Importing agricultural shrubs with their natural soil has been banned by the Ministry of Environment and Water. The ministry is keen on stepping up biological security and safety measures in the country by intensifying control on animal and agricultural imports to make sure that they are free of illnesses and pests. Import permit The ministry called on everyone to abide by the rules and regulations regarding the import of shrubs to the UAE. It also stressed that all shrubs entering the country must be free of the natural soil of its origin which is usually a medium that carries insects and pests. A communiqué issued by the ministry said an import permit request has to be submitted to the ministry.