Shark Fins Act 2023

1 Prohibition on import and export of shark fins

(1) It is prohibited—

(a) to import shark fins, or things containing shark fins, into the United Kingdom as a result of their entry into Great Britain, or

(b) to export shark fins, or things containing shark fins, from the United Kingdom as a result of their removal from Great Britain.

(2) The prohibition in subsection (1) does not apply where—

(a) the shark fins are naturally attached to the body of the shark, and

(b) the body is substantially intact, ignoring any removal of the head and internal organs.

(3) The Schedule contains provision for exemption certificates relating to the prohibition in subsection (1).

(4) In this section and the Schedule—

• “shark fins” means any fins or parts of fins of a shark, other than the pectoral fins or parts of pectoral fins of a ray;

• “shark” means any fish of the taxon Elasmobranchii.

2 Removal of shark fins on board fishing vessels

In Council Regulation (EC) No 1185/2003 on the removal of fins of sharks on board vessels, for Article 1 substitute—

“Article 1 Scope

This Regulation applies to the removal of shark fins, retention on board, transhipment and landing of shark fins:

1. by United Kingdom fishing vessels in any maritime waters;

2. by other fishing vessels in United Kingdom waters.”

3 Extent, commencement and short title

(1) This Act extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

(2) Section 1 and the Schedule come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument appoint.

(3) Section 2 comes into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.

(4) This section comes into force on the day on which this Act is passed.

(5) The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument make transitional or saving provision in connection with the coming into force of any provision of this Act.

(6) This Act may be cited as the Shark Fins Act 2023.