Have your say on proposed updates to NAIT accreditation standards

We're seeking feedback on proposed updates to the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) accreditation standards, aimed at making the programme more practical and sustainable for both new applicants and currently accredited organisations.  

The NAIT accreditation programme supports data accuracy and animal traceability by ensuring information providers and entities working with cattle and deer are equipped to deliver reliable NAIT services.

Organisations eligible for NAIT accreditation include information providers that deliver services such as fulfilling NAIT obligations on behalf of farmers, as well as entities dealing with NAIT animals, like meat processors, stock and station agents, and saleyards. Accreditation ensures they meet the standards needed to support accurate animal traceability and enable efficient NAIT data management. 

The accreditation programme has been on hold while OSPRI works to create a better balance between upfront accreditation requirements and ongoing monitoring, while still maintaining high-quality traceability data.

OSPRI’s Acting Head of Traceability, Tom Gilmartin, says the proposed changes are designed to strengthen the programme. 

“We want to ensure these standards work well for accredited entities and support the wider NAIT system. Your insights will help shape the programme so that it is practical, effective, and works well for both you and the wider sector.” 

We're consulting on several key updates including: 

• A new model where applicants provide evidence upfront as part of their application or renewal. This replaces the current pre-accreditation audit process.
• Introducing ongoing monitoring through the wider NAIT compliance monitoring programme
• A four-year accreditation term.

We're inviting submissions from organisations currently accredited, prospective applicants, and farmers dealing with NAIT accredited entities. 

Full consultation material, including the draft standards and assessment policies, is available on this page: