[Regulation of animal experimentation]

Marketing authorization of numerous products: human and veterinary drugs, chemicals, agrochemicals and cosmetic products implies a minimum of animal testing. These trials are performed according to the Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) compulsory in France for drug registration. These guide lines are gradually extended to other products and tend to limit the number of animals to the strict necessity of providing a reliable information on the tolerance and possible toxicity of new products. The october 19-1987 decree of the Ministry of Agriculture as well as related decrees, complete and reinforce the previous legislation on animal experimental use in France. These texts comply with the EEC requirements and directives.