EU toughens ban on seal products trade

The European Union (EU) adapted a stronger ban on the trade of seal products on Thursday. Seal products resulting from hunts of protect fishing stocks will no longer be exempt from the ban.

In response to animal welfare concerns, the EU in 2009 banned trade in seal products such as sealskin coats, mitts, bags or seal meat. This ban entered into force in 2010. However, it allowed two exceptions, one for products resulting from indigenous hunts and the other for small-scale hunts to ensure sustainable "marine resource management."

The ban was challenged by Canada and Norway in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WTO ruling from June 2014 upheld the EU ban on trade in seal products, but found that the two exceptions granted were problematic, arguing they could have discriminatory effects.

To address these concerns, the EU decided to remove the exception for seal products derived from hunts conducted for the sustainable management of marine resources.

Although Inuit and other indigenous communities will continue to be exempt from the ban, the EU has set three clearer conditions for the exception in the new rules.

According to the new requirement, the hunt must have been conducted by the community. Meanwhile, the seal hunt should be conducted for and contribute to the subsistence of the community. Taking into consideration the community's way of life and the subsistence purpose, the hunt must be done with due regard to animal welfare.

The new EU regulation will apply from Oct. 18. Endit