26/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 26 November, the Council of Ministers of the member states of the European Union adopted unanimously, with the exception of Italy, the regulation banning the sales and import into and within the EU of cat and dog pelts. This adoption follows the compromise reached last June with the European Parliament (EUROPE 9449). The ban will apply with effect from 31 December 2008. In a declaration, Italy strongly criticises the shortcomings of this regulation, particularly the derogation which allows the sales, imports into the Community or export from the Community of cat and dog pelts and products for educational or taxidermic purposes. Furthermore, the member states must inform the Commission by 31 December 2008 of the analytical methods they intend to use to determine the species of origin of the fur. (L.C.)