The UAE has taken a decisive step toward tightening control over the international trade in endangered animals and plants through a proposed federal law introducing stronger penalties, broader enforcement powers, and nationwide application. Approved by the Federal National Council, the draft legislation titled Regulation and Monitoring of International Trade in Endangered Species of Animals and Plants replaces Federal Law No. 11 of 2002 and pertains to the regulation of international trade in endangered animals and plants, protection of new plant varieties, and to also support and develop agricultural and veterinary quarantine.

The new framework aligns UAE law with CITES– Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna which is an international agreement crucial is regulating trade of endangered species from becoming extinct due to commerce. Accordingly, the new law expands the authority of national regulators, and enhances oversight across all land, sea, and air entry points, including free zones. Under the proposed law, the import, export, re-export, transit, or sea-based introduction of listed species will be strictly prohibited without prior permits issued by the national administrative authority.

Comprehensive Regulation of Endangered Species Trade

The new decree gives the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and local customs authorities broader executive powers to seize illegal specimens on the spot. Additionally;

• The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is designated as the national administrative authority responsible for implementation, enforcement, and certification. 
• The law applies to all UAE territory, including free zones and border points.
• Activities such as importing, exporting, transiting, or re‑exporting endangered specimens without valid authorization are prohibited. 

Another development under the law is the introduction of precise definitions for key terms such as endangered species, pre-convention specimens, phytosanitary certificate, shipment and falcon passport, while also revising existing terminology to ensure consistency with UAE’s legislative drafting. 

Mandatory Certification for Import and Export:

The law sets out clear procedures and documentation requirements:

1. A valid certificate issued by the UAE authority would be required for the export or re-export of any specimen.
2. An import certificate is needed for the importing of species listed in Annex I and those listed in Annex II and III would need valid export or re-export permits from the country of origin.
3. Transit shipments also require export documentation, and all certificates must match on both the import and export sides in terms of species data, origin and purpose.
4. A separate certificate must be provided for introductions from the sea

Any mismatch in documentation or non-compliance will result in rejection and repatriation of the shipment, with the sender bearing full cost. Invalid or misleading documentation may lead to cancellation of the certificate and legal action.

Regulation of Veterinary Quarantine

The decree also makes significant changes to the laws concerning veterinary quarantine, such as;

1. Veterinary quarantine will now operate under updated provisions replacing the previous law– Federal Law No. (6) of 1979, addressing transboundary animal diseases and border controls. All animal consignments entering, leaving, or transiting the UAE must meet enhanced quarantine standards at approved border entry points. 
2. Authorities may impose import bans or temporary quarantine restrictions based on scientific disease risk assessments or alerts.

Penalties for breaching quarantine requirements can reach AED 500,000/- with deportation for repeat foreign offenders. 

Agricultural Quarantine and Plant Health Protections

With reference to agricultural quarantine the new law creates enforceable restrictions on the import, transportation, and handling of plants, plant products, beneficial organisms, and other regulated items. It also updates the UAE’s agricultural quarantine regime in accordance with changes to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Notably, prescribed phytosanitary certification, inspection, and treatment are prerequisites for compliance.

In cases where plant health risks are identified, competent authorities are expressly authorized to impose preventive restrictions and to detain, seize, destroy, or order the re-export of non-compliant consignments. Administrative fines for infractions can reach AED 500,000/- and foreign nationals who commit repeated infractions risk deportation. These regulations aim to support national biosecurity goals, safeguard plant health, and stop the introduction of quarantine pests.

Protection of New Plant Varieties

The law includes a dedicated framework for the protection of new plant varieties, replacing Federal Law No. 17 of 2009:

1. Establishes a Register for the Protection of New Plant Varieties within the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. 
2. Defines a breeder to include developers, discoverers, employers, or legal successors. 
3. Protection periods are set at 20 years, and 25 years for vines and trees. 
4. Penalties for violations include fines up to AED 250,000/- and custody of up to three years. 

By offering legal protection and incentives for the creation of new plant varieties, this framework seeks to promote agricultural innovation while also bolstering national food security through tighter regulations on pests, diseases, and the trade of plant and animal products.

Significantly Enhanced Penalties

The law will impose strict penalties to deter illegal trade. These include:

1. Fines ranging from AED 30,000/- to AED 2 million depending on the severity of the violation. 
2. Custodial sentences of up to four years in certain cases. 
3. Mandatory deportation for repeat foreign offenders. 
4. Violation‑related costs including seizure, transport, care, storage, and disposal of specimens must be borne by the offender. 

These penalties apply not only to illegal import and export but also to cases where documentation is absent or inconsistent. 

Broader Compliance Implications 

For businesses and individuals engaged in plant or animal trade, the updated framework requires:

1. Accurate classification and documentation of specimens and consignments
2. Prior authorization and permits for import, export, transit, or re‑export
3. Adherence to quarantine and phytosanitary standards
4. Proactive internal controls to avoid severe fines, custody, and deportation consequences

Enhanced enforcement powers mean that regulators are equipped to act swiftly, including suspension of transit and immediate seizure of non‑compliant consignments. 

Conclusion

The UAE’s Federal Decree-Law on the trade of plants and animals indicates a deliberate shift from outdated regulatory practices in favor of a contemporary, enforcement-focused framework. The law enhances national biosecurity and brings clarity to lawful trade through strengthening species protection, modernizing quarantine regulations, and outlining compliance requirements.

This means that businesses involved in the cross-border movement of animals, plants, or agricultural products should examine their existing policies and update them in line with the proposed law. As the framework comes into effect, proactive compliance will be crucial to preserving regulatory certainty.

References

1. Legislations UAE, ‘United Arab Emirates Legislations: Federal Law Regulating and Controlling the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora’ (UAE) <https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/1136> accessed 13 January 2026

2. Person (UAE issues updated laws on agricultural, veterinary quarantine, 7 January 2026) accessed 13 January 2026

3. Staff AN, ‘UAE Updates Laws on Agriculture and Wildlife Protection’ (ARN News Centre, 7 January 2026) accessed 13 January 2026

4. ‘Federal Law No. (17) of 2009 Concerning the Protection of New Plant Species’ ( Dubai Municipality, 13 November 2025) accessed 13 January 2026

5. ‘Up to DH2 Million Fines: UAE Proposes New Law to Regulate Trade in Endangered Species’ (Khaleej Times) accessed 13 January 2026

6. TOI World Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Jan 07 2026, ‘UAE Warns of AED 2 Million Penalties under Toughened Plant and Animal Trade Rules: World News’ (The Times of India) accessed 13 January 2026

7. ‘UAE Government Issues Updated Laws on Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine, Protection of New Plant Varieties, Endangered Animals and Plants’ (emirates7) accessed 13 January 2026

8. ‘WAM’ (وكالة أنباء الإمارات) accessed 13 January 2026

9. Legislations UAE, ‘United Arab Emirates Legislations: Federal Law Concerning Veterinary Quarantine’ (UAE) accessed 13 January 2026

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