This is another good day for animal welfare. Today 11th March 2013, sales of animal tested cosmetics are banned throughout the European Union (EU). This follows on from a ban on animal testing of cosmetics in the EU in 2009.
The earlier ban still allowed cosmetics that had been tested in countries outside of the EU to be sold within the EU. This latest ban hammers the final nail in the coffin of a reviled process.
Ban on animal testing of cosmetics. Photo by www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk
To be frank, how animal testing of cosmetics ever got off the ground in the first place is beyond me. There is absolutely no justification for it, whatsoever.
Cosmetics under this ban (legal definition) includes:
- anti-wrinkle cream
- sunscreen
- deodorants
- shampoos
- hair sprays
- colorants
- shaving creams
- toothpaste and
- mouthwash
On a financial level (the Eurozone) the EU is a mess in my candid opinion. I made that clear in an earlier post.
However, there is some good in the plethora of regulations and directives that are handed down from the law makers at the Commission, which is one of the bodies of the EU, and this ban is definitely one of them.
You could argue it is long overdue, but better late than never. The next goal must be a total ban on all animal testing for whatever purpose. It is a concept that has had its day.
Pingback: USA’s Lax Approach To Cosmetics Animal Testing | Pictures of Cats
This is great news. Does anybody know what the laws are in other countries? Is Europe behind or ahead with this?
Excellent question. I’ll look into that. I sense that Europe is ahead of almost everywhere on this. I’ll see if I can do an article on the wider issues. It can be difficult to find clear information.
Yes it’s a great day and a huge relief for everyone who really cares about animals, long overdue but finally here. I too long for the day when ALL animal testing is outlawed.
I love the new option to have follow up comments by email now so we don’t miss anything, thanks Michael.
Sorry it took so long for me to get comment notification right 😉 Glad you like it. There are some good things about the EU. It moves slowly, too slowly for me but this long overdue change is great news for all animals including cats because if animal welfare in general is being improved it indicates an attitude change that could improve the welfare of cats of Europe.
🙂 Yes this is wonderful news Michael and my first thought too was I hope it isn’t too long before all testing and experimenting on animals is banned.
There is no need to torture animals in the name of science now we have cell cultures and advanced technology which is far safer anyway because a lot of tests on animals gives false results which is dangerous to humans.
Yes this cosmetic testing ban is long overdue, we have had plenty of cosmetics for years now, surely we don’t need more.
It’s a step in the right direction and cause for all of us here to celebrate 🙂 along with everyone else who has worked and campaigned for this for a long time 🙂