Apply for a property identification code
In NSW, a property that has any number of livestock residing on the land is required to have a property identification code (PIC) registered to that property regardless of whether the livestock are being moved, traded, agisted, they are pets, or reside on the land for any other reason.
The types of livestock this applies to includes:
- sheep
- cattle
- goats
- pigs
- horses
- donkeys
- deer
- bison
- buffalo
- alpaca
- llama
- 100 or more poultry
- and 10 or more emus or ostriches.
To access a PIC application form, contact your local office via email or call 1300 795 299.
Your personal information will only be used for the purpose you are providing it in this form. Please read the privacy collection notice for more information about how we handle your information.
What is a PIC?
In NSW a PIC is a unique eight-character code assigned by Local Land Services to properties with livestock and placed into a district register.
These registers hold information that identifies land, including:
- property names
- locations
- further details of the trading entity and PIC manager.
Why you need a PIC
A PIC allows all movements of cattle, sheep and goats to sale, slaughter or any other property to be monitored and recorded on the NLIS database and traced when required.
PICs are printed on approved NLIS tags that are attached to livestock and are also recorded on livestock movement documents including national vendor declarations (NVD), transported stock statements (TSS) and PigPass NVDs.
Traces may be required when chemical and antibiotic residues are detected in meat or disease is detected in animals and to issue an emergency response when required.
By having a PIC on your property, you’re helping us trace livestock to assist with disease and chemical residue management.
All properties with livestock, regardless of whether or not if stock is being moved, need a PIC.
PIC Amalgamation
One PIC can be used for more than one holding provided the properties are considered proximate (adjoining or nearby) and are worked as a single property. Advantages of amalgamating a PIC include using one set of National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) devices/tags, and no need to inform the NLIS database of movement between properties. However, disadvantages are that all land covered by the same PIC inherit the disease and residue status of the highest risk parcel of land, leading to potential implications for all connected properties and livestock in any investigations.
Read more on the advantages and disadvantages of amalgamating your PIC PDF, 1931.67 KB.
How to apply for a PIC
If you’d like to apply for a PIC or amalgamate your current PIC, contact your local office via email or call 1300 795 299.
If you require further information on PICs, you can view our PIC landholders information sheet (PDF), or PIC horses information sheet (PDF).
If you have any questions about PICs or you’d like to get one, contact us or visit our frequently asked questions page.
Selling pigs
In NSW, it’s a legal requirement for all pigs greater than 25 kg to be branded with a registered swine brand before sold in a sale yard, direct to a processor, or private sale. You must have a property identification code (PIC) in order to apply for your registered swine brand with Local Land Services.
Find out more about pig farming and your requirements.