STRASBOURG, France, March 15 (Reuters) - Further studies are needed before the European Union can decide whether to ban seal fur trade, a top official said on Thursday, turning down calls for a temporary bar until the studies are completed.

"The Commission will conduct an in-depth and objective analysis of all existing scientific information relating to the animal welfare aspects of seal hunting in all respective range states," European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said.

"The overall outcome would enable the Commission to draw sound conclusions and to come back with possible legislative proposals if this is warranted," Dimas told the European Parliament.

The EU is the largest buyer of seal fur that comes from annual culls in the Newfoundland and Quebec provinces of Canada, Green Party members told reporters in a briefing on Wednesday.

The fur is processed in Norway, auctioned in Denmark and used in China to make clothes sold in the EU.

British Green MEP Caroline Lucas called on Wednesday for a moratorium on seal fur trading in the 27-nation union until the Commission completes its studies.

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