UAE Environmental / ESG LawMinisterial Resolution No. (84) of 2012 Regarding the Executive Regulation of Federal Law No. (5) of 2009 Regarding Organic Inputs and Products

Article (1) For the purposes of implementing the provisions of this Regulation, the following terms and expressions shall have the meanings assigned to each of them, unless the context requires otherwise: State : The United Arab Emirates. Ministry : The Ministry of Environment and Water. Minister : The Minister of Environment and Water. Authority : The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology. Competent Department : The concerned department within the Ministry. Competent Authority : The authority responsible for regulating the production and circulation of agricultural and animal organic inputs and products in each Emirate.

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Ministerial Resolution of 2012 Regarding…

Article (2) The provisions of this Regulation shall apply to every natural or legal person who undertakes the process of organic production, manufacturing, processing, circulation, import, and export of Organic Inputs and Products. Its provisions shall also apply to licensed Organic Production Units and Certification Entities. The Ministry or the entities authorized by the competent supervisory authorities shall carry out inspection and testing operations, collect the prescribed fees, grant Organic Certification, and grant the right to use the Logo. Certification Entities and testing laboratories shall be accredited in accordance with the conditions and specifications set by the Authority.

Article (3) The standards and conditions set forth in this Regulation shall apply to all Organic Inputs and Products. Section Two Standards of Organic Inputs and Products

Article (4) Standards and Specifications of Organic Inputs The following shall be required for organic production inputs: 1. All seeds and parts used for propagation shall be produced from Production Units holding Organic Certification. Seeds or other propagation materials shall be deemed organic if they have completed one growing season for annual crops and two growing seasons for perennial crops. 2. When introducing new varieties or if organic seeds are unavailable, conventional seeds may be used after obtaining the Ministry's approval (permit for the use of seeds/planting material). These seeds or other propagation materials (tubers, bulbs, cuttings, buds, etc.) shall be chemically untrea…

Article (5) Standards and Specifications of Organic Production Units First: Regarding the Location of the Production Unit: 1. The production unit shall be far from all direct and indirect sources of contamination, and clearly separated temporally and spatially in a verifiable manner at all stages and by various means. Separation shall be achieved in the following cases: a. Separation between organic farming units and other farming units in the planting, preparation, production, and processing area. b. Separation between animals used in organic production and other animals in the rearing, preparation, production, and processing area. c. Separation between aquatic life and fish used in organic…

Article (6) Organic Product Standards 1. The presence of a supervision certificate issued by Certification Entites means that the product conforms to organic production conditions and standards. The Ministry may take the necessary samples and send them to accredited or specialized laboratories to ensure they are free from pesticides and contaminants (less than 0.05 parts per million) and from genetically modified materials. 2. A label identifying the Organic Product shall be affixed to the product, clarifying the following: a. The name and address of the producing, exporting, or importing company. b. A clarification of the materials included in the composition and their percentages. c. The n…

Article (7) Weed and Noxious Plant Control 1. The producer shall use the materials listed in the list of authorized materials regarding the control of weeds and noxious plants within the production unit.

Article (8) Controls on Pest and Diseases 1. The producer shall refrain from using any materials that pose a risk to human, animal, or plant health when controlling diseases and pests in the production unit. 2. The materials used in pest and disease control shall be non-systemic and shall act externally. 3. The materials used shall be non-accumulative in the soil of the production unit. 4. The producer may use mechanical control methods, traps, barriers, light, and sound.

