HL Deb 15 July 1999 vol 604 c69WA
Lord Hardy of Wath

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action is being taken to prevent the importation of musk into the United Kingdom and the European Union. [HL3565]

Lord Whitty

The United Kingdom strictly implements the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) which prohibits the import of products (including perfume) from the most endangered species of Musk deer (Moschus spp).

There is no recorded United Kingdom trade in wild musk pods during the last five years. Her Majesty's Customs and Excise report 29 seizures (comprising 50,000 items) of illegally imported musk products since 1994. All were ingredients in traditional medicine products.