Poland bans fur farming: President signs law ending practice by 2034

Poland has officially become the 18th member state of the European Union to prohibit fur farming. The legislation was finalized on December 2, 2025, after Polish president Karol Nawrocki signed the ban into law. This marks a significant shift for the nation, which currently stands as the largest fur producer in Europe.

Globally, Poland ranks second only to China in production volume. The country raises and culls approximately three million animals annually, including mink, fox and chinchillas, specifically for the trade.

The ban follows approval from both the Sejm and the Senate, securing cross-party political agreement. The legislative move aligns with a recent report by the European Food Safety Authority, requested by the European Commission, which concluded that animal suffering is systemic within the industry.

This legislative change supports the ‘Fur Free Europe’ European Citizens’ Initiative. The petition, signed by 1.5 million EU citizens, called for a union-wide ban on fur farming and sales. The Commission is expected to publish its official legislative policy response by March 2026.

Iga Głażewska-Bromant, Poland director at Humane World for Animals Europe, stated: “This is a historic moment for animal protection in Poland that will end the suffering and death of millions of animals. We hope this will be a crucial catalyst for change as the European Commission considers the case for banning fur farming EU-wide.”

Phase-out and compensation

The legislation will come into effect 14 days after its publication, at which point the establishment of new fur farms will be prohibited. The 200 existing farms in Poland have until January 2034 to cease operations.

The law includes a compensation scheme for farmers who shut down operations within the first five years of the ban. The structure incentivizes rapid closure, offering higher payouts to those who exit the market earliest.

Market impact

Poland’s decision further isolates the remaining EU member states that permit fur farming, notably Finland, Denmark, Spain, Hungary and Greece. Recent bans were implemented in Romania in 2024 and Lithuania in 2023.

Beyond animal welfare, the ban addresses environmental and health concerns. Research indicates that the carbon footprint of one kilogram of mink fur is 31 times higher than cotton. Furthermore, public health risks remain a driver for regulation. Covid-19 and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) have previously been detected on farms across Europe.

Leading international fashion houses continue to shift away from the material. Brands such as Italian luxury label Gucci, French fashion house Saint Laurent and British brand Burberry have already adopted fur-free policies.