UAE tightens wildlife trade rules, raises fines to Dh2 million
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The UAE has introduced a package of new and amended laws governing international trade, quarantine controls and the protection of plant and animal species, strengthening oversight at the country’s borders and increasing penalties for violations.
The legislation covers agricultural and veterinary quarantine, trade in endangered species and the protection of new plant varieties. Authorities said the measures are intended to curb illegal trade, prevent the spread of pests and diseases and align national regulations with international standards.
One of the key changes is the replacement of Federal Law No. 11 of 2002 on the regulation of international trade in endangered wild species. The law, which had remained unchanged for more than two decades, has been updated with revised definitions and enforcement powers. It applies across all UAE territories, including free zones and bans the import, export, re-export, transit or introduction from the sea of endangered specimens listed under the law.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has been assigned responsibility for implementation and enforcement. The law authorises the ministry to seize and dispose of specimens under judicial rulings and to suspend or block transit shipments that lack proper documentation.
Penalties for illegal trade in endangered species have been increased, with fines ranging from Dh30,000 to Dh2 million and prison sentences of up to four years in serious cases. Offenders must also cover costs linked to seizure, transport, storage and disposal of specimens, while repeat foreign offenders face mandatory deportation.
Separate amendments overhaul veterinary quarantine regulations, updating legislation that is more than 45 years old. The law applies to all animal consignments entering, leaving or transiting the UAE and allows authorities to impose import bans, quarantine measures and disposal of infected animals when required. Entry is restricted to approved border points under a unified veterinary quarantine system.
Agricultural quarantine rules have also been revised to address plant diseases and pests. The updated law applies to plants, plant products and related materials moving through the country and raises fines to as much as Dh500,000, with deportation for repeat foreign offenders.
In addition, a new framework has been introduced to protect new plant varieties. A register will be created within the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, granting protection for eligible varieties for up to 20 years or 25 years for vines and trees. Breeders who violate the law face prison terms of up to three years and fines of up to Dh250,000.
Officials said the combined measures are designed to strengthen environmental protection, support sustainable trade and safeguard the UAE’s agricultural and ecological systems.