The Pigs (Records, Identification and Movement) Order 2003

PART 4 General Identification Requirements

Identification of pigs over 12 months moved off a holding

14.  No person shall move a pig over 12 months old off a holding unless it is marked with—

(a) an identification mark; or

(b) a slapmark that is legible for the life of the pig and throughout the processing of its carcase.

Identification of pigs under 12 months moved off a holding

15.—(1) No person shall move a pig 12 months old or less off a holding unless it is identified in accordance with article 14 or with a temporary mark.

(2) A temporary mark shall—

(a) either by itself or by reference to a document accompanying the pig during the movement, enable the holding from which the pig was last moved to be identified; and

(b) last until the pig reaches its destination.

Identification of pigs moved on to a holding from outside the European Union

16.—(1) Any person importing a pig from outside the European Union shall apply an eartag or a tattoo to the pig containing the following information, in the following order—

(a) the letters “UK”;

(b) the herdmark of the herd into which the imported pig is introduced;

(c) any other information, if the keeper wishes to apply such information; and

(d) the letter ‘F’.

(2) The eartag or tattoo must be applied to the pig within 30 days of its arrival at the holding of destination, and in any event, before it is moved from that holding.