Victory! Switzerland Approves Landmark Ban On Imports & Sales Of Fur

In a major victory for animals, Switzerland’s Parliament has approved new protections that will prohibit the commercial import and sale of fur produced under inhumane conditions.

On October 2, lawmakers gave final approval to amendments to the country’s Animal Welfare Act. The National Council passed the measure by 139 votes to 52, with five abstentions, while the Council of States voted 43 to 2, with no abstentions. The legislation serves as an indirect counterproposal to Switzerland’s Fur Initiative.

The decision follows regulations adopted by the Swiss Federal Council in 2025 aimed at preventing fur linked to unacceptable animal welfare practices from entering the Swiss market. Those regulations took effect on July 1, 2025, with transition periods giving businesses time to comply.

Under the current timeline, affected fur products may no longer be commercially imported into Switzerland beginning July 1, 2029, and may no longer be sold beginning July 1, 2030. After those dates, fur will only be permitted for commercial import and sale if its production meets the requirements of a certification program being developed by Switzerland’s Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office.

While Switzerland’s decision is a significant step forward, these protections cannot take effect soon enough for the animals who will continue to suffer in the fur trade during the years-long transition.

Swiss officials have acknowledged that much of the fur currently produced internationally would not meet the planned standards. Concerns include restrictive cages, killing methods, and conditions that prevent animals from expressing natural behaviors.

Humane World for Animals described Switzerland as the first country in the world to ban both the import and sale of fur produced under these conditions. The organization welcomed the decision as an important step forward and is urging other countries to take similar action to reduce the suffering caused by the global fur trade.

“There is no reason for animals to suffer and die for the fur trade,” said Kitty Block, President and CEO of Humane World for Animals.

For countless animals raised, trapped, and killed for their fur, Switzerland’s decision represents meaningful progress toward ending a trade built on animal suffering. World Animal News and Peace 4 Animals applaud this important step and hope it will encourage stronger protections for animals around the world.