Switzerland bans import and sale of cruelly produced fur

Swiss lawmakers have passed legislation to ban the import and sale of fur produced through methods involving animal cruelty. The Council of States voted nearly unanimously to include these prohibitions in the federal Animal Welfare Act, following a similar approval by the National Council.

The ban on importing fur produced via cruel methods is set to take effect on July 1, 2029, while the prohibition on sales will begin on July 1, 2030. To enforce these rules, the Swiss government is developing a certification program, with specific details expected to be finalized by the end of this year. Under the new regulations, the burden of proof regarding production methods will rest on sellers.

While animal welfare groups have welcomed the decision, some organizations, such as Friends of Animals, argue that the law does not go far enough. Critics contend that allowing the trade to continue under a certification program fails to address the inherent violence of the fur industry and advocate for a total ban on all fur products.