U.S. Representative Jim Moran (D-VA) has introduced the Humane Cosmetics Act, urging it to pass – and Cruelty Free International says it is applauding this next step toward a landmark legislation that would address the cruelty of animal testing for cosmetics.

The legislation also seeks to ensure that modern non-animal tests are used to ensure product safety.

If it passes, the Humane Cosmetics Act would ban animal testing for cosmetics after a 1 year phase in and follow with a 3 year phase in period for a ban on the sale of any animal tested cosmetics.

Cruelty Free International has been campaigning extensively for this bill, and will host the Congressional briefing “Global regulations and advancements in alternatives to animal testing for cosmetics,” with Congressman Moran on Tuesday, March 11, 2014.

Michelle Thew, chief executive, Cruelty Free International, commented:

“We are delighted that Congressman Moran has taken a compassionate stand for animals by initiating this Bill. The European Union has proven it is possible to produce safe and humane cosmetics using non-animal methods – it’s time for the U.S. to step up and eliminate cruel and unnecessary cosmetics tests on animals.”

Dr. Theodora Capaldo, president/executive director, New England Anti-Vivisection Society/U.S. executive officer, Boston, Cruelty Free International, added:

“For more than 50 years, animals have been used in painful tests to assess the safety of certain chemicals used in cosmetics products. More recently, consumers and scientists have become increasingly skeptical about the necessity and validity of animal testing for cosmetics and, with good reason – modern alternatives are increasingly cheaper, faster, and can better predict human reactions.”

The EU – which includes the bastions of beauty, Italy and France – has been phasing out animal testing since 2003. In 2013, a complete ban on the testing and marketing of animal-tested cosmetics and ingredients went into effect following Cruelty Free International’s 20-year long campaign.

Other countries are also following the EU’s lead – Israel and Norway have had bans on animal testing in place for several years.

And – in 2013 – India became the first country in Asia to announce a ban animal testing for cosmetics.

Korea, Brazil and ASEAN are also making strides toward ending cosmetics testing on animals, and in June China will end its requirement for all imported cosmetics to be animal tested.

Photo: The Body Shop launched a limited edition Cruelty-Free makeup range with model, actress and activist Lily Cole.


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