The EU has lifted the ban on imports of Russian sable fur — Euractiv
The European Union has lifted the ban on imports of raw sable fur from Russia that was imposed in the spring. The exemption was approved as part of a new sanctions package following appeals from certain member states, which cited the European fur industry’s critical dependence on Russian raw materials.
The ban on imports of Russian sable fur was introduced in April as part of sanctions against Russia. However, while preparing the new sanctions package, the EU agreed to allow the purchase of raw sable pelts.
According to the publication, the main proponents of easing the restrictions were Italy and Greece, where a significant portion of Europe’s fur manufacturing companies are located.
The European Commission explained the decision by noting that Russia effectively dominates the global sable fur market, and finding alternative suppliers has proven extremely difficult.
“It’s obviously very hard to get them anywhere else,” Euractiv quotes a high-ranking EU official as saying.
At the same time, the EU’s ban on the import and export of finished fur products from Russia—introduced back in 2022—remains in effect. Thus, European companies will only be able to import raw materials for further processing.
The decision was made amid discussions within the EU regarding the future of the fur industry. Despite calls to completely ban fur farms, the European Commission is currently leaning toward tightening animal welfare standards rather than completely phasing out fur production.
This was reported by Euractiv.
As a reminder, the EU has imposed sanctions against those who help Russia sell oil.
The U.S. Senate may consider a bill as early as next week to impose harsh sanctions against Russia, known as “hellish sanctions.” The bill was sponsored by Senator Lindsey Graham, who recently passed away.
