Bumpkin, Broke and Reading: EU bans sale of all animal-tested cosmetics

Being a huge animal lover this is very good news. As of March 2013 a complete ban on the sale of cosmetics developed through animal testing has taken effect in the EU. The ban applies to all new cosmetics and their ingredients sold in the EU, regardless of where in the world testing on animals was carried out. The 27 EU countries have had a ban on such tests in place since 2009. But the EU Commission is now asking the EU's trading partners to do the same.

Starting from the 11th March 2013 it has been made illegal to market, import, or sell animal-tested cosmetics within the EU. Products that were produced before the ban will still remain on shelves until they are sold, so consumers will only start to notice differences a few months down the line. In other countries animals are still used to test cosmetics - in China, it's compulsory to do so.

Let's hope the EU sets a shining example for the rest of the world. I'd like the US and China to follow suit very soon. You can find out more in depth info about the EU ban and what it means via the Leaping Bunny Program

Road to cosmetic testing ban

2004 - A ban on animal testing of finished cosmetic products (but not ingredients) imposed in Europe.

2009 - Testing of cosmetic ingredients on animals anywhere in the EU is made illegal, as is selling or importing into the EU any animal tested ingredients to be used in cosmetics. However, three animal tests are made exempt in order to allow non-animal tests to be validated.

11 March 2013 - A complete and total import and sales ban on animal testing for cosmetics is implemented in the EU. No company can carry out new animal tests for cosmetics purposes outside of the EU for products to be sold in the EU.