Ban on the cat and dog fur trade in the EU

In December 2003, the European Parliament adopted a declaration calling on the European Commission to draft a regulation banning the import, export, sale and production of cat and dog fur and skins. At the time, the regulation was not made; but a voluntary code of conduct was adopted by European fur traders. However, since the voluntary code was adopted, evidence has kept coming to light that cat and dog fur products have still been entering the EU.

Article 1 of the draft regulation proposed by the Commission, prohibits the placing on the market and the import to or export from the community of fur of cats and dogs and products containing such fur.

In the course of negotiations with the European Council, European Parliament members did agree, that, “by way of exceptional derogation”, that the Commission may adopt provisions allowing cat and dog fur on the EU market “for educational or taxidermy purposes”.

The European Parliament did not back a derogation proposed by the Commission to the ban, that the fur (or products containing it) would be exempt if (a) “labelled as originating from cats or dogs that have not been bred or killed for fur production”, or (b) constituted “personal or household effects” introduced into, or exported from, the Community.

The European Council is expected to back the European Parliament`s report (ie, its amendments) and to adopt the legislation without any further changes. The ban will apply from December 31, 2008.