new delhi acting on the demand of animal rights activists india has banned import of exotic skins of reptiles like crocodiles and alligators and furs of certain animals including foxes and minks which are used to manufacture leather or for fur clothing and accessoriesa notification to this effect was issued by the directorate general of foreign trade dgft on january 3 amending the trade policy of india the directorate prohibited import of the skins of reptiles and the fur of chinchillas as well as minks and foxesanimal rights activists supported by union women and child development minister maneka gandhi had made several representations to the environment and commerce ministries seeking ban on such import they highlighted instances of extreme suffering of reptiles and other animals killed for leather or fur clothing and even produced evidence before the central ministries for the same