The EU microchip rules will change from 2028. New pet microchip numbers will start to tell us something they often can’t today: where the animal was first microchipped.
From 1 January 2028, microchips used to identify dogs, cats and ferrets under the new rules must start with the numeric country code of the country where the animal was first identified.
In this guide
- Country-coded microchips are not actually new
- Does my pet need a new chip?
- Finland shows how the change may work
- What about pet passports?
- Why could this help when tracing a lost pet?
- Useful links
Country-coded microchips are not actually new
This change is actually simpler than it might seem.
Each country has its own three-digit ISO code. With the new system, this code will be at the start of every new pet microchip number.
For example:
- 528 – Netherlands
- 250 – France
- 752 – Sweden
- 724 – Spain
- 246 – Finland
For example, if a dog is first microchipped in Spain under the new system, its microchip number will start with 724.
This idea is not entirely new. Some EU countries already use country-coded pet microchips.
In the Netherlands, officially issued Dutch microchips start with 528. France uses 250, while Sweden’s current approved microchip ranges start with 752.
So, the EU is not bringing in a brand new type of microchip. It is just making the country-code system standard for all Member States.
This matters because right now, the first three digits of a pet’s microchip often show the manufacturer, not the country where the animal was chipped.
If you would like to understand what the different parts of a chip number can tell you, read our Pet Microchip Numbers Explained guide.
Once the change takes effect, the start of a new country-coded microchip number will make it much easier to see where the animal was first identified.
Do the new EU microchip rules mean my pet needs a new chip?
No.
This is likely the most important thing to know about the new rules.
An animal that was correctly microchipped under the previous rules does not need to be chipped again simply because its number does not start with a country code.
The EU specifically designed the transition to avoid properly identified animals having to go through another identification procedure.
If your cat or dog already has a working chip that starts with numbers like 981, 941, or another current series, you don’t need to rush to the vet for a new one.
Only new chips will change. Existing pets keep their current chips.
Finland shows how the change may work
Finland is a useful example because it does not currently use country-coded microchips for dogs.
The Finnish Food Authority says that Finland will introduce country-coded microchips as the new rules are implemented. Finland’s numeric country code is 246.
From 1 January 2028, Finland says the new requirement will apply to dogs born and microchipped in Finland, as well as cats and ferrets being microchipped for travel abroad.
At the same time, the Finnish Food Authority is very clear that animals already properly microchipped under the previous rules do not need a replacement chip.
This gives a real-world example of how the change will work. New animals will get the new numbering system, while existing animals keep their current microchips.
What about pet passports?
Your pet will not need a new passport just because its current microchip does not have a country code.
The new EU rules were designed to avoid having properly issued passports cancelled and replaced unnecessarily.
It is also important to know that these two numbers are different.
A passport number identifies the passport and includes the issuing country.
A microchip number identifies the animal.
From 2028, a new country-coded microchip will also show the country where that animal was first identified.
These countries might not always be the same. For example, a dog could be microchipped in Spain and later move with its owner to the Netherlands.
If you’re planning to travel internationally with your pet, our pet microchip travel guide explains the microchip and passport checks worth making before you leave.
Why could this help when tracing a lost pet?
For rescuers, vets, and microchip lookup services, country-coded chips can give a helpful first clue.
For example, if a chip starts with 528, it is part of the Dutch country-code system. A new Spanish chip starting with 724 will point to Spain.
This can help people know which country’s databases to check first.
However, it will not show where the animal lives now.
Pets can move between countries, be adopted abroad, or have owners who relocate. Registration details can also change. So, the country code shows where the animal’s identification started, not always where it is now.
If you’ve found a pet and want to find out where its microchip may be registered, you can use the free ChipTrace microchip lookup. You can also find country-specific information in our pet microchip country guides.
For pet owners, these new EU microchip rules are a small change. You do not need to get a new chip for a pet that is already identified, and there is no reason to replace a working microchip.
But for anyone trying to find a lost animal, those first three digits could be a very helpful clue.
Useful links
EU Regulation 2026/132 – official text on EUR-Lex
Finnish Food Authority – country-coded microchips for dogs, cats and ferrets