11th March 2013: Full EU ban on animal testing for cosmetics enters into force

*Applause*!!!

Happy news shared by Ming-Yi:

http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-210_en.htm

Today the last deadline to phase out animal testing for cosmetic products in Europe enters into force. As of today, cosmetics tested on animals cannot be marketed any more in the EU.

A Communication adopted by the Commission today confirms the Commission’s commitment to respect the deadline set by Council and Parliament in 2003 and outlines how it intends to further support research and innovation in this area while promoting animal welfare world-wide.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/21/idUSnPreyt9lha+100+PRN20130221

Banning animal testing in the EU: a long, slow road to victory

1898 – The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) was founded to campaign against all forms of animal testing

1973 – The BUAV first brought the issue of cosmetics testing on animals to public attention

1990 – The BUAV established the European Coalition to End Cosmetics Tests on Animals (now the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments – ECEAE) an alliance of leading European animal organisations formed for the purpose of ending animal tests for cosmetics in the EU

1991 – The BUAV and ECEAE organise an international march and rally in Brussels and an iconic, larger than life ‘laboratory rabbit’ Vanity tours countries across Europe to urge MEPs to vote to end animal tests for cosmetics

1993 – The Body Shop embarks upon a European-wide campaign to end animal testing for cosmetics in the EU

1996 – Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, joined members of the ECEAE, MEPs and Chrissie Hynde in presenting a petition containing 4 million signatures to the European Commission to end animal testing for cosmetics

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

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

2011 – The BUAV and its European partners launch the No Cruel Cosmetics campaign to call for the import and sales ban to be implemented in 2013 as planned without delay or derogation.

2012 – The Body Shop supports the launch of Cruelty Free International by the BUAV. Together, they campaign for a global ban on animal testing for cosmetics.

11th March 2013 – a complete ban on animal testing for cosmetics is implemented in the EU For further information, interviews, images and quotes, please contact the Cruelty Free International media office: media@crueltyfreeinternational.org

It has finally happened in the European Union and we applaud them for making this right and compassionate move. Whether other regions follow suit or not, let’s do the needful:

1. Lobby for it through peaceful means.

2. Stop using cosmetics or products that are tested on animals.

3. Encourage your family and friends to do the same.

Where to get soap and toothpaste which are not tested on animals?

Here!
http://animalcare.my/gifts/