The law on animal testing of cosmetics in Europe.
The European Citizens' Initiative for a Europe Free of Animal Testing. And the bunny stamp .
Let's try to shed some light on a very complex topic. Let's break it down point by point:
- Since 2004 , animal testing on finished cosmetic products has been banned in the EU.
- In 2009 the ban was also extended to individual ingredients of cosmetic products ( European Regulation 1223/2009 ).
In practice, to date, in Europe no ingredient or finished product can be tested on animals for cosmetic purposes , nor can cosmetics tested elsewhere after 2013 be sold .
But the situation is more complicated...
The safety of the finished product depends on the ingredients it contains . For the most common ones, this was probably proven before the 2009 ban (even for products with the bunny logo!).
For new ingredients for cosmetic use , if safety concerns arise , exemptions to the regulation are permitted; if the ingredient is also used in other sectors (e.g., food or pharmaceuticals), or if it poses a risk to workers' health or the environment, animal testing may be permitted!
But only a tiny fraction of cases fall within these exceptions—which are also permitted by the specifications of various cruelty-free certifications. Most tests are now alternative!
And the bunny certification ?
In collaboration with LAV ( Anti-Vivisection League ), the certifying body Icea certifies that the paying company has not used ingredients tested on animals since a certain year.
But since 2009 the testing ban APPLIES TO ALL COSMETICS, not just those with the bunny logo!
Furthermore, the bunny sticker does not certify that the ingredients have not been tested on animals in fields other than cosmetics , so we must be careful how we read the claims!
And our position?
Obviously we do not test on animals . Our products are vegan and we promote a plastic-free policy aimed at more responsible and conscious consumption .
Although the ECHA ( European Chemicals Agency ) states that animal testing should always be the last resort , it is also true that since the 1950s it has been strong pressure from animal rights associations that has moved the cosmetics sector to seek alternatives to animal testing .
For this reason, we have joined the European Citizens' Initiative ( * ) to support and consolidate the transition towards non-animal safety assessment methods in Europe .
We hope, in fact, that with the evolution of science and research, our future will be increasingly greener and respectful of environmental, human and animal resources .
* The ECI is a unique tool that allows European citizens to actively participate in EU policymaking. The initiative we participated in is ECI(2021)000006 and closed on 31/08/2022. You can find all the information about it here .
[If you think Coccoon products could also be part of your daily routine, you can purchase them here ].
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