DGFT bans import of skins of foxes, minks and reptiles

DGFT bans import of skins of foxes, minks and reptiles

Import of Chinchilla fur is totally prohibited by the Customs.

The Dollar Business Bureau

The DGFT in its latest notification NO.33/2015-2020, dtd Jan 3, 2017 has imposed a ban on the import of skins of reptiles, minks, foxes and fur skins of other animals. These items are classified under the Chapter 41 and 43 of ITC (HS), 2012 – Schedule-1 (Import Policy).

The ban could be a step by the Ministry of Commerce to create awareness about wildlife and their fast diminishing numbers in the world.

As per the notification while skins of reptiles, minks, and foxes whole, with or without head, tail or paws, have been totally prohibited, under fur skins, import of the fur of chinchilla is totally prohibited. Chinchillas are hunted for their dense velvet like fur and have been placed under the critically endangered species by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Between Aug and Nov 30 2016, India imported fur skin around $138,302. China is the largest supplier of fur skin to India.

In the international market, the average price of fur per number ranges between $18 to $36. The North American Fur Auctions (NAFA), the second largest fur auction house in the world claims on its website that it “sells over ten million ranch raised mink pellets annually”.

The Dollar Business Bureau - Jan 04, 2017 12:00 IST