This guide covers French and EU regulations specifically — CapriGen is a French company, and while these rules apply in France, they offer useful reference points for goat owners anywhere, since many countries have comparable identification and traceability requirements. Even for 2 pet goats in a garden, French regulation imposes several obligations: animal identification, keeping a farm register, declaring movements and, in some cases, notifying the authorities. This guide summarizes the main rules that apply to small-scale keepers in France.
Pet goat in France: every keeper is subject to registration from the first animal onward — © Pexels
Note: Regulations change regularly. The information below is accurate as of June 2026 for metropolitan France. For any specific situation, consult your regional animal health authority (DDPP) or your veterinarian.
1. The Farm Registration Number (EDE)
Anyone keeping one or more goats in France must hold a farm registration number (numéro EDE), issued free of charge by the regional livestock establishment (Établissement Départemental de l'Élevage, EDE) or by your local farm health group (GDS).
This 8-digit number identifies your holding. It is required to order official ear tags and to declare births or animal movements in the national livestock database.
How to apply: contact the EDE for your department (contact details available via the French Livestock Institute's website) or your treating veterinarian, who can point you in the right direction.
2. Animal Identification
Every goat must be identified within 6 months of birth or before any movement (transfer, sale, relocation). Identification is mandatory from the very first animal onward.
| Method | Description | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Official ear tag | An engraved plastic tag with the country code plus an individual number, fitted to one ear | Yes — the primary method |
| Ear tattoo | A number inked into the ear — an older method still accepted in some cases | Accepted as a supplement |
| Electronic chip (bolus or tag) | An RFID chip — mandatory for animals intended for intra-EU trade | Mandatory for EU trade |
Official tags are ordered through the EDE or an approved supplier. They arrive pre-numbered with your EDE number and the animal's individual code.
3. The National Livestock Identification Database
All animal movements (births, arrivals, departures, deaths) must be declared in France's national livestock identification database (BDNI), managed by the French Livestock Institute.
- Declaration deadline: 7 days for births, arrivals and departures
- Reporting deaths: also within 7 days
- Interface: via the online INUMET portal, or through your EDE or veterinarian
Failure to meet these deadlines can result in administrative penalties and affects eligibility for EU farm subsidies (CAP) for agricultural holdings.
4. The Farm Register
Every goat keeper must maintain an up-to-date farm register, including:
- An inventory of animals present (number, sex, date of birth or arrival, breed)
- Movements (arrivals and departures with dates, origin/destination, identification numbers)
- Medical treatments (prescription, medication, dose, withdrawal period)
- Results of any health inspections carried out
This register can be kept on paper or in digital form. It must be retained for 5 years and produced on request by veterinary services.
5. The Farm Health Protocol (PSE)
The PSE is a document drawn up with your treating veterinarian, setting out the preventive health program (vaccinations, deworming, health checks) suited to your holding. It is mandatory for access to certain medications (in particular antibiotics and some prescription-only antiparasitics).
For small keepers (fewer than 10 animals), a simplified PSE is generally sufficient. Your veterinarian draws up this document and renews the annual prescription according to your needs.
6. Town Hall Declaration and ICPE Thresholds
In France, keeping a small number of pet goats generally does not require a declaration to the town hall, unless your municipality has adopted a stricter local health regulation or your property is in an urban zone with specific local planning rules (PLU). Check with your town hall.
The ICPE regime (Installation Classified for Environmental Protection) applies above certain thresholds:
- ICPE declaration: from 50 goats (category 2111)
- ICPE registration: from 500 goats
Below 50 animals — which covers the vast majority of pet-goat households — you are exempt from any ICPE formality.
7. Rules for Transfer and Sale
Selling or giving away a goat involves several obligations:
- The animal must be identified (official ear tag in place)
- A movement document (passport or accompanying document) must travel with the animal
- The movement declaration must be filed in the national database within 7 days by both the seller AND the buyer
- For sales abroad (within the EU), a veterinary health certificate and an electronic chip are required
Goat identified with an official ear tag — © Pexels
Stay compliant with CapriGen
Regulatory register, tracked movements, official numbers and PDF exports for your inspections.
🏡 Try CapriGen free