Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 March 2026
986. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of shark fin products and derivatives under Irish Law; the person or body responsible for enforcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20058/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which is implemented through the European Wildlife Trade Regulations and enforced through Section 53A of the Wildlife Act.
Many shark species were added to the CITES listings at CITES Convention of Parties (CoP) 19 and at the recent CITES CoP 20 further shark listing proposals were successful including deep water gulpher sharks.
Article I of The CITES Convention includes parts and derivatives as specimens for the purpose of the Convention. The Convention includes species threatened with extinction which are or may be affected by trade. Trade in specimens of these species must be subject to regulation.
While shark fins are seen in trade for consumption (primarily in east Asia) there is trade in shark fin powder (chondroitin sulphate) which is used by the pharmaceutical industry and shark liver extracts are used in shark-liver oil capsules and cosmetics.
Importers will need to apply to Ireland’s CITES Management Authority (which is in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)) for an import permit.
Enforcement of CITES trade imports is the responsibility of Revenue Customs at the borders (point of entry) with NPWS also authorised persons for any offences under the Wildlife Act.
