[Recent developments on the European ban on animal experiments for cosmetics]

Area of Science:

• Animal Welfare Science
• Regulatory Affairs
• Cosmetics Toxicology

Context:

• The European Commission has postponed the sales ban on animal-tested cosmetics until 2002.
• The proposed Seventh Amendment to the EU Cosmetics Directive suggests replacing the sales ban with an animal testing ban.
• This policy shift aims to prevent World Trade Organization (WTO) conflicts.

Purpose:

• To analyze the implications of the proposed EU Cosmetics Directive amendment on animal welfare.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of replacing a sales ban with an animal testing ban.
• To advocate for continued pressure on industry and authorities to develop and adopt alternative testing methods.

Summary:

• The European Commission's proposed Seventh Amendment to the EU Cosmetics Directive seeks to replace the sales ban on animal-tested cosmetics with an animal testing ban.
• This change, while potentially avoiding WTO disputes, could lead to animal testing being relocated to third countries, circumventing the ban.
• The proposal may reduce the impetus for developing and implementing alternative testing methodologies, a concern for animal welfare organizations.

Impact:

• The proposed measures could contradict existing directives (e.g., Directive 86/609) and delay the adoption of validated alternative methods.
• Animal testing may continue outside the EU, with products still being sold within the EU, negating the intended welfare benefits.
• The Deutscher Tierschutzbund (German Animal Protection Federation) advocates for an immediate and comprehensive sales and testing ban within the EU to protect animal welfare.