The RMIS traceability task team, formed at the 3 October 2024 meeting, consists of key representatives from industry organisations including the RPO, NALFA-SA, National Department of Agriculture, Cape Wools & NWGA, RMIS, Gendac, and GS1.
In November a follow-up meeting was held to finalise critical elements of the proposed traceability platform. During the meeting, decisions were made on essential components that will shape a framework for livestock identification, recordkeeping, and data management.
Key components include:
1. Naming of the industry traceability platform
The traceability platform has been named Red Meat and Livestock Identification and Traceability – South Africa.
2. Determining a specific and unique animal identification number protocol
The task team agreed that RMIS would issue tag numbers from a centralised platform to independent record-keeping systems and tag manufacturers. A centralised number bank enhances the credibility and recognition of tag numbers in the comprehensive traceability platform and prevents number duplication. A unique number (maximum of 15 digits), compliant with international standards, will be used to accommodate all tag technologies (i.e. visual, QR-code, low-frequency, and high-frequency).
GS1 introduced its GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) system, explaining that the 13–14-digit structure is used globally for secure and consistent tracking. The GS1 system, with its flexibility and trade compliance, was selected to align with international traceability standards. The team is also considering the adoption of SGTIN (Serialised Global Trade Item Number) for item-level traceability, as it offers a robust solution for tracking individual animals within production units.
Phase 1 of the traceability platform which was launched on 1 November 2024, involves the identification and numbering of production units throughout the value chain. The number system used for these production units is the GLN (Global Location Number), also provided by GS1, ensuring the integration, compliance, and use of production unit numbers and tag numbers for traceability.
3. Setting minimum requirements for traceability and data management systems
To maintain the integrity of traceability within the industry, a set of minimum requirements and standards were proposed for recordkeeping systems. This will serve as a benchmark for systems that wish to transition into full traceability providers. As part of this initiative, existing recordkeeping systems will have the opportunity to review and provide input on these standards, fostering an inclusive approach to the development process. RMIS is in the process of arranging a meeting with the recordkeeping systems to ensure they can implement the minimum requirements proposed by the Task Team and to gather their feedback.
4. Specifications and requirements for livestock identification tags
The team identified international standards for identification tags, including ICAR and PASS 44 & PASS 66 compliances, to ensure that tamper-proof, single-use tags are used. Both tag types and their standards are internationally recognised, which should allow more options for role-players taking part on the platform. As mentioned above, the tag technologies should comply with these standards to be able to be used.
A phased implementation plan has been outlined, including a timeline for transitioning from existing numbering systems to the new GS1 standard. Anticipated adjustments and costs for recordkeeping systems to comply with these requirements are also being evaluated to ensure a feasible and effective rollout.
With the RMIS Production Unit Number Application now launched and the decisions made by the Task Team, consultations will commence with various recordkeeping systems and value chain participants for their input and alignment, to ensure participation in reaching comprehensive traceability of livestock and red meat.
RMIS has set a target for themselves to deliver a final Proof of Concept for a workable Traceability Platform by 1 November 2025.
