350,000 seals were killed in 2006 in Canada alone, 95% of which were less than three months old. A survey showed around 42% of slaughtered seals may be skinned whilst still conscious.

An increasing number of countries have decided to oppose seal hunt through specific laws. Belgium introduced a ban on seal products in March 2007 and was followed by the Netherlands in July. USA, Mexico and Croatia already have bans in place. Other countries are planning to follow their example.

At EU level, the European Parliament adopted a Resolution in 2006 which asks the European Commission to propose an EU-wide ban on seal products. Following that, the European Commission asked the European Food Safety Authority to prepare a study on the welfare aspects of the killing and skinning of seals.

At the end of September, Canada threatened to start a dispute at the World Trade Organisation level against the Belgian and Dutch bans on the import and marketing of seal products.

This is a clear attempts by the Canadian government to pre-empt a possible EU-wide ban. The consultation period runs until the end of November. If Canada and the European Commission do not manage to settle the dispute during this period, a legal procedure will be opened.

Eurogroup Members have been urging the Commission and in particular EU Commissioner for Trade, Peter Mandelson, to fully support f the Dutch & Belgian Governments.

Seals and trade rules:
can they live together?

Eurogroup Members Web Sites on Seals:

HSUS

IFAW