When a cosmetic manufacturer sells their products in China, the Chinese conduct independent testing of those cosmetics on animals. These are well-known cosmetics made by well-known manufacturers such as Revlon and Estee Lauder. Both Revlon and Estee Lauder do not test their products on animals but the Chinese do. This begs the question whether these companies are in breach of European Union law because the testing of cosmetics on animals and the selling and marketing of animal tested cosmetics is banned in the European Union.

Ban on animal testing of cosmetics. Photo by www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk

It is sad to realise that some of the most popular beauty products sold on the high street in Britain by international cosmetic companies are being tested on animals in China. Apparently it is mandatory for cosmetics sold by international companies to be tested on animals in government laboratories in China.

An example of a products tested on animals in China is Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butter and Estee Lauder Nutritious Rosie Prism Radiant Gel Emulsion. Unfortunately some employees of large stores and chains (such as the respected John Lewis) selling these products are unaware that they are being tested as described. Most shoppers in the UK are unaware as well.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has identified more than 25 products which have been tested on animals and are asking the government in the UK to investigate whether this testing breaches the European marketing ban.

Europe has led the way in banning tests on animals of cosmetic products together with the ingredients but this rather peculiar situation in which China has decided to test the products independently on animals has thrown up this anomaly. It begs the question as to why the Chinese wish to do it. Don’t they trust these big companies such as Revlon to ensure that their products are okay to be used on people? It seems perverse and of course it reinforces my belief that the Chinese have little concern for the welfare of animals. These tests are unnecessary.

Rather than discuss whether there is a breach of European Union law I would hope that somebody at a diplomatic level addresses the problem with the Chinese. It should stop. China should be inline with advanced EU regulations concerning animal welfare.

Source: Sunday Times.