By Desmond Nleya
The United Arab Emirates has enacted a comprehensive set of updated federal laws aimed at strengthening agricultural and veterinary quarantine controls while enhancing legal protections for endangered species and new plant varieties.
The reforms represent one of the most significant legislative updates in these sectors in decades and align the country’s regulatory framework with evolving international standards on biodiversity conservation and biosecurity.
Central to the reforms is a new law regulating the international trade in endangered animals and plants, reaffirming the UAE’s strategic commitment to biodiversity protection. The legislation replaces Federal Law No. 11 of 2002, which had remained unchanged for more than 22 years. It expands the enforcement authority of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the designated national administrative body, broadens key legal definitions, and extends its applicability across all UAE territories, including free zones.
Under the new law, the import, export, re-export, transit, or introduction of endangered species through UAE border points is prohibited without valid certification. Authorities are empowered to seize and dispose of illegal shipments following judicial rulings. Penalties have been significantly increased, with fines ranging from AED30,000 to AED2 million, alongside prison sentences of up to four years for serious offences.
In parallel, the UAE has introduced updated veterinary and agricultural quarantine laws, replacing federal legislation dating back to 1979. These reforms modernise inspection procedures for animals, plants, and related products entering or leaving the country. The laws also allow authorities to impose import bans or temporary restrictions in response to scientific alerts concerning transboundary animal diseases and agricultural pests.
Additionally, the Law on the Protection of New Plant Varieties replaces Federal Law No. 17 of 2009. It establishes a national register for protected plant varieties and grants breeders exclusive rights for up to 20 years, or 25 years for vines and trees. Officials say the law will promote agricultural innovation, strengthen food security, and enhance biosecurity oversight across the UAE.
Source: Emirates News Agency
