After several twists and turns and an almost year-long suspension of the application, the countdown to the launch began Compulsory system from Electronic identification of cattle, which will come into force on January 1, 2026. The measure, sponsored by the Senasa, open one crucial stage for the Argentine livestock industry, with high expectations regarding Traceability and opening of markets, but also with operational challenges for the healthcare organization, supplier companies and, above all, producers.
The new scheme is based on two central rules. On the one hand, Resolution 530/2025, which determined what type of identification should be used; on the other hand, Resolution 841, which stipulated the implementation of the system from next year. Since then, the alphanumeric caravans with CUIT, which could be used until December 1, were no longer produced and, for example, the transition to electronic numerical caravans with a chip began.
According to the regulations from January 1, 2026 Any calf born in 2025 that moves and is already weaned must have electronic identification. However, Senasa itself acknowledges that this will be the case a gradual process with coexistence of both systems during an adaptation phase.
Sources nearby health organization They explained that this was one of the main goals agree the mechanism with the rural units so as not to complicate the producer’s operations. In this sense, they emphasized that Senasa is and is open to “de-bureaucratization” by giving participation to the sector and adapting the system to productive reality.
The central premise was the maintenance of the the same operating scheme that the manufacturer already knew. Caravans are still purchased through veterinarians or regular dealers. “The producer will do the same” they explained.
They stated that the declaration can be done in three ways: through self-management through the application of the body that forwards the information to the Integrated Animal Health Management System (Sigsa); B. from a computer, uploading the data and for those who do not have access to the Internet or are not familiar with digital tools, there is still the possibility of personal care in health authorities.
One of the Key points of the redesign should prevent the country’s 240,000 producers from having to buy electronic readers. For this reason, It was decided that the reading of the caravans would take place at their destination. In this way, The obligation to have a reader is incumbent on those who close the electronic transit document (DTe): fairs, receivers, greenhouses, feeding places, refrigerators and the agricultural and livestock market (MAG).
“The only one who has to read is the one who closes the DTe.” they noticed. For the producer, purchasing the reader is optional, just like reading on site. The logic is to focus the requirement on those who are operational and accommodate large numbers of animals.
Regarding the distribution of caravans, they stated that the system will be even more agile than its predecessor. While previously the caravans had to be allocated using CUIT, the allocation is now based on number ranges, which makes warehousing and logistics easier.
The estimated cost of each trailer today is about two dollars. The sources consulted made this clear 2026 will be a year of transition in which animals will coexist with alphanumeric and electronic identification. “There will be mistakes” They admitted and expected flexibilities to close partial DTs when there are detours with both systems.
“We need this to move forward, and with this culture change we need to understand that there will be mistakes.” Sources close to the health organization said. In this regard, they clarified that there will be no sanctions in the adjustment phase and the focus will be on adaptation learn, correct and adapt the system.
Official expectations are high. Senasa emphasized that the program provides important tools for production management, traceability and health. “For a rapid response to a health emergency and for epidemiological tracking, it gives us robustness,” they stressed, adding that it will make this possible “Maintain markets and open new ones.”
From the supply sector, Marcelo Lizziero, of Datamars, explained that the industry is already working. He recalled that the voluntary possibility of using official electronic caravans has existed for two to three years and that now from January the system will require the full binomial: electronic button on the right ear and visual map on the left.
Lizziero clarified that while the commitment covers calves born in 2025 and will be mobilized from January 1, 2026, many producers have already started identifying the entire herd to unify management.
Regarding the quality of the caravans, he emphasized that the organization has established international standards certified by ICAR, which significantly reduces losses. “It’s one thing to lose 20% and another to lose 2 or 3%.” explained THE NATION, This addresses one of the main concerns of producers, especially in fields in mountainous areas.
About him current price and competitionsaid the businessman that the caravan’s value today is about two dollars, but it will go down because there will be strong competition: “Everyone will want to maintain their market and now all companies whose products are ICAR certified can participate. And in order to maintain a captive audience, they will do so.” there is a significant loss of value; There is a real price war between the providers.”
At the union level, the president of Argentine Rural Associations (CRA), Carlos Castagnani, reiterated that the company had always taken this into account “The system is very good,” although he claimed that the original position that it was voluntary still stands. However, he appreciated the flexibility and territorial work of Senasa to explain the program.
The country boss emphasized that there will be producers who need more time, especially the smaller ones. “You have to have a little patience with the small producers and there has to be flexibility for those producers who find it more difficult to integrate this system,” he concluded.
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