current.)
- A requirement to include your PID number when:
- Purchasing approved indicators (tags)
- Reporting information related to identification of cattle and their movement
- Reporting the arrival of cattle (move-in reporting) within seven days
A one-year window is anticipated between CGII publication and the regulations coming into force. This gives industry and CCIA time to properly prepare and adjust.
Stepping Up Traceability Early
Cattle producers in Alberta are already one step ahead. PIDs have been required since 2010 in Alberta, and operators of feedlots over 1000-head have been reporting move-in data within seven days since 2010 as well.
As we look to 2026, producers who are interested in being early adopters of the updates can start right away.
Obtain or update PIDs
In addition to planning for, controlling, and preventing the spread of animal disease, Alberta’s PID system is also used as an early warning system to notify animal owners of a natural disaster such as a flood or wildfire that could affect their animals. This is why it is important that the contact information associated with your PID is up to date.
Learn more about Alberta PIDs, including how to apply or update your information, via the Government of Alberta. Log in or sign up here.
Start to report move-in events
The core information that will be required to be reported in a move-in event includes:
- PID of departure site
- PID of arrival site
- Date cattle left the departure site
- Date cattle received at arrival site
- Individual tag numbers of the cattle arriving at your site
- License plate number, including province/territory/state, of the truck that delivered the cattle
Move-in events can be reported online within the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency’s (CCIA) Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) or the CLTS MOBO app. See how via the CLTS Resource Centre.
Private tools, apps and programs which integrate reporting with CLTS are also available and can help streamline workflows for some operators.
Learn more about Canada’s traceability system
- CCIA has more information and resources available online.
- Producers and industry stakeholders can participate in information sessions hosted by CCIA, producer organizations, or CFIA to learn more about the details or ask questions.
Presentations
On December 19, 2025, Canadian cattle industry representatives participated in two informative meetings with presentations focused on upcoming regulatory changes and advancements in livestock traceability.
Featuring speakers from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA), these sessions provide timely insights into proposed amendments to the Health of Animals Act and practical updates on Canada’s traceability system to help industry stakeholders prepare for what’s ahead.
CFIA: Proposed Amendments
In this session, Heather Brown, National Manager of Humane Transport and Livestock Traceability Programs, and Edward Harrison, Policy and Program Leader with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), presents an overview of the proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Act.
CCIA Industry Update
Ashley Scott, General Manager, Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA), joins Canadian cattle industry representatives to provide an update on traceability, including the new CLTS user interface, preparing for upcoming traceability regulatory amendments, movement reporting, and more.
Implementing the Last Pillar
These updates to Canada’s traceability system formalize the third and final pillar of traceability: animal movement. Together with PID and animal identification, move-in information will boost the confidence of our trading partners and improve our readiness to respond to emergencies.
For producers who are considering equipment updates with a focus on traceability and biosecurity this year, there may be opportunities to offset some of those costs through existing programs. The Alberta VBP+ Incentive program supports eligible cattle producers with rebates to encourage the adoption of on‑farm best management practices, including investments that can support traceability efforts. Eligible expenses may include RFID tag reading equipment and upgrades to handling infrastructure such as loading chutes, helping producers align practical on‑farm improvements with evolving traceability expectations.
FAQs: What proposed updates mean for producers
After years of planning and preparation, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is expecting to publish the final version of proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Act in 2026.
To help clarify what’s coming and what it means for you, we’ve compiled a few answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we’re hearing.
Will I have to change when I tag cattle?
There is no required time to tag cattle. The proposed requirement is that all cattle must be identified with a CCIA tag before leaving the farm of origin, unless they are being taken to an approved identification site (like an auction market or feedlot) to be tagged. This is not different from how things are today.
If they are taken to an approved identification site and don’t already have a CCIA tag, you will have to supply that site with tags assigned to your PID to apply on your behalf.
What if an animal is missing a tag when it arrives on my operation?
You will have to apply a new tag associated with your PID to that animal as soon as practical after arrival and report the tag number of the new tag and your PID within 7 days after application. If known, you should also report the previous tag number, the PID of where that animal previously came from, and the license plate number, including province/territory/state of the truck that delivered the animal.
Will I have to have a separate PID for each pasture?
No. One PID can be associated with multiple land locations, if desired, or can just be associated with the main location (home quarter).
Different provinces may have slightly different PID requirements, so contact your Agriculture Ministry if you have further questions.
Will I have to report every time I move an animal within my own operation?
No. The updated reporting requirement will be applied to new animals that are moved onto an operation (move-in).
You will not be required to report the departure of cattle from your site, unless you are taking them to a community pasture, veterinary clinic, or an event like a cattle show or rodeo.
You will not have to report movements to pasture leases, unless cattle from different owners are commingled on that lease.
What move-in information will I have to provide?
Move-in information proposed:
- PID of departure site (provided by transporter)
- PID of your site
- Date cattle departed and arrived (provided by transporter)
- Individual tag numbers of the cattle arriving at your site
- License plate number, including province/territory state, of the truck that delivered the cattle (provided by transporter)
What about community pastures?
Producers using community pastures will have to report both the departure and return of their animals with the following information:
- PID of each site
- Date cattle departed and arrived
- The number of cattle
- License plate number, including province/territory/state, of the truck that delivered the cattle
Watch: Movement of cattle to a community pasture (group movement)
How will it work at auction markets?
When you deliver cattle to an auction market, the auction will need to report the arrival of your cattle and the information below. They are not going to be required to report individual tag numbers.
- PID of departure site (provided by transporter)
- PID of auction site
- Date cattle departed and arrived (provided by transporter)
- The number of cattle
- License plate number, including province/territory/state, of the truck that delivered the cattle (provided by transporter)
If you are delivering your own cattle, you would provide your PID, the date you loaded and delivered, and your license plate information to the auction. In Alberta, you can already include this information on the manifest.
What about vet clinics or cattle shows?
The requirements regarding who reports movements to cattle shows and fairs has been adjusted based on feedback received during the consultation. Producers will be required to report animal departures to fairs, rodeos, cattle shows, and veterinary clinics, as well as when the animals return home. However, both departure and returning movements can be reported at the same time (e.g., within seven days of the show concluding).
What if an animal dies on my operation?
Movement requirements will apply to carcasses as well.
- If a carcass leaves the farm for disposal, such as by a deadstock removal service, this will need to be reported with the tag number by the disposal site operator.
- If the carcass is disposed of on-farm, the tag will need to be retired.
- If the animal that died had not been tagged and died on the farm of origin, no reporting is expected to be required.
No reporting is proposed for carcasses from animals less than three months of age.
Who has access to the information stored in CLTS?
You, as the CLTS account holder, are the only one that can access your data, unless you grant a third-party access to your account. CLTS is managed by CCIA and is not a government database.
Authorized CFIA/provincial government personnel can only access CLTS data in the event of an investigation, including reportable disease outbreaks, disease surveillance, or another emergency. During an investigation, business information is kept strictly confidential.