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EU adopts new measures on importing of hunting trophies to control wildlife trade

Xinhua, February 6, 2015 Adjust font size:

The European Union (EU) adopted new measures on importing of hunting trophies to control wildlife trade, announced the European Commission on Thursday.

The new measures, covering species of African lion, polar bear, African elephant, southern white rhinoceros, hippopotamus and argali sheep, came into force immediately.

The new measures required an import permit guaranteeing that the origin of the trophy is legal and sustainable, which will only be delivered once the EU is convinced that the import meets criteria demonstrating that it is sustainable.

The Commission also introduced new measures to facilitate travel for musicians using instruments that contain items derived from species protected under the CITES Convention by creating a specific certificate that can be used for multiple cross-border movements and is valid for three years.

"I am confident that today's Regulation takes an important stand against illegal and unsustainable hunting of these precious species. These steps are an important contribution to keeping the trade legal and safe," said Karmenu Vella, EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime and Fisheries. Endit