Importing veterinary products in UAE

Federal Law Regarding Veterinary Products

September 27, 2025

Animal rights are valid in every country. Individuals and businesses involved in the poultry and cosmetic industries have to ensure the protection of animal rights. Often, you would see a disclaimer at the start of a film that has animals in it, but it says ‘no animal is hurt’. With the amendments in the legal system of the UAE, the Federal Law regarding the veterinary products ensure the safety of the animals with good health. Several laws around veterinary product registration UAE, importing veterinary products in UAE, veterinary advertising restrictions UAE are implemented here in United Arab Emirates. Cabinet Decision No. 14 of 2018 (Executive Regulations of Federal Law No. 10 of 2017, is about standards for importing and distributing veterinary products in United Arab Emirates.  

Agriculture sector in UAE

The agricultural development in the UAE has increased the economic GDP, which means that the country has expanded its industries along with the digital transformation in all sectors. Though it is not developed as much as it could meet with the needs of UAE’s residents, but UAE government is taking it on very serious level. Farmers and individuals involved in the agriculture sector, have to be more careful about the veterinary medicines, additives used in their feed, and if the pharmaceutical companies are not harmful to the animals used for medicines.

Implementation of Veterinary Laws in the UAE

The laws are established by a team of legal professionals. The committee has to ensure international standards in its business industries. However, the veterinary law is implemented in products and services where animals are used. The law protects animals from being mistreated in the UAE. Moreover, the livestock is also kept safe from contamination. The professional lawyers should also be hired for legal services when the livestock standards have to be met in supply chain. Federal Law No. 10 of 2017, governs the registration, import, and advertisement of all veterinary medicines and products.

Legislation and Key Objectives

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) operates the federal law for veterinary products. These laws are regulated under the Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 and its Executive Regulations. It involves the registration, circulation, and advertisement of all the veterinary medicines in the UAE.

The objectives of the veterinary law ensure the efficiency and safety of the veterinary product and prevent expired medicines circulated in the market. Further, the veterinary health standards are ensured through the law. The animal welfare and consumer health are protected under the law of veterinary medicine in the UAE.

Licensing and Product Registration Procedures

If you are involved in importing veterinary products, then you must register with MOCCAE. This means you will have to ensure legal and scientific documentation, certificates of analysis and safety of the data. The products are reviewed by the authorities to see if they meet the UAE standards. Secondly, the product should be labeled in Arabic and English. They shall be distributed amongst the authorized pharmacies only. There could be delays in the license process due to technical errors.

Importers must have to comply with law requirements e.g. Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 on Veterinary Products and its Executive Regulations issued under Cabinet Decision No. 14 of 2018. These UAE laws state the standards for product safety, temperature control and its safety while shipping the products. Importers have to submit the stability studies, and quality certificates as well.

Distribution and Storage Regulations

The distribution of the veterinary products is handled with care. They shall be transported in a proper manner, including the sensitivity of the temperature of the medicines. Nevertheless, the distributors and wholesalers should be authorized for distribution in the UAE. The veterinary clinics and farms are prohibited to sell unregistered products. To control the availability of the non-registered veterinary products, surprised inspections happen for compliance. Violating any rules will result in a financial penalty and confiscation of the livestock. To avoid any complications, it’s a good idea to consult professional lawyers. Dubai is known for having professional lawyers and legal consultants. 

Prohibited and Controlled Substances

There are certain drugs that are now allowed in the UAE’s federal law for veterinary products. They may affect the health of humans and animals. Some of them could be risky and sedatives if misused. The controlled drugs are handled with care as they need special permits. They are administered thoroughly from the import to the delivery section. There are drugs that may be approved in other countries but, prohibited in the UAE.

Veterinary Pharmacovigilance System

The system of veterinary pharmacovigilance monitors the adverse reactions and unexpected effects that may occur in animal medicines. If there are any side effects from those medicines, the veterinarians, pharmacists, and manufacturers shall report timely manner.

Advertising and Promotional Restrictions

The advertisement and promotional activities of veterinary products are monitored by the UAE government and its media department. If any statistics are displayed in the advertisement, then the numerical values shall be accurate and approved by the authorities in the UAE. The results and claims shall be approved by the scientists and pharmacists. Any unauthorised advertisement or promotional activity through social media will be questioned in the UAE courts.

E-commerce and Veterinary Product Sales

With the digital transformation in the UAE, the challenges are different. The online buyers are at risk of investing in unregistered veterinary products. Therefore, whenever you are buying anything online, always ensure the shipment is done through a licensed seller only. The unauthorised selling of veterinary products will have severe consequences, including the suspension of the license.

Animal Welfare and Environmental Impact

The veterinary products are used on animals, ensuring their safety. Meanwhile, the environmental impact is also considered when making or disposing of the veterinary products. However, these medicines need to be tested before they are prescribed for the animals. The overuse of antibiotics may lead to food contamination. Medicines that are expired or not used properly may affect the environment.

Compliance Practices in UAE: For Veterinary Sector

Modern and reformed veterinary regulation in UAE is evolving and moving beyond the simple product registration. Concerned authorities in UAE want companies to adopt modern, latest and digital compliance tools only. It helps to track shipments easily. It helps to manage storage temperatures, and expiry dates. Importers and distributors are also advised to use modern and digital barcode systems and real-time inventory platforms. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) can easily verify inspection process.

What are the Penalties for Violations

Let’s discuss the penalties for violations too. If the importers and distributors are failure to comply with Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 on Veterinary Products and Cabinet Decision No. 14 of 2018 then the can be punished by Law. For example, they can be punished for selling unregistered medicines, or ignoring the recommended storage standards. Repeated violations can enhance criminal proceedings and criminal charges. It states government’s zero-tolerance approach towards animal welfare and their food security.

Our Professional Lawyers

We are well-known professional lawyers and legal consultants. We are known for offering modern and latest legal advice. Importers and distributors can consul our professional lawyers and legal consultants. We are one of the best lawyers and legal consultants, in UAE. Lets discuss important FAQS now. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Federal law for veterinary products is used in pharmaceuticals and by the agriculture department. This involves vitamins, and vaccines for the animals in the UAE. However, these products should be registered with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). They cannot be imported or distributed, or sold within the UAE without fulfilling the registrations and requirements.

Only authorized companies that have a license from MOCCAE can import veterinary products into the UAE. The importers should talk to experts before getting in to this process. Any violation of law can turn in to a serious issue.

If any unauthorised products are sold in the UAE or the registered products are misleading through advertisements, there is a heavy penalty for such violations. It can lead to fines and license suspension.