Animal Testing of Cosmetic Products is Banned in Europe

Cosmetic product may NOT be tested on animals anywhere in the EU.

The ban on animal testing of cosmetic products in the EU came into effect in September 2004. It has been illegal to test cosmetic product on animals in Europe since that time.

Animal testing of cosmetic ingredients is banned in Europe

Ingredients used in cosmetics may NOT be tested for that reason anywhere in the EU.

The ban on animal testing of cosmetic ingredients in the EU came into effect in March 2009. It has been illegal to test cosmetic ingredients for that purpose on animals in Europe since that time. However, many cosmetic ingredients are also used by other industries such as PHARMACUETICALS some of which still require animal testing. Therefore, MOST if not all cosmetics contain one or more ingredients tested on animals by someone at some time.

Selling cosmetic products tested on animals is banned in Europe

NO cosmetic product tested on animals anywhere in the world to comply with European cosmetics law may be sold in Europe.

Selling cosmetic products containing ingredients tested on animals is banned in Europe

NO cosmetic product containing ingredients tested on animals anywhere in the world to comply with European cosmetic laws may be sold in Europe.

However, many cosmetic ingredients are used by many other industries and may be tested on animals to comply with the laws of those countries. Therefore, most if not all cosmetics contain one or more ingredients tested on animals by someone at some time.

The UK’s exit from the EU will not change the animal testing ban

The UK’s decision to leave the EU does not alter these strict safety laws that govern our cosmetic products, including the current ban on animal testing.

Consumers may have concerns about the ban on animal testing, but we would like to stress that the UK cosmetics industry voluntarily abandoned animal testing seven years ahead of the EU-wide ban, so you can be assured this is not going to change.

‘Not tested on animals’ claims

All cosmetics sold in Europe could make the same claim now.

The common criteria for cosmetic claims, which are now part of European cosmetics law, prohibit claims that are no more than claiming compliance with legal requirements. Since the ban on animal testing applies equally to all cosmetic products on the EU market, it would appear that claims relating to avoidance of animal testing would not be permitted.

That law covers claims in the form of text, illustrations, logos or pictorial forms and similar depictions according to the CTPA.

The European Commission prohibited this when it recently reviewed its guidance.

However, explicit statements relating to a company’s philosophy regarding animal testing should be acceptable.