New Federal Law Regulates Veterinary Products in the UAE

The UAE government has issued a Federal Decree-Law establishing a unified legal framework for veterinary medical products and veterinary pharmaceutical establishments, officials announced. The legislation aims to enhance standards for animal health, support food safety and improve public health protections. The law covers all aspects of veterinary medical product management in the UAE, including development, manufacturing, registration, pricing, import, export, distribution, possession, sale, display, use, safe disposal, advertising and promotion. It also defines regulatory controls for veterinary biological products, raw materials, veterinary devices, genetically modified organisms intended for veterinary use, and controlled substances. Under the new decree-law, licensing and oversight of veterinary pharmaceutical establishments — including pharmacies, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and consulting offices — will be strengthened, with regulatory authority shared between the Emirates Drug Establishment and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The legislation also introduces a fast-track approval process for innovative veterinary medical products that meet quality, safety and efficacy standards aligned with international agreements. The law makes it a priority to prohibit the circulation, trading or storage of counterfeit, defective or expired veterinary products and sets controls on prescribing and selling these products, requiring that only licensed veterinarians handle prescriptions. It also imposes restrictions on prohibited and restricted substances while allowing controlled exceptions under regulatory supervision.