No, mink coats are not illegal in the United States.
The Current Legal Status of Mink Coats
The production, sale, and possession of mink coats are generally permissible under federal law in the United States. While there have been significant legislative efforts aimed at restricting or banning the domestic mink industry, these attempts have not resulted in a federal prohibition. This means that individuals can legally purchase, own, and wear mink coats.
Past Legislative Attempts to Regulate the Mink Industry
One notable attempt to ban the U.S. mink industry occurred through proposed legislation that aimed to prohibit the possession, trade, and transport of farm-raised mink. This initiative was part of an amendment to the America COMPETES Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives on February 4, 2022.
However, this specific amendment, which would have effectively ended the U.S. mink industry by making farm-raised mink illegal, did not receive support from the Senate and therefore did not become law. Consequently, the legal status of mink farming and, by extension, mink coats, remains unchanged at the federal level.
While federal law does not prohibit mink coats, it is always advisable to be aware of any specific state or local regulations that might pertain to animal products or fur farming within particular jurisdictions, as these can vary.
