European Union (EU) ministers have voted in favour of introducing a new printed labels system that will apply to all real-fur and leather goods sold on the continent.

The vote will ensure that anything which incorporates animal products will come with a printed label that warns wearers their item "contains non-textile parts of animal origin".

Manufacturers of leather and fur goods have until the end of 2013 to implement the new system.

Commenting on the outcome of the vote and the introduction of the new labelling system, the Humane Society International told the BBC that it welcomed the move, claiming that "many consumers can't tell the difference between fake and real animal fur".

Other mandatory labelling rules, such as country of origin printed labels, have not been approved by ministers on the continent.

The EU, however, is expected to mount a thorough investigation into the benefits and pitfalls of introducing county of origin statements on product packaging.

Denny Bros Ltd, 12 May 2011