Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government for what reason it is still legal to export glass eels to Russia despite sanctions against that country.

As an endangered species, the international trade in European eel is regulated through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Any exports are subject to rigorous scrutiny, including through assessments of legal acquisition and non-detriment.

The UK’s approach to these exports is being reviewed by the new Government to ensure legality, sustainability, and alignment with global conservation efforts.

The export of European eel to Russia is not currently sanctioned.