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Ministerial Resolution of 2012 Regarding the Executive Regulation of Federal Law of 2009 Regarding Organic Inputs and Products 7 5. The producer may adopt steam sterilization and solar sterilization methods.…

Article (9) Requirements for the Collection of Wild Plants from Forests and Natural Areas 1. Edible plants and their parts that grow naturally in forests or natural areas shall be deemed Organic Products, provided that these products are collected from a specific collection area and are subject to the supervision of a Certification Entity. 2. The materials referred to in Clause (1) shall not have been treated with any of the materials not listed in Annex (2) for a period of three years before the collection process. 3. The collection process shall not cause environmental damage or affect the species available in the collection area, such that the collection practices do not constitute a viol…

Article (10) Processed Organic Food Processed organic food is food that has been manufactured from Organic Products using mechanical or biological processing methods (such as steaming or smoking) to preserve its nutritional value, provided that the producer refrains from using additives or any other materials during manufacturing that react chemically with or alter the characteristics of the organic food, and that irradiation methods are not used. Only modern preservation and storage methods shall be permitted, such as the regulation of humidity and temperature levels

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Ministerial Resolution of 2012 Regarding the Executive Regulation of Federal Law of 2009 Regarding Organic In…

Article (11) Storage and Transport Standards The integrity of the Organic Product shall be maintained during the storage and transport process, whether storage is inside or outside the production unit, by adhering to the following standards: 1. Protecting organic products from mixing with non-organic products during transport and storage. 2. Protecting organic products from contact with production inputs not permitted for use in organic agriculture. 3. Cleaning storage areas and transport containers for Organic Products using methods and materials permitted for use with organic products (Annex 4). 4. Placing Organic Product data on containers, packages, and wrappers during the transport and…

Article (12) Seaweed Production Standards 1. The collection of seaweed that grows naturally in the sea, or any part thereof, shall be deemed a method of organic production, provided that the environment in which the seaweed grows is natural and not exposed to any contamination. 2. The collection operations shall not cause environmental damage or affect the species available in the collection area, such that the collection practices do not constitute any violation of any law in force in the State.

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Ministerial Resolution of 2012 Regarding the Executive Regulation of Federal Law of 2009 Regarding Organic Inputs and Products 9 3. It is required that when using fertilizers in seaw…

Article (13) Conditions and Controls for Organic Animal Production The following is required in organic animal production: 1. The production unit shall have Organic Certification in accordance with the provisions of the Law and the Executive Regulation. 2. The origin of the animals shall be an organic environment, far from all sources of contamination. 3. In animal breeding, animals raised in a non-organic environment may be considered animals intended for organic production after passing the conversion stages mentioned in Annex (5). 4. Persons supervising the rearing of animals intended for organic production shall have sufficient knowledge and expertise regarding the needs of these animals…

Article (14) Standards of Animal Nutrition and Feed 1. In feeding organic production animals, feeds with an organic content of not less than 85% for ruminants and 80% for non-ruminants shall be used. The organic content shall be calculated based on dry weight. In exceptional circumstances, the use of non-organically

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Ministerial Resolution of 2012 Regarding the Executive Regulation of Federal Law of 2009 Regarding Organic Inputs and Products 10 produced feed may be permitted, in accordance with the provisions of Article (20) of this Regulation. 2. To meet nutritional standards in animal feed, the producer shall comply with the following: a. Provide untreated drinking water in…

Article (15) Standards for the Use of Veterinary Products 1. Animals may be vaccinated using antiparasitic and veterinary drugs for the treatment of diseases. 2. Conventional chemically synthesized veterinary products (non-organic medicines) may be used in the event of failure of organic treatment or in the case of a disease that threatens the animal's life, in accordance with the provisions of Article (20), provided that the therapeutic effect of the medicines is effective for the animal species. Treatment shall be carried out under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, and three times the prescribed period for drug withdrawal (the period for the drug to be eliminated from the animal'…

Article (16) Standards for Organic Poultry Production To meet the standards for organic poultry production, the producer shall comply with the following: 1. Raising poultry intended for organic production in open areas exposed to fresh air. Poultry may not be raised in cages within production units. 2. Covering the enclosures with natural materials such as straw, wood shavings, sand, or herbs of natural origin. 3. Providing sufficient space for laying hens as determined by the Certification Entity. 4. Providing perches in numbers and sizes consistent with the type and size of the poultry. 5. Vacating the poultry houses between each batch of poultry raised, leaving them vacant until vegetativ…

