Animal Identification and Traceability Act, 2024 (Act No. 2 of 2024).

This Act consisting of 53 articles aims to (i) establish the Animal Identification and Traceability Unit and provide for its functions; (ii) provide for an animal identification and traceability system; (iii) provide for the registration of animal identification marks and agents; (iv) provide for the traceability of animals, animal products, and animal by-products. Article 4 establishes the Animal Identification and Traceability Unit, responsible for the implementation of the provisions of this Act and under the department responsible for veterinary services in the Ministry responsible for livestock. Among the main functions of the Unit the following (i) design, develop and manage an animal identification and traceability system; (ii) register animals; (iii) issue premises certificates, animal identification mark certificates and agent certificates; (iv) develop and issue animal identification marks for the purpose of identification and traceability of animals, animal products and animal by-products; (v) develop, maintain and manage a database and information system of premises; (vi) coordinate with other Government agencies on the identification and traceability of animals, animal products and animal by-products; (vii) issue operational guidelines and standards of operating procedures on identification and traceability of agents, traders, owners of animals, animals, animal products and by-products; (viii) liaise and collaborate with regional and international organizations on matters relating to the identification, registration and traceability of animals, animal products and by-products; (ix) provide training programmes and capacity building to local authorities. The powers of the Traceability Officer are provided in Article 7.
Part IV of the Act outlines the components and management of the animal identification and traceability system, specifying requirements for registering identification marks, maintaining records, and issuing identification marks. It prohibits the sale, movement, slaughter, processing, storage, distribution, import, export, or marketing of unidentified animals or their products, with penalties for non-compliance. The Act mandates compulsory identification for animals and their products, prescribes guidelines for maintaining traceability systems, and regulates the transfer and surrender of identification devices. It also includes provisions for using permits and certificates for traceability, publishing disease control zonal marks and coordinating with other regulatory measures. Part V of the Act establishes that only registered agents may practice or use the title of an agent, with penalties for unauthorized practice. Agents can represent applicants before the Traceability Officer, and the registration process involves applying. Eligibility criteria are also provided. Agent certificates cannot be transferred, and any changes in registration details must be promptly reported. The Traceability Officer can suspend or cancel certificates for non-compliance, fraud, legal disqualification, or conviction of relevant offenses.