EU Market: Citizens Continue to Reject Seal Products

In 1983, the EU banned the import of products derived from seal pups. In 2009, the legislation was supplemented by a ban on placing all seal products from commercial hunting on the market, based on moral concerns about the inhumane killing of seals.

This legislation, referred to as the EU Seal Regulation, includes an exemption for products derived from the traditional hunting of indigenous communities.

The regulation was adopted after a long campaign, following public awareness among EU citizens of the cruelties involved in the production of seal products.

The legislation was challenged by the World Trade Organization (WTO), which confirmed in a landmark rulingthat animal welfare is a legitimate reason for a trade restriction to protect public morals.

Since the legislation came into force, millions of seals have been spared a brutal and cruel death. Nevertheless, the EU is now unexpectedly conducting a fitness check to assess whether this legislation should be maintained, with the risk that it could be reversed.

A repeal of this legislation would seriously undermine animal welfare and public morality, as commercial hunting is extremely cruel and seals suffer unbearable pain and a slow death. The killing methods remain inhumane and include the use of clubs and hakapiks, as well as shooting seals from a distance, resulting in severe injuries.

EU citizens continue to oppose this practice. A new survey conducted in 13 member states found that 80% of respondents support the EU ban on trade in seal products from commercial hunting, and 68% said it should not be weakened in any way. 80% also believe that the legislation remains important to protect the ethical concerns of EU citizens and animal welfare.

A survey from 2011 found that 72% of citizens in 11 member states support restrictions on trade in seal products, demonstrating growing support.

It is therefore clear that EU citizens want this legislation to be maintained. This survey clearly shows that the EU seal protection regulation remains of critical importance to protect seals and to meet the concerns of Europeans.

As demanded by their citizens, the EU should continue its efforts to protect these animals on the continent and beyond, maintain its leadership role and drive positive change.