Canada and Norway today (24/01) launched an appeal against the WTO panel report on the EU’s ban on importation and marketing of seals products. The WTO panel had previously rejected Canada’s and Norway’s claims against the ban.

The WTO ruling confirmed that the ban is justified on moral grounds relating to animal welfare concerns with regard to the way in which the seals are killed. The Commission will continue to vigorously defend the ban upon appeal as it was imposed in reaction to genuine concerns of EU citizens.

The Commission considers also reacting by launching its own appeal in order to improve other aspects of the panel report in the EU's favour. The EU has five days to launch such an appeal.

Source: http://trade.ec.europa.eu/

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