On Monday 1 June, the European Commission adopted a ‘roadmap’ aimed at gradually phasing out animal testing for chemical safety assessments.
More than 15 million animals were used between 2015 and 2023 in the EU for regulatory testing, 40% of them for chemical safety, according to Commission data. Despite progress, the transition to alternative methods remains slow (see EUROPE 13229/9).
The ‘roadmap’ is based on three main pillars:
- replacing animal tests with innovative methods (computer models, in vitro tests, artificial intelligence), while guaranteeing an equivalent level of protection for human health and environment;
- keeping Europe at forefront of research by investing in biotechnologies and supporting specialised start-ups. Global market for alternative methods could reach €30 billion by 2032, with annual growth of 12%;
- strengthening cooperation between Member States, European agencies and international partners in order to harmonise standards.
Among short-term actions, the Commission mentions implementation of 30 targeted recommendations to replace or reduce animal testing, particularly in pesticide, biocide and pharmaceutical sectors.
By 2027, publication of a report on regulatory needs is planned to guide validation of new methods. By 2029, the Commission plans to revise legislation (such as REACH) to integrate alternative approaches, with a public scoreboard to monitor progress.
Link to the ‘roadmap’: https://aeur.eu/f/m4o (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)