THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 235 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament ( 1 ),

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee ( 2 ),

Whereas the European Parliament adopted a resolution on Community trade in seal products, and in particular in products derived from the pups of harp and hooded seals;

Whereas, in several Member States, voluntary or statutory measures already exist to restrict the importation or marketing of the skins of whitecoat pups of harp seals and of pups of hooded seals (blue-backs); whereas one Member State already requires the marking of all seal products;

Whereas various studies have raised doubts concerning the population status of the harp and hooded seals and especially as to the effect of non-traditional hunting on the conservation and population status of hooded seals;

Whereas the exploitation of seals and of other species, depending upon their capacity to withstand such exploitation and with due respect for the balance of nature, is a natural and legitimate occupation and in certain areas of the world forms an important part of the traditional way of life and economy; whereas hunting, as traditionally practised by the Inuit people, leaves seal pups unharmed and it is therefore appropriate to see that the interests of the Inuit people are not affected;

Whereas further investigation into the scientific aspects and consequences of the culling of pups of harp and hooded seals is desirable; whereas, pending the results of such investigation, temporary measures in accordance with the resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States of 5 January 1983 ( 3 ) should be taken or maintained;

Whereas it has been noted that the hunt of seal pups has already been limited to some extent; whereas the Council has requested the Commission to continue to seek, in the context of continued contacts with the countries concerned, solutions which make restrictions of imports dispensable;

Whereas the Council will reconsider the situation on the basis of a report to be presented by the Commission before 1 September 1983,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: