Switzerland: Consultation on the indirect counter-proposal to the fur initiative

In a press release dated 21 August 2024, the Federal Council opened the consultation on the indirect counter-proposal to the fur initiative. This counter-proposal aims to ban the import, transit and trade of furs and fur products obtained in a cruel manner in Switzerland and to enshrine this in the Animal Welfare Act. While the fur initiative only calls for a ban on imports, the counter-proposal goes further and also includes a ban on trade within Switzerland. In future, retailers will have to prove that their fur products have been produced in accordance with animal welfare standards. The consultation period lasts until 22 November 2024, and the proposal is to be submitted to Parliament in summer 2025.