The UAE has introduced sweeping new regulations governing the trade of plants and animals, replacing decades-old laws with tougher penalties. Violators now face fines of up to AED 2 million (($544.6K)), and even jail time in some cases
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rolling out sweeping changes to how plants and animals are traded across its borders, marking a big shift in its regulatory landscape from early 2026.
After more than two decades under the same framework, the government has replaced its old legislation with Federal Decree-Law No. 22 of 2025, a rigorous new legal structure designed to crack down on illegal trade and protect biodiversity.
Officials say the aim is to make the UAE an unfriendly environment for wildlife traffickers while making compliance easier for legal traders. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has stressed on the importance of these updates in safeguarding wildlife and controlling the movement of species that could threaten ecosystems.
#حكومة_الإمارات تصدر قوانين مُحدثة للحجر الزراعي والبيطري وحماية الأصناف النباتية الجديدة والاتجار الدولي بالحيوانات والنباتات المهددة بالانقراض pic.twitter.com/No3CS5H0Ek
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) January 7, 2026
According to Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, this updated law signals a “zero-tolerance” policy against illegal trade and aligns the UAE more closely with global standards, as reported by the Times of India.
What are UAE’s new wildlife protection rules?
Under the revamped regime, trade in certain endangered plants and animals will now be tightly regulated.
Traders must provide official documentation such as health certificates and recognised permits before goods are allowed into or out of the country. Customs checkpoints at airports, seaports, and land borders have been instructed to enforce these regulations rigorously, particularly for species listed under international agreements like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Perhaps the most eye-catching change is the scale of penalties. Violations can now result in fines as high as AED 2 million ($544.6K), and in serious cases, offenders could also face lengthy prison sentences or imprisonment.
Officials also say new laws modernise previously vague procedures, including precise definitions for critical travel and trade documents, such as “Falcon Passports” and “Phytosanitary Certificates.” These standards will apply uniformly across all parts of the UAE, including free zones.
More than just warnings, the updated rules give MOCCAE and customs authorities broader powers to seize illegal plants and animals on the spot. Authorities will also move confiscated specimens to specialised centres for rehabilitation or repatriation.
End of Article
