Importing primates: MEPs question Commission on importing non-human primates into the EU for research and toxicity testing purposes

Brussels, September 3, 2023 - Several MEPs, including Francisco Guerreiro, have sent a letter to the European Commission asking about the import of non-human primates into the EU for research and toxicity testing and about the Commission's plans for a phase-out.

Read the letter below:

Subject: The import of non-human primates into the EU for research and toxicity testing and the Commission's plans for a phase-out

Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for ^scientificpurposes1 recognizes that the capture of non-human primates from the wild is very traumatic for the animals concerned and carries a high risk of injury and suffering.

To put an end to capture in the wild, Article 10 of the Directive requires Member States to ensure that primates listed in Annex II are only used in procedures if they are the offspring of primates bred in captivity or originating from self-sustaining colonies. This requirement was due to take effect in November ²⁰²²².

However, the second feasibility ^study3on this issue concluded that it is not possible to determine whether the objective of using non-human primates from self-sufficient colonies in the future will be met, but that with recent changes in use, availability, demand and breeding practice, it is unlikely to be met in the near future for all commonly used primate species.

The EU adopted an important moral position when it decided to end its involvement in one of the cruelest sides of primate use. What are the Commission's current plans regarding the provision introduced by Directive 2010/63/EU to phase out the use of wild-caught primates and move towards the exclusive use of individuals bred in self-sufficient colonies?

1 Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes (OJ L 276, 20.10.2010, p. 33).

2 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-003039-ASW_PT.html#ref1.

3 https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/8ee3c69a-bccb-4f22-89ca-277e35de7c63/library/071d3900-13f9-4ab9-b888-11ae93a4fe15/details.

Read the Commission's response below:

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