|
 Canada and Norway had challenged the ban on the grounds that it was
inconsistent. It grants exceptions to support indigenous Arctic
communities that export limited amounts of seal products and to
protect fisheries' nets and their catch.
Canada and Norway claim such exceptions discriminate against them.
A WTO panel decision published Monday found that the exceptions do
flout international free trade rules. But it concluded that if the
EU applies the exceptions consistently, then a ban designed to
address "public moral concerns" is permitted.
Animal rights groups have long protested the mass clubbing of seals
for fur and other products, saying it is inhumane.
Canada said it will appeal the WTO ruling. [Associated
Press]
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