The Government of India bans the export of reptile skins and fur as per suggestions from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, which is a huge win for the animals. Under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the most recent regulations offer enhanced protection for a variety of wild species.
Veteran parliamentarian and ex-Union Cabinet Minister Maneka Gandhi also supported these suggestions. PETA India is currently campaigning for the restoration of the January 3, 2017, prohibition on the import of reptile skins, mink fur, and fox fur, which was revoked on January 7, 2021.
Major Amendments in the Export Policy
PETA India’s suggestions were aimed at particular ITC-HS codes under Chapters 41 and 43, such as:
- Raw and Tanned Hides of Reptiles (41032000, 41064000)
- Leather of Reptile Skin (41133000)
- Raw Furskins of Mink and Fox (43011000, 43016000)
- Clothing and Accessories of Wild Animal Fur (43031010, 43031020, 43039010, 43039020)
On 2 August 2024, under Trade Notice No. 11/2024-25, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) amended to align the export policy from Chapters 40 to 98. However, PETA India observed that necessary protections for vulnerable species were missing in the policy. PETA India did not waste time and submitted a formal letter to DGFT on 11 August 2024, asking for immediate amendments.
After their intervention, the government officially included PETA India’s proposals in the export policy. To this effect, the export of reptile skins—treated and untreated as well as raw fur skin of mink and fox—has been prohibited. Moreover, clothing and dress accessories made up of animals specified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, or CITES, are no longer allowed for export.
Strengthening Import Restrictions
In addition to the export prohibitions, India has also strengthened its import controls. Imports under such ITC-HS codes now come with the following conditions:, Imports are subject to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (as amended from time to time) and CITES.” While this has been a move in the right direction, PETA India remains committed to urging a total prohibition on wild and exotic animal fur and skin imports.
PETA India Applauds Government Action
Congratulations to the government on this move, said PETA India Senior Policy Advisor Ujjwal Agrain, “PETA India applauds the government for prioritising wildlife protection while setting an example globally against cruelty to animals for fashion. By prohibiting the export of skins and furs stolen from the bodies of various species of animals, India is taking a critical step toward ending wildlife exploitation.”
Global Trend Towards Banning Fur and Exotic Skins
Several nations have already made significant steps against the fur trade. Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Serbia, Italy, France, North Macedonia, the Netherlands, Ireland, the UK, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Switzerland have banned fur farming, are in the process of banning fur farming, or do not condone fur factory farms.
Furthermore, large international fashion companies have discontinued the use of exotic skins as a result of campaigns orchestrated by PETA. Some of these companies include Chanel, Nike, Calvin Klein, Asos, H&M, and Hugo Boss, among others.
The Significance of This Ban
PETA India’s suggestions placed great importance on the fact that the permission to trade wildlife skins, fur, and associated products is responsible for illicit activities, degradation of ecosystems, and more opportunities for zoonotic disease spread. PETA also mentioned the cruel way in which animals are treated by being skinned alive and then left in ghastly conditions to be killed.
Through these policy reforms, India is making a strong assertion against the exploitation of wildlife, strengthening its dedication to sustainable and ethical trade policies. The updated Chapters 41 and 43 of the ITC-HS codes are available to the public for reference.