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Switzerland to ban import of seal products

Xinhua, March 3, 2017 Adjust font size:

The Swiss Federal council voted on Friday to prohibit the import of seal products into the confederation, with the motion set to take effect on April 1.

This means that as of next month, it will be illegal to import a range of seal-derived products including meat, oil, blubber, organs and fur skins.

The Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) however did indicate that the ruling allows for some exceptions.

"On the one hand, the import of seal products will be permitted if they result from hunts traditionally conducted by Inuit or other indigenous communities," the Office explained in a written statement.

"These hunts must at the same time contribute to the community's subsistence. On the other hand, travellers may continue to import seal products for personal use," it added. Endit