This is arguably the best news I’ve heard all year! The European Union has, after almost 20 years of tireless campaigning from animal rights groups, confirmed that it will be banning the import and sale of animal-tested cosmetic products (including ingredients) for member states from March 11 2013. This means that from this date onwards, anyone selling new cosmetic products and ingredients in the EU will not be allowed to test them on animals anywhere in the world. This ban does not just affect luxury products either, it applies to everything from skin creams to toothpaste. This is a very significant moment in the history of cosmetics – and I really hope that the rest of the world, yes I’m looking at you, China*, will take notice and follow the EU’s lead.
*China, one of the world’s largest markets, still demands animal testing as a safety precaution. According to PETA, Chinese companies are required by law to pay for testing before some cosmetics can be marketed to the public.
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