European seal import ban a step closer after crucial EU vote

The 25:7 majority vote defeats plans for a proposed labeling system put forward by the IMCO rapporteur, UK Liberal MEP Diana Wallis.

IFAW opposes Canada’s commercial seal hunt because it is cruel and unnecessary, with more than a quarter of a million seals clubbed or shot each year primarily so their fur can be used by the fashion industry.

Along with other groups, IFAW has been campaigning for an outright ban on the import of seal products from commercial hunts to close vital markets and send an important message to the Canadian government that EU citizens want no part in this cruelty.

Lesley O’Donnell, Director of IFAW EU, said: “We welcome this vote as an important step on the path to achieving an outright ban on seal products from commercial hunts.”

“We were concerned that a labeling system was unworkable and feel that an outright ban is the only way forward. The majority of European citizens are against the cruelty of commercial seal hunting and an outright ban will reflect this.” 

Seal trade bans already exist in the EU in Belgium, the Netherlands and Slovenia with other Member States poised to bring in legislation, while Canada’s major trading partners in NAFTA – the US and Mexico – also ban seal imports.

In a few short weeks, Canada’s commercial seal hunt will begin off the east coast of Canada. Last year, more than 217,000 harp seals were killed, 99.8% of which were under 3 months of age.

The proposed EU ban is set to go before the whole European Parliament on April 2.

For media-related inquiries, contact:
Barbara Slee, Political Officer (IFAW EU) – Brussels
Tel: +32 (0) 475 86 78 34
Mobile: +32 (0) 2 282 06 97
Email: bslee@ifaw.org

Katie McConnell (IFAW) – U.S.
Tel: +1 (508) 648-3584
Email: kmcconnell@ifaw.org