The international fur trade is introducing a new fur labelling programme as part of its commitment to openness and transparency, which will be publicly launched in the second half of 2007.

The Origin Assured (OA) label will inform consumers that the fur or fur product comes from a country where national or local regulations or standards governing fur production are in force.

The label is being introduced at auction level in December 2006 and will be available to consumers through retail stores in time for the autumn/winter 2007.

The programme is a joint initiative between International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF), American Legend Cooperative, Finnish Fur Sales, Kopenhagen Fur and North American Fur Auctions.