The EU's new ban on cosmetics tested on animals took effect today, and it hopes to persuade trading partners such as the US and mainland China to follow suit. Products already on the market that have undergone animal testing can continue to be sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since the 1990s, the EU has passed and restricted animal testing, but the effective date has been delayed several times to give the European cosmetics industry time to develop other testing methods. By 2009, most animal-tested products were banned, but some toxicity tests were still listed as exceptions. Now, the use of any animals for testing is prohibited, and the ban applies to cosmetics products from all over the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EU Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner Tonio Borg stated that this move by the EU highlights its commitment to animal welfare and demonstrates its ability to serve as a model for other countries, showcasing its capacity to develop responsible beauty products that do not compromise consumer safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cosmetics Europe points out that the ban will restrict the development of new products and thus weaken the global competitiveness of the European cosmetics industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n