EU upholds ban on cosmetic products tested on animals

An EU court has stated that exceptions cannot be made on the animal-testing ban for cosmetics production in Europe.  

The EU has also banned sale of animal-tested products manufactured elsewhere to promote alternative methods of testing.

Trade body European Federation of Cosmetics Ingredients (EFCI) has made an appeal against the ban to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) with support from the French Government.

EFCI represents over a hundred cosmetic companies based in Europe. In its argument, it stated companies should be allowed to conduct tests outside the legislation of the EU.

Two animal rights groups Cruelty Free International and the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments also took part in court proceedings to support the ban.

The groups joint CEO Michelle was quoted by Cosmeticsdesign-europe.com as saying: “We are very pleased that EFCI’s attempt to circumnavigate the ban has today been roundly rejected by the Court.

"This is a victory both for common sense, and for the public who passionately back the landmark animal testing ban. We urge national regulators to stay vigilant and ensure that the cosmetics ban is upheld.”