The United Arab Emirates has introduced a sweeping package of updated federal laws aimed at tightening controls in agricultural and veterinary quarantine while reinforcing legal protection for endangered species and new plant varieties.
The reforms mark one of the most significant legislative overhauls in these sectors in decades and align national regulations with evolving international standards.
A new law regulating the international trade in endangered animals and plants supports the UAE strategic commitment to conserving biodiversity. It replaces Federal Law No. 11 of 2002, which had remained unchanged for more than 22 years. The updated legislation broadens enforcement powers for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the national administrative authority responsible for implementing the rules. It also expands definitions of key terms and extends provisions across all UAE territories, including free zones.
The law prohibits importing, exporting, re-exporting, transiting, or introducing endangered specimens through UAE border points without proper certification. Authorities are empowered to seize and dispose of illegal shipments under judicial rulings. Penalties have been sharply increased, with fines ranging from AED30,000 to AED2 million and prison sentences of up to four years for serious violations.
Separate laws on veterinary quarantine and agricultural quarantine replace federal statutes dating back to 1979. These updates modernize procedures for inspecting animal consignments and plant products entering or leaving the country. The laws allow competent authorities to impose import bans and temporary restrictions based on scientific alerts regarding transboundary diseases and pests.
In addition, the Law on the Protection of New Plant Varieties replaces Federal Law No. 17 of 2009. It establishes a national register for protected varieties and grants breeders exclusive rights for 20 years, or 25 years for vines and trees. Officials say the reforms will encourage agricultural innovation, enhance food security, and strengthen biosecurity oversight nationwide.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
