Umm Al-Qura Gazette · Regulation · Guide for Transporting Livestock and Their Products · 2026
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The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture issued the Guide for Transporting Livestock and Their Products under the Agriculture Law, promulgated by Royal Decree No. (M/64) dated 10/8/1442H, and its Implementing Regulation, issued by Ministerial Decision No. 14967/1/1444 dated 15/1/1444H. The Umm Al-Qura Gazette published the Guide on 9 October 2026.
At a glance
- Issuing authority
- Umm Al-Qura Gazette (UQN)
- Gazette date
- October 9, 2026
- Scope
- Transport of livestock and their products across road, sea and air transport modes
What it requires
| Who | Obligation |
|---|---|
| Animal owners | Confirm the animals' general health status and fitness to travel, prepare the required veterinary certificates, and secure a qualified animal escort able to handle emergencies during transport. |
| Buyers, importers and distributors | Select animals fit to travel, provide assembly, loading and unloading facilities, and comply with the health conditions the Ministry sets on the animal consignment in the exporting country. |
| Transport companies, truck owners and drivers | Obtain transport permits, select means of transport suited to the animal species being carried, and secure drivers familiar with animal-comfort requirements during transport. |
| Facility managers at journey start, end and rest stops | Secure loading and unloading areas and provide water and feed when needed, and secure areas for washing and disinfecting transport means after they are unloaded of animals. |
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What legal basis does the Guide rest on?
The Guide was issued under the Agriculture Law, promulgated by Royal Decree No. (M/64) dated 10/8/1442H, and its Implementing Regulation, issued by Ministerial Decision No. 14967/1/1444 dated 15/1/1444H, per the provisions of the Implementing Regulation of the Agriculture Law on transporting animals and their products.
What is the Guide's purpose and scope?
The Guide aims to clarify the provisions on transporting livestock and their products across different road, sea and air transport means, and covers the technical aspects of that transport per animal-health and animal-welfare principles, without prejudice to the regulations governing transport and logistics services.
What are the responsibilities of parties involved in road transport of animals?
The Guide sets out the responsibilities of each party in road transport: animal owners; buyers, importers and distributors; animal escorts; transport companies, truck owners and drivers; and facility managers at journey start, end and rest stops, including each party's duties toward animal comfort and safety.
What requirements govern the design of transport means and allocated animal space?
The relevant provisions require trucks and containers to be designed to suit the animal species, size and weight, using safe fittings free of sharp protrusions, fitted with a ventilation system and protection against adverse weather, with space allocated per animal that allows it to take a natural standing or lying posture.
What procedures address disease control and transport documentation?
The Guide addresses measures to limit the spread of infectious disease during transport, including limiting the assembly of animals from multiple sources in one journey and vaccinating them where possible, alongside documentation requirements for each consignment such as the travel plan, animal count and type, health certificates and the daily travel log.
Frequently asked questions
Which authority issued the Guide for Transporting Livestock and Their Products?
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture issued this Guide under the Agriculture Law and its Implementing Regulation, and the Umm Al-Qura Gazette published it on 9 October 2026.
What is the purpose of this Guide?
The Guide aims to clarify the provisions on transporting livestock and their products across different transport means, and to cover the technical aspects of that transport per animal-health and animal-welfare principles and the recommended standards.
Who is responsible for ensuring animal comfort throughout road transport?
That responsibility rests with all parties entrusted with transport: animal owners; buyers, importers and distributors; animal escorts; transport companies, truck owners and drivers; and facility managers at rest stops.
What requirements apply to the design of transport means and containers?
The provisions require trucks and containers to be designed to suit the animal species, size and weight, fitted with safe equipment and a ventilation system and protection against adverse weather, with space allowing the animal a natural posture.
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