European Union Bans Cosmetic Testing On Animals

The European Union’s ban on animal testing for cosmetics came into force on 12 March 2013, making it illegal to sell products and ingredients tested on animals either inside or outside Europe.

The testing of finished cosmetics on animals has been banned in the EU since 2004, and since 2009 companies have also had to find alternative tests for the ingredients used in the products. However, with this ban, previous exceptions will no longer be permitted and animal-tested beauty products will find themselves turned away from EU countries. European commissioner for health and consumer policy, Tonio Borg, said, “This is a great opportunity for Europe to set an example of responsible innovation in cosmetics without any compromise on consumer safety.”