UAE's Bold New Law for Agricultural Safety

The United Arab Emirates has taken an important step forward in protecting agriculture and strengthening biological security by drafting a new federal law on plant health quarantine. The primary goal of the proposed legislation is to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases into the country, thereby safeguarding the nation's valuable agricultural resources.

The decision to prepare and review the law was made during a virtual session by the Federal National Council's Constitutional, Legislative, and Appeals and Complaints Committee, emphasizing the strategic importance of this initiative for the nation.

The previous federal law, No. 5 of 1979, had long regulated agricultural quarantine processes, including regulations related to the import and export of plants. However, the continuous development of international standards and regulations, particularly the provisions of the International Plant Protection Convention, necessitated an update of this legislation.

The drafting of the new legislation was coordinated by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, involving relevant local government bodies to ensure compliance with international standards.

The new law's objectives include:

Preventing the entry and spread of plant pests

Protecting the environment and plant resources

Reducing chemical-based plant protection

General protection of public health and the environment

The law consists of 28 articles that regulate the operation of agricultural quarantine in detail. It provides precise definitions, stipulates the ministry's authorities, and prescribes the handling of import, export, and transit shipments.

According to the government's briefing, plant health quarantine is a key protective mechanism that significantly reduces the need for pest control chemicals, thereby not only preventing economic losses but also substantially reducing chemical pollution in the environment.

With this step, the UAE further strengthens its leading role in sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring a healthier environment for farmers and the population, and achieving long-term sustainable agricultural production.

(Source of the article: Communication from the federal National Council’s Constitutional, Legislative and Appeals and Complaints Committee.)