In August of 2010, European Union implemented a historic measure: it banned the marketing of products derived from seal throughout the EU. This decision was based on strong criticism from animal rights organisations, which argued that the hunting methods used were excessively cruel.
The EU measure mainly affected seal hunting giants Canada and Norway, who in 2012 decided to challenge the ban at the WTO (World Trade Organisation). However, at the end of 2013, the WTO ruled in favour of the EU, validating the ban. This decision was appealed again by Canada and Norway, but finally, on 22 May 2014, the WTO ratified its original decision, marking the end of the trade conflict between these countries and the EU.
Reasons for ban: Cruelty in seal hunting
Prohibition was largely justified by the use of hunting methods considered cruel. According to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, young seals were beaten with hackapiks, a 1,5-metre long pole with a metal striker, and then skinned on site. This method has been described internationally as incredibly cruel, generating huge disapproval from animal protection groups around the world.
The trade in seal products mainly included skins, blubber and oil, which were used to manufacture a variety of items ranging from clothing to omega-3 fatty acid supplements. However, following the imposition of the ban, all of these items were removed from the European market, which represented a significant blow to the economies of certain countries whose industries relied heavily on these products.
Economic impacts and exceptions to the rule
One of the main concerns following the establishment of the embargo was the economic impact on Aboriginal communities such as the inuit, which had traditionally depended on seal hunting for their livelihood. European legislation included some exceptions to allow the entry of seal products if they came from traditional and sustainable hunts carried out by these communities.
Despite these exceptions, the countries concerned, notably Canada, argued before the WTO that such bans violated international trade rules. Indeed, Europe's 1983 ban on certain seal skins had already had catastrophic consequences for Inuit communities, leading to economic collapse and an increase in suicide rates in some regions.
The role of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
The WTOThe WTO, as a global body charged with overseeing and mediating trade disputes, played a key role in this conflict. In December 2013, the WTO endorsed the EU's position, ruling that animal welfare concerns could justify trade restrictions.
This decision set a precedent, as it took a stance based on moral and ethical principles, something relatively unheard of in the field of international trade. Canada and Norway continued to appeal the decisions, but the final ruling of 22 May 2014 confirmed the validity of the European embargo, laying the groundwork for future trade disputes in which animal welfare may be part of the argument.
The effects of the embargo in Canada and Norway
Canada and Norway, two countries with a long tradition of commercial seal hunting, were deeply affected by the ban. Canada, in particular, was one of the main exporters of seal products, with annual seal hunts of between 200.000 and 300.000 seals.
The industry The Canadian business, which involved selling not only fur but also seal meat, oil and organs, suffered a devastating blow. Despite claims that new hunting techniques were “more humane”, public perception and global advocacy for animal welfare severely eroded its reputation in the international market.
What about seal hunting in other countries?
Globally, seal hunting is not only relevant in Canada and Norway. Greenland, for example, ranks second in terms of seal hunting, with more than 165.000 seals hunted annually. Although this hunt is essential for the livelihood of local communities, debate continues over its ethics and sustainability.
Namibia is another country where commercial seal hunting remains prominent. Around 80.000 seals are hunted annually off its coast, which has also drawn criticism from animal rights activists. In contrast, Norway has reduced its seal hunting numbers to less than 15.000 per year, justifying this practice primarily as fishery management.
International regulations governing the hunting and trade of seals
El Regulation (EC) No. 1007/2009 This is the legal framework that establishes the regulations for the marketing of seal products in the European Union. According to this regulation, these products can only be marketed if they come from hunts carried out by indigenous communities, such as the Inuit, always respecting the conditions of subsistence and animal welfare.
Please note that seal products must be certified to comply with the requirements of the regulation. Furthermore, travellers may only bring in seal products for personal use and not for commercial purposes.
These regulations have served as an important precedent in other disputes over the marketing of animal products. Debates continue regarding the possibility of applying this type of regulation to other practices involving animal cruelty.
The ban on seal products in Europe set a significant precedent, laying the groundwork for other important measures in the defence of animal welfare. While it had a considerable economic impact on certain countries and communities, it also marked a significant victory for animal rights advocates around the world.