Alleged Political EU Seal Ban Upheld by WTO Appeal Panel

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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A World Trade Organization appeal panel has upheld the European Union’s ban on seal products. The decision upheld by the appeal panel was part of a ruling in November, which found that the ban was “necessary to protect public morals.” The EU’s ban on the import of seal fur and meat products, passed in 2010, was challenged by Canada and Norway.

A statement highlighting the silver lining in the ruling was issued by the Environment Minister, Leona Aglukkaq, International Trade Minister, Ed Fast, and Fisheries and Oceans Minister, Gail Shea. The statement highlighted that the appeal panel also found exemptions to the seal ban favoured seal products from Greenland. It was mentioned that “the WTO appellate body confirmed that the EU measure violates its international obligations and has ordered the EU to bring itself into compliance.” It added that “we are currently reviewing the practical impact of the decision on the Atlantic and northern seal harvest.”

According to the statement, the Harper government fought the EU seal ban “for more than three years,” and the ministers’ believe the EU move was purely political and had no basis in science. It was explained that “unfortunately the panel also took the view that such a ban can be justified due to some of the public’s concerns regarding seal harvesting.” It was mentioned that “our government was proud to launch an appeal of that decision and stand up for Canadian sealers and vigorously defend the interests of Canada’s Inuit and Indigenous communities.”