All pigs must be clearly slapmarked, with the DEFRA herd mark. The slapmarking can take place at a suitable stage in the production system, but must take place before the pigs are loaded. The slapmark must be legible before and after slaughter. The slapmark allows clear identification of pigs and carcases at slaughter and so provide traceability. It is the responsibility of the pig keeper to ensure that every pig being dispatched for slaughter has been clearly and correctly slapmarked.