News

24th September 2002

Animal testing resolution

In an urgent Resolution today the European Parliament criticised the European Commission for attempting to postpone a critical ban on the marketing of cosmetics tested on animals.

The Parliament's Resolution described Commission attempts to avoid its obligations as having, "questionable legality" and went on to call for a withdrawal of its decision. The Resolution also reminded Member States of their obligation to enforce a marketing ban on animal testing and called for EU Member States not to vote for the draft measures.

Commenting on the Resolution, John Bowis MEP said:

"It is simply not acceptable for the Commission to try to avoid compliance with its own laws. Parliament has said very clearly that it wants an end to the marketing of animal tested products with a timescale which ensures human health is protected."

"If the Commission is genuinely concerned about its legal position it should put pressure upon the Council of Ministers to agree the sensible line proposed by the Parliament."

Notes::

Motion for Resolution was on behalf of the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy Committee (B5-0490/2002).

The Resolution refers to a ban on testing which the Parliament views as in force pursuant to Article 4 (1)(i) of Directive 76/768.

The Parliament maintains that the ban had already been delayed from 30th June 2000 to June 30th 2002 and that any subsequent ban would be retroactive in nature.