‘Stop Finning – Stop the Trade’ initiative

Over 1 million Europeans signed the European Citizens’ Initiative 'Stop finning – Stop the trade', calling for a stop to trade in detached shark fins.

The European Commission responded in 2023 with four key commitments.

Assessing a ban on loose shark fin trade
Action: The Commission is studying whether to extend the EU’s ‘fins naturally attached’ rule to all shark trade
Better EU import and export data
Action: Improved tracking of shark fin and meat trade
Stronger enforcement of shark protections
Action: Tighter controls on fishing, trade, and illegal activity
Leading global shark conservation
Action: Pushing for stronger international protections

Progress so far

call for evidence and public consultation (Feb–Jul 2024) – 3,455 responses analysed summary report
external study completed (March 2026)
impact assessment expected (late 2026) – will decide next steps
13 new customs codes introduced (2025) to track shark fins and carcasses
latest EU shark fin export data (2025) from Eurostat
2,200 tonnes/year (avg. last 5 years)
98% from blue shark (more resilient but still monitored)
2% from shortfin mako (more vulnerable)
bans on trade (under CITES) for species at-risk in specific regions
blue shark (Mediterranean)
shortfin mako (North and South Atlantic)
longfin mako (all regions)
secured catch limits for blue shark in the whole of Atlantic (2023)
electronic traceability – from catch to consumer
stricter checks and electronic traceability – from catch to consumer
advocating for international conservation measures for sharks, a worldwide ban on shark finning and demand reduction
fighting illegal fin trade