Article (17) Standards for the Production of Organic Honey First: Regarding the Production Environment, the Producer Shall comply with the Following: 1. Follow the general standards in organic animal production. 2. Provide large collection areas sufficient to provide adequate nutrients and allow access to water. 3. Provide natural nectar and pollen sources from plants of organic origin. 4. The health of the bees shall be maintained based on preventive measures such as the appropriate selection of breeds, suitable environment, complete nutrition, and proper beekeeping methods. 5. Beehives shall be made of natural materials that do not pose any risk for contaminating the environment or bee pro…

Article (18) Organic Production Standards for Fish First: Regarding the Environment of Organic Aquaculture Production, the Producer Shall Comply with the Following: 1. Separation of Organic Production Units from other production units. 2. The production unit shall be subject to inspection and verification, provided that such inspection includes water quality, feed, and any other materials within the production unit. 3. No non-native fish species shall be introduced into the Organic Production Units. 4. Ensuring that the marine environment does not adversely affect biodiversity at the production site when selecting farming locations. 5. The boundaries and separations between organic productio…

Article (19) Powers to Determine Specifications and Publish Annexes The Competent Department or whomever it authorizes shall undertake the following: 1. Issue and publish lists of materials authorized for use in Organic Inputs and Products within the organic production system. 2. Issue and publish lists for materials prohibited for use in Organic Inputs and Products. 3. Determine the labeling requirements and label data for Organic Inputs and Products and their Logos. 4. The annexes attached to this Regulation shall include specifications for fertilizers, soil conditioners, propagation materials, plant and animal protection materials, disease control materials, feed, water, and materials use…

Article (20) Powers to Amend Schedules, Standards, and Conversion Periods 1. The Competent Department or whomever it authorizes shall have the power to add, remove, or amend any of the materials listed in the Schedules and lists of authorized materials, in a manner consistent with international standards and serving the public interest. 2. The Competent Department or whomever it authorizes may adopt temporary measures to address exceptional and adverse climatic conditions in the State, including permitting the use of otherwise prohibited materials to ensure the sustainability of organic production. 3. Any Producer or Organic Production Unit wishing to use any of the materials not included in…

Article (21) Requirements for Conversion to Organic Production 1. The production unit wishing to convert to organic production shall submit a conversion application using the prescribed form for that purpose to the Certification Entity. 2. The production unit shall submit the required documents, complete the data specified in the application, and provide written consent to comply with all Organic Production Standards. 3. The conversion period shall commence from the date of submission of the application and execution of the undertaking document. 4. The production unit shall, during the conversion period, comply with all provisions of the Law and its Executive Regulations. 5. The duration of…

Article (22) Conversion and Obtaining Organic Certification 1. The Certification Entity shall examine the application and verify the completeness of all required data. 2. The Certification Entity shall carry out inspection and testing during an appropriate period(s) to ensure the fulfillment of all conversion requirements. 3. The Certification Entity shall have the power to collect samples and conduct tests, at the expense of the conversion applicant, at any entity, and at all stages, including the stage of placing the Organic Product for Circulation.

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Ministerial Resolution of 2012 Regarding the Executive Regulation of Federal Law of 2009 Regarding Organic Inputs and Product…

Article (23) Certificate of Conformity 1. The Certification Entity shall issue a certificate of conformity for organic production. 2. The Ministry shall maintain records containing all data relating to production units granted Organic Certification in the State, as well as data on importers, exporters, and entities engaged in the Circulation of Organic Inputs and Products.

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Ministerial Resolution of 2012 Regarding the Executive Regulation of Federal Law of 2009 Regarding Organic Inputs and Products 18 Section Five Certification Entities and Delegation of Powers

Article (24) Certification Entities Any entity wishing to carry out the activity of a Certification Entity in the State shall be registered with the Ministry and accredited by the Authority, shall have a permanent place of business in the State, possess adequate technical qualification, and shall not have any direct or indirect interests in the organic production, whether locally or internationally.

