Now it's time to get rid of the fur.

At its meeting on 28 May 2025, the Federal Council adopted the message on the popular initiative “Yes to an import ban on fur products produced using cruel methods”.

To address this important issue and promote animal welfare, the Federal Council is proposing an indirect counter-proposal to the fur initiative. This proposal aims to prohibit both the import and trade of fur produced using cruel methods within the Animal Welfare Act. By enshrining a trade ban within Switzerland, the counter-proposal goes a step further than the popular initiative, which only provides for an import ban. The definition of "cruel" used in the counter-proposal is based on the international guiding principles of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Among other things, animal husbandry that allows for species-typical behavior and in which the animals are not subjected to pain, injury, or suffering is considered non-cruel.

Retailers must provide proof of animal welfare-compliant production.

Swiss furriers, fashion retailers, and online vendors will be required to verify the production methods of fur products before purchasing them and provide proof of humane fur harvesting practices. The federal government will conduct inspections both domestically and at borders to verify this proof. Illegally imported and traded fur and fur products will be confiscated, and those responsible will be prosecuted. With this measure, Switzerland is taking a stand for animal welfare.

At its meeting today, the Federal Council adopted the dispatch on the fur initiative and its indirect counter-proposal for amendments to the Animal Welfare Act. It recommends that Parliament reject the popular initiative and proposes the adoption of the indirect counter-proposal.

Since the Federal Council is committed to quickly introducing an import ban on furs produced using cruel methods, it has already issued an ordinance to this effect at its meeting today. It will come into force on July 1, 2025, with a two-year transition period.

Despite this important step forward, animal welfare organizations are disappointed that the regulation was not broadened. In particular, they criticize the fact that the use of cruel, lethal traps is not considered animal cruelty, and therefore the fur of animals killed in this way is not subject to the import ban.