1Prohibition 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.

2Removal 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 1Scope

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.

3Extent, 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.