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Is whale meat illegal in the United Kingdom?

Yes. Whale meat is banned in the United Kingdom. Once a whaling giant; now selling any part of a whale is an offence.

Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 reg 43(3)-(4): offence to possess, transport, sell or exchange any live or dead animal, part or derivative of an Annex IV(a) species (all Cetacea) taken from the wild (legislation.gov.uk, up to date to 15 Oct 2026).

Source: CHSR 2017 reg 43(3)

• The United Kingdom is one of 35 countries where whale meat is banned, and 7 more restrict it.
• Its neighbours: banned in 1 of 1 (Ireland).
• In Europe: banned in 26 of 39 countries.

Other countries that ban whale meat

AustriaBelgiumBulgariaCroatiaCyprusCzechiaEstoniaFranceGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyLatviaLithuaniaAll 35 on the map ›

What else is banned in the United Kingdom