EU Bans Sale Of Cosmetics Tested On Animals

Date: Mar-12-2013The sale of new cosmetic products consisting of ingredients tested on animals was banned by the European Union with immediate effect on Monday.

The Commission's commitment to respect the deadline that was set in 2003 by Council and Parliament was confirmed yesterday by a Communication adopted by the Commission.

It also describes how it plans to further support investigations on alternatives to animal testing while encouraging animal welfare around the world.

European Commissioner in charge of Health & Consumer Policy, Tonio Borg, said:

"Today's entry into force of the full marketing ban gives an important signal on the value that Europe attaches to animal welfare. The Commission is committed to continue supporting the development of alternative methods and to engage with third countries to follow our European approach. This is a great opportunity for Europe to set an example of responsible innovation in cosmetics without any compromise on consumer safety."

The effects of the marketing ban have been thoroughly evaluated by the Commission, and it is aware that there are overriding reasons to carry it through.

This goes along with what several Europeans strongly believe - that the development of cosmetics does not justify animal testing.

After over 20 years of campaigning, The Body Shop, an ethical beauty retailer, and Cruelty Free International, a non-profit organization, are finally able to celebrate the end to animal testing for cosmetics in Europe.

The authors said:

"The quest to find alternative methods will continue as full replacement of animal testing by alternative methods is not yet possible."

The Commission's donations to the studies into alternative procedures is outlined in the Communication that was published yesterday. It also states that these efforts need to be sustained.

Between 2007 and 2011, the Commission has awarded approximately EUR 238 million towards such research.

The cosmetics industry has helped as well. They co-funded the SEURAT research initiative with a total of EUR 25 million.

Europe's leading and worldwide role in cosmetics means that they need to reach out to trading partners to describe and encourage the European model, as well as working towards alternative methods of testing cosmetics which are accepted internationally.

The Commission plans to make this an essential part of the Union's trade agenda and international cooperation.

Written by Sarah Glynn

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