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Cosmetic Testing

On 11th March 2009, all animal testing of cosmetics in the EU stopped thanks largely to two decades of ECEAE campaigning.

But there is a catch. A ‘marketing’ ban that will ensure no animal testing will take place anywhere in the world for cosmetics sold in the EU is in jeopardy.

This marketing ban allows three types of animal tests to be carried out outside the EU for cosmetics sold within the EU until March 2013. The reason is to allow non-animal alternative tests to be developed and approved (‘validated’).

Now European Commission officials are considering whether non-animal alternatives will be ready in time for March 2013. Already, a report by scientists is recommending that the ban be delayed even longer – for up to 10 years in some cases.

If they get their way it could mean 10 more years during which thousands of rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats will be injected, gassed, or force-fed and killed worldwide for cosmetics on sale in the EU.

The ECEAE believes the scientists’ report is much too cautious and that alternatives already exist for the relevant animal tests. But more than this, we – and the vast majority of EU citizens - believe that a delay is unacceptable on ethical grounds. Animal testing for cosmetics is simply wrong.

We also believe that delaying the ban for the three animal tests will not speed up the development and acceptance of non-animal alternatives. Rather, the pressure of a deadline has helped to speed up the development of new alternatives – thereby saving the lives of thousands of animals worldwide.

Thanks in part to our pressure, there are now validated alternatives, for example, to the notorious rabbit skin and eye irritation tests, and more alternatives are in the process of being approved. Without the impetus of a deadline, companies and officials will simply take longer to develop and validate alternatives, and this means cruel and unnecessary testing on thousands of animals will continue for products readily available on European supermarket shelves.

Shamefully, some in the cosmetics industry are lobbying hard to ensure the March 2013 deadline is delayed for as long as possible.

The ECEAE is fighting to ensure this does not happen. And we need your help. Sign our petition now and say NO to cruel cosmetics in Europe!

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