Fur in data: EU overview
How important is the fur trade in the EU?
The fur industry in the European Union has faced increasing scrutiny and decline, with the European Commission now considering a ban on fur farming and the trade in farmed fur products.
Once a major producer, especially in countries like Denmark, Finland, and Poland, the industry has seen significant contractions, with many nations introducing bans or restrictions on fur farming, citing animal welfare issues.
Denmark, formerly the world’s largest mink producer, slaughtered its mink population in 2020 due to a COVID-19 mutation risk, accelerating the industry's downturn. Kopenhagen Fur, the world’s biggest fur auction, has also now closed.
In response to public pressure and scientific evidence of animal suffering, many EU countries have enacted or proposed fur farming bans.
Towards A Fur Free Europe
The "Fur Free Europe" European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) was launched on 18 May 2022, aiming to ban fur farming and the sale of farmed fur products across the EU.
Organised by over 80 animal protection groups, it quickly gained momentum, collecting 1,701,892 signatures in under ten months—far surpassing the required 1 million and meeting thresholds in 18 Member States (Fur Free Alliance, Eurogroup for Animals). The initiative was officially submitted to the European Commission on 14 June 2023, with 1,502,319 signatures validated (European Citizens' Initiative).
In response, the Commission tasked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) with assessing the welfare of animals farmed for fur, with a report due by June 2025 (EFSA). Based on EFSA's findings and further evaluations, the Commission will decide on appropriate actions by March 2026 (European Citizens' Initiative).
This ECI stands as the most successful animal welfare initiative in EU history, reflecting strong public support for ending fur farming in Europe (Respect for Animals).
The fur industry response: Protect Rural Heritage ECI
The "Protect Rural Heritage" European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) was launched in 2023, aiming to safeguard traditional rural practices and cultural heritage within the EU.
While it presented itself as a grassroots movement to defend rural lifestyles, investigations revealed that it received significant backing from the fur industry. This support was interpreted as a strategic response to the growing momentum of the "Fur Free Europe" ECI, which sought to ban fur farming and the sale of farmed fur products across the EU. Official records showed that the ECI was backed by hundreds of thousands of Euros from the International Fur Federation.
By promoting "Protect Rural Heritage," the fur industry aimed to frame fur farming as an integral part of Europe's rural traditions and cultural identity, thereby attempting to counteract the push for bans on fur farming.
Despite these efforts, the "Protect Rural Heritage" ECI failed to gain substantial public support and did not meet the necessary thresholds for consideration by the European Commission.
In contrast, the "Fur Free Europe" ECI successfully gathered over 1.5 million signatures, reflecting a strong public mandate for ending fur farming in Europe.
Compare and contrast
Verified signatures of the ‘Fur Free Europe’ Citizens’ Initiative
Verified signatures of the ‘Protect Rural Heritage’ Citizens’ Initiative, backed by the fur industry
Raw Furskins
HS4301 (Harmonized System)
Total EU Imports
USD 261.7M (2023)
Total EU Exports
USD 732M (2023)
Top EU Importer
Finland USD 193.4M (2023)
Top EU Exporter
Finland USD 329.1M (2023)
Tanned Furskins
HS4302 (Harmonized System)
Total EU Imports
USD 194.5M (2023)
Total EU Exports
USD 229.8M (2023)
Top EU Importer
Italy USD 69.2M (2023)
Top EU Exporter
Italy USD 56.6M (2023)
Furskin Apparel
HS 4303 (Harmonized System)
Total EU Imports
USD 261.8M (2023)
Total EU Exports
USD 528.6M (2023)
Top EU Importer
France USD 79.8M (2023)
Top EU Exporter
Italy USD 281.5M (2023)
Fur farming bans and trends in Europe
Growing Number of Bans: As of 2025, over 20 European countries have implemented full or partial bans on fur farming, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom.
Public Opinion: Surveys indicate strong public support across Europe for banning fur farming, with a significant majority of EU citizens considering it unacceptable to kill animals for their fur.
Animal Welfare Concerns: Scientific studies and investigations have consistently highlighted the welfare issues inherent in fur farming, such as confinement in small cages, lack of natural behaviours, and stress-induced behaviours.
Economic Viability: The fur industry has been declining due to reduced demand, ethical concerns, and the rise of sustainable and synthetic alternatives, leading to questions about the economic sustainability of fur farming.
Fur Free Europe ECI: The "Fur Free Europe" European Citizens' Initiative, supported by Eurogroup for Animals and other organisations, successfully gathered over 1.7 million signatures, prompting the European Commission to consider an EU-wide ban on fur farming and the sale of fur products.
Legislative Trends: There is a clear legislative trend towards banning fur farming, with several countries setting phase-out periods and providing support for farmers to transition to alternative livelihoods.
Retail and Fashion Industry Shift: Many fashion brands and retailers have adopted fur-free policies, reflecting changing consumer preferences and contributing to the decline of the fur market.
International Influence: European bans and policies are influencing global perspectives on fur farming, encouraging discussions and legislative considerations in other regions.