The European Union Bans Animal Testing For Cosmetics

The European Union has taken the lead in protecting animal rights when they announced after March 11, 2013 the use of animal testing for any cosmetics or toiletries sold in Europe will be forbidden. The ban includes any goods outsourced for production and distribution in Europe. Any country wanting to sell cosmetics or toiletries in Europe will have to abandon animal testing practises. 

The ban will have major effects on cosmetic companies located in Europe and countries selling their cosmetic products in Europe. Cosmetic companies currently testing on animals will have to employ different ways to test their products. Companies may need to reformulate their products to contain organic or natural ingredients instead of using experimental chemicals that would usually be tested on animals. The consumer may benefit by the use of organic and natural ingredients in cosmetics rather than the use of chemicals. 

The European Union’s announcement encouraged Shiseido, a Japanese cosmetic company, to end their use of animal testing. The European Union’s ban will have a major impact throughout Europe and overseas. Many internationally popular cosmetic brands are of European origin, therefore people overseas will begin purchasing cruelty free cosmetics. The European Union’s ban might encourage overseas cosmetic companies to abandon animal testing practises in order to sell their cosmetics in Europe.

Other countries, such as Israel, have proved that bans on animal testing can be successful. In 2007, the Israeli government banned the use of animal testing on cosmetic and household products within the country. In January of 2013, Israel has disallowed cosmetics, toiletries, and household cleaning products tested on animals from crossing the border.

In some countries, such as China there are laws requiring the use of animal testing of cosmetics. Hopefully with the ban of animal testing in Europe and Israel, China will be encouraged to no longer require the use of animal testing or even ban the use of animal testing. Many cruelty free companies, including Urban Decay refused to sell their products in China because they are required to test their cosmetics on animals. 

Hopefully the animal testing ban by the European Union will encourage other countries such as the United States and Australia to ban animal testing. The European Union’s ban is a major victory for animal rights activists across the world. The ban brings hope to animal rights activists that one day animal testing will be outlawed in every country. 

1. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/11/business/global/eu-to-ban-cosmetics-with-animal-tested-ingredients.html