On March 15 2004, it became compulsory for all beef exported from Brazil to be derived from cattle logged under the Brazilian System of Identification and Certification of Origin for Bovine and Buffalo (SISBOV).

Under the scheme, it is necessary for producers to register both their properties and their cattle. Animals are assigned a SISBOV identification number, identification date, certification unit and breed association registration number. Any animal movement or deaths are also logged.

SISBOV was established in January 2001 to assure key consumers, particularly in the European Union (EU), that cattle could be identified from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)-free regions.  Initially, it was only mandatory for animals destined for the EU, however this has since been extended.

From May 30 2004 cattle must be registered under the scheme within 90 days prior to export, increasing to 180 days from November 31 2004 and 365 from May 30 2005. In FMD-free zones, it will be compulsory for all animals born after December 31 2005 and pre-existing cattle - regardless of whether they are being exported - to be registered. From December 31 2007, all Brazilian cattle must be listed under SISBOV.

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