Internal market: ban the placing on the market and the import or export of cat and dog fur and products containing such fur

The Council held an exchange of views on banning the marketing and import of cat and dog fur. Delegations were asked to share their experience on controls and analytical methods.

The Council noted the unanimous support of delegations for the proposal’s objective and for the principle of improving public information and consumer confidence.

Concerning the analytical tools needed to carry out efficient controls, most delegations offered either to share their experience or to co-operate with those Member States that had such a ban in force under their national law. Some delegations gave a reminder that the costs and resources involved in performing such controls should remain proportionate.

The Council also took note of those delegations (a majority) who oppose any derogation that could weaken the proposal’s objective. The Council mandated the Council’s preparatory bodies to continue the examination of the proposal, with a view to reaching a conclusion during the German Presidency.