1983L0129 — EN — 01.10.1985 — 001.001 — 1
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►B COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 28March 198 3
concerning the importation into Member States of skins of certain seal pups and products derived
therefrom
(83/129/EEC)
(OJ L 91, 9.4.1983, p. 30)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
►M1Council Directive 85/444/EEC of 27 September 1985 L 259 70 1.10.1985
▼B
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 28March 198 3
concerning the importation into Member States of skins of certain
seal pups and products derived therefrom
(83/129/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic
Community, and in particular Article 235 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament(
1),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee(2),
Whereas the European Parliament adopted a resolution on Community
trade in seal products, and in particular in products derived from thepups of harp and hooded seals;
Whereas, in several Member States, voluntary or statutory measures
already exist to restrict the importation or marketing of the skins of
whitecoat pups of harp seals and of pups of hooded seals (blue-backs);whereas one Member State already requires the marking of all sealproducts;
Whereas various studies have raised doubts concerning the population
status of the harp and hooded seals and especially as to the effect of non-traditional hunting on the conservation and population status of hooded
seals;
Whereas the exploitation of seals and of other species, depending upon
their capacity to withstand such exploitation and with due respect for thebalance of nature, is a natural and legitimate occupation and in certainareas of the world forms an important part of the traditional way of lifeand economy; whereas hunting, as traditionally practised by the Inuitpeople, leaves seal pups unharmed and it is therefore appropriate to see
that the interests of the Inuit people are not affected;
Whereas further investigation into the scientific aspects and conse-
quences of the culling of pups of harp and hooded seals is desirable;whereas, pending the results of such investigation, temporary measuresin accordance with the resolution of the Council and of therepresentatives of the Governments of the Member States of 5 January1983(
3) should be taken or maintained;
Whereas it has been noted that the hunt of seal pups has already been
limited to some extent; whereas the Council has requested the
Commission to continue to seek, in the context of continued contactswith the countries concerned, solutions which make restrictions ofimports dispensable;
Whereas the Council will reconsider the situation on the basis of a report
to be presented by the Commission before 1 September 1983,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
1. Member States shall take or maintain all necessary measures to
ensure that the products listed in the Annex are not commerciallyimported into their territories.
2. Member States shall forthwith inform the Commission of such
measures.1983L0129 — EN — 01.10.1985 — 001.001 — 2
(1) OJ No C 334, 20. 12. 1982, p. 132.
(2) OJ No C 346, 31. 12. 1982, p. 1.
(3) OJ No C 14, 18. 1. 1983, p. 1.
▼B
Article 2
This Directive shall apply from 1 October 1983 to ►M11 October
1989◄, unless the Council decides otherwise, by a decision taken by
qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission, having regard to
a report to be presented to the Council by the Commission before 1September 1983.
Article 3
This Directive shall only apply to products not resulting from traditional
hunting by the Inuit people.
Article 4
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.1983L0129 — EN — 01.10.1985 — 001.001 — 3
▼B
ANNEX
No CCT heading No Description
1 ex 43.01
ex 43.02 ARaw furskins and furskins, tanned or dressed, including furskins
assembled in plates, crosses and similar forms:
— of whitecoat pups of harp seals,
— of pups of hooded seals (blue-backs)
2 ex 43.03 Articles of the furskins referred to in 11983L0129 — EN — 01.10.1985 — 001.001 — 4