UAE bans Pakistan meat imports by sea 

The UAE has banned certain meat imports from Pakistan.

The UAE has banned frozen meat imports from Pakistan arriving by sea.

According to media reports in Pakistan the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment placed restrictions on frozen meat arriving in the country by sea, following the arrival of sub-standard quality meat.

A statement by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan said is actively addressing the ban.

UAE bans some Pakistan meat imports

The ban is effective until at least October 10, but according to media reports the UAE will allow air transport of meat from Pakistan if certain conditions are met.

Meat must be vacuum packed and have a shelf life of 60 to 120 days from the date of slaughter.

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan said: “Initial investigations have revealed that the sub-standard quality of meat was allegedly due to inefficient / non-functionality of the refrigeration system installed in the reefer containers, which is a responsibility of the shipping lines.

“It has also been learnt that the concerned exporters have filed damages against the shipping line.

“The Pakistani Consulate, in Dubai, has engaged with stakeholders, to ascertain the reason for this unfortunate event. The Mission will seek to assuage the concerns highlighted by the UAE authorities and at the same time strongly advocate for vacation of the ban”.

The TDAP added that it is committed to facilitating trade relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, while upholding international standards of quality and safety.

It said that it is: “Optimistic that through constructive dialogue and cooperation, both nations will find an amicable resolution that allows the resumption of fresh chilled meat exports from Pakistan to the UAE”.