News

15th January 2003

Testing of cosmetics on animals to be abolished in the EU

After years of resistance by some members of the European Council, the European Parliament has achieved its aim of giving the go-ahead to plans to end the testing of cosmetics on animals in the European Union.

The landmark agreement will also see a complete ban of any animal-tested products from being marketed within the EU or imported from other countries.

The new laws, based on proposals from British Conservative MEPs, will mean that animal tests, for which possible alternatives appear in sight, will be phased out in 6 years. This covers 11 out of 14 possible tests. For the remaining 3 tests, a 10-year deadline, with a potential 2-year extension, can be applied.

Conservative Health Spokesman in the European Parliament, John Bowis MEP, said:

"This deal represents the best of both worlds, promising to protect people's health whilst bringing an end to testing on animals.

"The challenge now is to the cosmetics industry to accelerate its search for viable alternatives to animal tests. It has already made considerable progress and its co-operation with the Parliament proved decisive in persuading the Council to reach agreement."