Acting on the demand of animal rights activists, India has banned import of exotic skins of reptiles like crocodiles and alligators and furs of certain animals including foxes and minks which are used to manufacture leather or for fur clothing and accessories.

BCCL/representational image

A notification to this effect was issued by the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) on January 3. Amending the trade policy of India, the directorate prohibited import of the skins of reptiles and the fur of chinchillas as well as minks and foxes.

Wikimedia Commons/representational image

Animal rights activists, supported by Union women and child development minister Maneka Gandhi, had made several representations to the environment and commerce ministries seeking ban on such import.

At present , India’s import policy allows import of “raw hides, skins, leather, fur skins” of reptiles, mink, fox and other furskins (whole, with or without head, tail or paws). But they are subject to India’s Wild Life (Protection) act, 1972 and CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

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"We commend the DGFT and Environment Ministry for its firm commitment in abolishing the import of exotic skins, exotic fur, skin. Leather industry slaughters, bludgeons and skins millions of animals every year in the name of frivolous fashion," said Gauri Maulelhi of Humane Society International (HSI) India's government liaison.