Full EU ban on animal testing for cosmetics enters into force

On 11 March 2013, the last deadline to phase out animal testing for cosmetic products in Europe entered into force. As of 11 March 2013, cosmetics tested on animals cannot be marketed any more in the EU.

A Communication adopted by the Commission 11 March 2013 confirms the Commission's commitment to respect the deadline set by Council and Parliament in 2003 and outlines how it intends to further support research and innovation in this area while promoting animal welfare world-wide.

The Commission has thoroughly assessed the impacts of the marketing ban and considers that there are overriding reasons to implement it. This is in line with what many European citizens believe firmly: that the development of cosmetics does not warrant animal testing.

• Primary Source

European Commission: MEMO/13/188:Questions and Answers: Animal testing and cosmetics http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-188_en.htm

European Commission: Consumers: Policy Professionals: Cosmetics: Animal-testing http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/sectors/cosmetics/animal-testing/index_en.htm

ESO: Background Information: The use of alternatives to testing on animals for the REACH Regulation http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-use-of-alternatives-to-testing-on-animals-for-the-reach-regulation/

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