Seal Products – National Bans
Summary and Latest News
20 February 2006
USA
The USA has had a ban in place since the introduction of the Marine Mammals Protection Act in 1972. The Act covers both live marine mammals and the trade in marine mammal products. There are very specific exemptions to the MMPA, which include those for native Innuit peoples in Alaska, who are exempted from the moratorium due to their subsistence needs and cultural heritage.
Belgium
In 2004 the Belgian Parliament adopted a resolution recommending the introduction of legislation banning the import, marketing and production of seal products. The Belgian Government introduced by Ministerial decree a licensing scheme for the import, marketing and production of seal products in Belgium – but with no intention of issuing any licenses. The Belgian Government is now in the process of producing legislation for a complete ban.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg introduced a decree similar to that of Belgian.
The Netherlands
In December 2005, MPs in the Netherlands initiated legislation to introduce a national ban on seal products.
Mexico
In January 2006, Mexico banned the import and export of all marine mammals (including seals) and their derived products.
Greenland
In January 2006, Greenland instructed its state company to stop trading in seal pelts originating from the Canadian seal hunt due to the cruelty involved.
Italy
On 13 Feb 2006, the Italian Government introduced a temporary moratorium on the import of sealskins and other seal products, and also introduced a legislative proposal for a permanent ban, which will be considered soon.
The Council of Europe
The Council of Europe is also currently considering a report, which condemns the barbaric nature of the hunt and advocates national bans on seal products by member states of the Council.