New livestock traceability rules set to roll out

New federal traceability rules are coming for 2026 and producers should start preparing now, says the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA).

The federal government is moving ahead with proposed changes to Canada’s livestock traceability rules.

Amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations are expected to be published in Canada Gazette Part II in spring 2026.

The anticipated changes would expand traceability requirements and introduce mandatory livestock movement reporting across several species. The changes are aimed at closing long-standing gaps in Canada’s traceability system, including incomplete species coverage and inconsistent reporting.

Under the proposal, traceability requirements would extend to goats and cervids, alongside existing regulated species such as beef cattle, bison and sheep. The amendments would also require all sites that handle livestock to have an up-to-date Premises Identification Number (PID) and report all animal movements using those PIDs.

New CLTS tools released ahead of regulation

To support the transition, CCIA has launched a new movement record module in the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS). The feature is already live, giving producers a chance to adjust to the new workflow before the regulatory deadline.

“Starting to use the movement module early and providing feedback strengthens traceability and ensures our clients are ready when CFIA publishes the updated regulations,” says CCIA general manager Ashley Scott.

The system creates a shared, three-step digital record between the source premises, transporter and destination:

• Step one. The source premise initiates the movement in the CLTS
• Step two. The transporter receives an emailed link and enters their portion (no CLTS login required).
• Step three. The destination confirms arrival and completes the Move-In event with its PID.

CCIA says the process reduces paperwork, improves data accuracy and supports rapid response during disease events.

Group movement reporting now supported

The new module also allows group movement reporting for operations where individual tag numbers are not required — including auction marts, assembly yards, and community pastures — which must report only the species and number of animals moved. Feedlots and similar sites will still need to record tag IDs for Move-In events.

Movement events can also be reported through batch uploads, the CLTS MOBO mobile app, or automated software integrations.

Updating PIDs and internal protocols

National livestock organizations and CCIA are collaborating on training, system testing and outreach to help producers prepare. With PIDs set to become mandatory for movement reporting across all sectors once the regulations come into force, producers are encouraged to ensure their PID information is current through their provincial registry.

Accurate and timely movement reporting, CCIA says, is essential for strengthening disease response, protecting herd health and reducing potential economic losses.

More information

Producers can learn more about the regulatory changes and the movement record module at clts.canadaid.ca or by contacting CCIA support at 1-877-909-2333.