All cattle born in or imported into Great Britain since 1 July 1996 must have a cattle passport. This applies whether the cattle are male, female, dairy or beef and also applies even if the animal is still on the holding on which it was born. A cattle passport must remain with an animal throughout its life, although from 28 September 1998 there have been special arrangements for animals in retention as a result of application for subsidy.

• Since 28 September 1998 passports have been issued by the BCMS where before they were issued by GB Agriculture Departments.
• All applications for cattle passports must be made to the BCMS within seven days of tagging.
• Cattle passports enable the movement of animals to be traced; buyers and inspectors can see at a glance where an animal has been throughout its life.
• The carcases of animals which do not have properly completed passports are not able to enter the food chain.

Keepers of cattle must ensure that passport applications are made within the time limits allowed and ensure that movement records, both in the passport and in registers are kept up to date.

The new style passports are issued for all cattle registered from 28 September 1998. The old style (green) cattle passport continue in force for animals registered between 1 July 1996 and 28 September 1998. In addition these cattle have been issued with Certificates of CTS Registration (CHR3) and the passport should accompany the animal when it moves. The movement should be reported by CTS Online, electronic mail or sending a movement card torn from the CHR3 to the BCMS. Cattle born or imported into Great Britain before 1 July 1996 rely on CHR3s. They do not have passports.