(20/11/2006) International Fur Trade Federation’s (IFTF) / British Fur Trade Association's (BFTA) reaction to the European Commission’s announcement of a ban on any trade in cat and dog fur

For many years, the European fur trade has not traded in cat and dog fur, and in 2002 our members signed a voluntary agreement not to trade in dog and cat fur - a voluntary ban.    No evidence of trade in these products has been shown to us, and no one appears able to produce any convincing evidence when asked.

An EU-wide ban will not have any effect on the fur trade as the fur trade already operates a voluntary ban, but we do question why it is necessary to spend time and resources drafting legislation to ban a trade that does not exist.

Some years ago, the international fur trade pioneered a labelling system whereby the species of an animal is clearly identified in the scientific Latin name and English, or the local language.  We disagree with the Commission’s view on labelling when they say that it will place a disproportionate burden on traders. The trade has already introduced labelling* (see also notes below).  We believe labelling offers information and transparency to the consumer, and gives the consumer recourse should the fur not be correctly labelled under trade description laws.  To us, the Commission should be working on labelling legislation rather than on bans for a non-existent trade.
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NOTES TO EDITORS:  

British Fur Trade Association (BFTA)
press@britishfur.co.uk
www.britishfur.co.uk
International Fur Trade Federation: www.IFTF.com

Strict Codes of Practice and High Humane Standards:

The International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF) and its member associations around the world promote the strict adherence to codes of practice that meet or exceed many international, national and state government standards for animal welfare. As an industry, we deplore and work against the mistreatment of all animals.

Regulations include statutes that protect the environment and consumers and ensure science-based sustainable wildlife management and humane farming practices.  The international fur sector has invested substantial funds in independent scientific studies to ensure that the methods of production meet the highest welfare standards.

What the European Commission says about fur production:

The European Commission’s press release (Memo/06/436, 20 November 2006) states:

“Strict rules are in place in the EU to ensure that animals bred for their fur are treated in a humane manner. Directive 98/58/EC on the welfare of animals kept for farming purposes, including fur animals, lays down rules on all aspects of keeping and breeding animals including housing conditions, freedom of movement, feeding and watering requirements, and staff qualifications. Directive 93/119/EC concerning the slaughter and killing of animals aims to minimise the pain and suffering of animals through the use of proper approved stunning and killing methods. Since the 1980s, EU environmental policies have also worked on the introduction of measures to promote the improvement of animal welfare. These cover, amongst other things, trapping standards, trade in wildlife and the import of seal pup skins.

“The EU has signed and ratified the Council of Europe’s Convention for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes, which sets out principles for the keeping, care and housing of animals, in particular in intensive systems. Member States have also ratified or are in the process of ratifying this Convention. On the basis of this Convention special Recommendations have been adopted on animals kept for fur production, which lay down general requirements for the farming mink, ferret, foxes and chinchilla, of amongst others.”

* Labelling:

The fur trade recognises that it is important to demonstrate openness and professionalism about our product. Clear labelling of fur garments is one way that we do this.

In the USA, fur labelling was first introduced in 1952 in line with the Fur Products Identification Act. In Canada, the accuracy of all labelling is assured under the provisions of the Competition Act.

In 2003, the European fur trade introduced a fur labelling system approved by the respected Italian standardization, UNI, to provide more uniform labelling information to the consumer.  Under this system, a label providing the name of the fur type in Latin, English and/or the local language is firmly attached or sewn to an existing retailer or manufacturer’s label in a garment or product containing fur.

The IFTF is currently working to implement an additional labelling initiative, designed to provide consumers with information about the origin of the fur in their new fur purchase.  Under the programme, a hangtag or label with the Origin Assured (OA) mark will assure the consumer that their fur comes from a country where established and accepted national standards governing fur production are in force.  The programme is currently under development, and is due to be phased in during the 2006/07-fur season.