Switzerland has become the first country in Europe to ban the import and sale of fur from what are defined as ‘cruel production methods’. The new legislation, passed in spring 2025, will come into force on 1 July 2025, with a two-year transition period to allow businesses to adjust.
What Does the Ban Cover?
The law prohibits the import and sale of fur products derived from animals subjected to inhumane treatment. This includes fur from:
- Animals caught in leg-hold traps
- Animals raised in intensive fur farms with poor welfare conditions
- Species-specific cruel practices (e.g., live-plucking, anal electrocution)
“Switzerland has shown global leadership by taking action of the trade of fur. However, we should remember that all fur products come from cruel methods: there are no exemptions.
We now call on the UK to follow suit, by backing Ruth Jones MP’s current bill before the House of Commons.”
— Mark Glover, Respect for Animals
A First in Europe
While several European countries have banned fur farming, Switzerland is the first to restrict imports on cruelty grounds. This is a crucial step, as much of the world’s fur is produced in countries with weak or non-existent animal welfare regulations.
Loopholes and Concerns
Animal advocates have raised concerns about exemptions, such as fur obtained through “instant kill” traps, which may still allow suffering. There is no such thing as a fur product that has not been derived by cruel methods. There is also the risk of poor enforcement and false certification, especially the fur industry’s own widely criticised FurMark label.
We call on Switzerland—and other nations—to ensure that no cruelty slips through the cracks.
