Livestock and Livestock Products (Importation and Exportation) Bill, 2023

June 22, 2023

The proposed Livestock and Livestock Products (Importation and Exportation) Bill-2023 aims to replace outdated laws and establish regulations for the import and export of live animals.

Replacing Outdated Laws

The Livestock and Livestock Products (Importation and Exportation) Bill-2023 is intended to replace two existing laws, namely the Live-stock Importation Act, 1898, and the Live-stock (Amendment) Act, 2001. These laws have become outdated, necessitating alignment with contemporary requirements and prevailing circumstances related to sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures.

Broadening the Scope

The 2001 amendment to the Live-stock Importation Act broadened its scope by including the import of livestock products in addition to live-stock. This change recognized the importance of regulating the importation of not only live animals but also various livestock products, such as meat, milk, and genetic materials.

Expanded Definition of Live-stock

The proposed draft Bill expands the definition of live-stock to encompass feline and canines, along with other animal categories. The inclusion of these species acknowledges their relevance in the context of import and export regulations. The draft Bill also defines live-stocks and live-stock products as commodities, covering a wide range of items derived from live-stock.

Government’s Power to Promote and Develop Exports

Section 4 of the proposed Bill grants the government the authority to make arrangements for the promotion and development of live-stock and live-stock product exports. This provision aims to support the growth of India’s live-stock industry in the international market and enhance trade opportunities.

Criticism and Withdrawal

The proposed draft Bill has faced criticism from animal rights organizations, concerned that it could lead to cruelty and abuse of animals. In response to these concerns, the Centre has decided to withdraw the draft Bill. The decision was made to allow for wider consultation and gather more comments and suggestions regarding the potential impact of the legislation.

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