Legal background Shark finning and the trade in shark fins
Council Regulation (EC) No 1185/2003, which forms part of retained direct EU legislation, banned the practice of the removal on board, retention on board, transshipment and landing of shark fins, by UK-registered fishing vessels regardless of whether they are operating in UK waters or elsewhere. The Regulation prohibits the purchase, offering for sale or sale of shark fins which have been removed on board, retained on board, transshipped or landed in contravention of the prohibition in the Regulation. The version of Regulation 1185/2003 which was retained in UK law includes the amendments made by Regulation 605/2013.
	Trade in shark fins and other shark products must adhere to trade controls that are in place for certain species of sharks under CITES. Currently there are 46 species of sharks and rays listed on CITES.
	For species that are not CITES listed, shark fins can be legally imported to and exported from the UK without a permit. There is also retained Commission Delegated Regulation 2019/2122, which allows individuals travelling to the UK to carry 20kg of dried shark fins for personal consumption.