Brussels, 08/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 11 March, it will be an end to the use of laboratory animals for testing cosmetic products, with the enforcement of a total ban on animal experiments for cosmetics marketed in the European Union. The same day, the Commission will set out the EU's contribution to research on what is now considered at the top of the priority list: alternative testing methods, research and development (R&D) and international cooperation. These priorities will be the subject of a communication drafted by the services of Tonio Borg, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy.
Animal testing for cosmetic products have been banned within the EU since 2004 pursuant to Directive 2003/15/EC. Since 2009, this ban on animal testing also applies to the ingredients of cosmetic products, and the marketing in the EU of cosmetics that have been subject to animal testing is also prohibited. The marketing ban had, however, been postponed until 11 March 2013 for cosmetic products tested on animals with a view to assessing the toxicity of repeated doses (including dermal sensibilisation and carcinogenesis), reproductive toxicity and toxicokinetics. (AN/transl.jl)