Article (25) Conditions for the Use of Foreign Organic Product Logos For the use of foreign organic product logos, the following shall be complied with: 1. The product and the production unit shall obtain Organic Certification from entities accredited or recognized by the Authority. 2. The product shall comply with the conditions and standards stipulated in Federal Law No. (5) of 2009 Regarding Organic Inputs and Products and the Executive Regulations thereof. 3. The product shall be identified as organic in Arabic or English, accompanied by supporting identification thereof. 4. The Logo and the data label shall be affixed in a clearly visible place and in a manner that prevents the removal…

Article (26) Data Label for Organic Inputs and Products and the Rules Governing Their Use A label distinguishing the Organic Product shall be affixed to the product in both Arabic and English, indicating the following: 1. The name of the product, the number and location of the production unit, the date of production, and the expiry date. 2. The name and address of the producing, exporting, and importing company.

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Ministerial Resolution of 2012 Regarding the Executive Regulation of Federal Law of 2009 Regarding Organic Inputs and Products 19 3. The name of the input, the name of the product, and the production method. 4. The percentage composition of the input (constituent mat…

Article (27) Use of Labels and Trademarks Every Producer or production unit shall affix its own label or trademark to distinguish its product, provided that the product also bears the organic production Logo and data label. Section Six Import, Certification, and Circulation

Article (28) Conditions for Importing and Exporting Organic Inputs and Products 1. All organic materials intended for import and export shall not contain any substances inconsistent with the standards and specifications approved in the State. 2. All organic materials intended for import or export shall include the data labels and Logos specific to organic production. 3. Upon import, the importing entity shall submit an import certificate issued by the competent Certification Entity in the country of production confirming that the product is organic. Such documents shall be retained for a period of two years from the date of import.

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Ministerial Resolution of 2012 Regarding th…

Article (29) Conditions for the Circulation of Organic Inputs and Products 1. The product shall be transported in a securely sealed package, wrapping, or container. 2. The product shall bear the data labels and Logos distinctive to organic production, and the name of the Certification Entity. 3. An "organic product certificate" issued by a Certification Entity shall be provided, indicating the name of the producer, the exporter, the importer, the number of packages, the package weight, the type of product, and the name of the receiving entity. 4. Where the product originates from more than one source, the packages shall be numbered and shall indicate the product number and the Certification…

Article (30) Inspection and Analysis of Organic Inputs and Products and Assessment of Their Suitability The Certification Entity shall designate the locations for the inspection and analysis of local or imported Organic Inputs and Products at the expense of the production unit. It may also conduct laboratory testing, such as analysis of residues of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, microbiological testing, mycotoxin testing, and testing for genetically modified materials, in any accredited or specialized laboratories in the State, in order to verify that the products are free from such substances.

Article (31) The Ministry shall have the competence to impose the following administrative sanctions in case of violation of any of the provisions of the Law and its Executive Regulations, without prejudice to any other sanctions stipulated in other laws: 1. Warning. 2. Suspension of activity for a period not exceeding six months. 3. Revocation of license.

Article (32) Any provision that contradicts or conflicts with this Regulation is hereby repealed.

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Ministerial Resolution of 2012 Regarding the Executive Regulation of Federal Law of 2009 Regarding Organic Inputs and Products 22

Article (33) The provisions of this Regulation shall enter into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Dr. Rashid bin Fahad Minister of Environment and Water Issued on: 30 Rabi' al-Awwal 1433 A.H. Corresponding to: 22 February 2012 A.D.

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Ministerial Resolution of 2012 Regarding the Executive Regulation of Federal Law of 2009 Regarding Organic Inputs and Products 23 Annexes Lists of Materials Authorized for Use as Organic Inputs within the Organic Production System Annex (1) Conditioners and Positive List of Fertilizers SN Name Specifications, Composition of Materials Used, and Conditions for Use 1 Farmyard Manure Specifications and Composition of Mate…