EU MEPs call for worldwide ban of animal testing for cosmetics

Members of the European Parliament urged the European Union on Thursday to campaign for a worldwide ban on animal testing in the cosmetics industry, as has already been introduced within the union.

"Animal testing can no longer be justified for cosmetics," MEPs said in a resolution that was voted in by a resounding majority (620 for; 14 against)  at a plenary session in Brussels. The resolution urged the EU and its member states to "support the objection of the citizens" and "the development of new and humane methods of experimentation."

The EU has forbidden all cosmetics testing on animals since 2013, as well as the sale of products tested on animals. The ban has not had a negative impact on the development of the cosmetics sector in the EU and is in fact "the biggest market for cosmetic products in the world" with with 2 million jobs, the European Parliament claims.

Still, some 80 percent of countries worldwide continue to allow animal testing and the sale of cosmetics tested on animals, Parliament noted. It also denounced the testing of certain cosmetics on animals outside of the EU before being tested again within the territory via alternative methods, which then enables the products to be put on sale in Europe.

MEPs called for the European Commission and senior EU members to take the case to the United Nations, to add it to the agenda for the next General Assembly and to "facilitate, promote and support" the conclusion of an international convention.

"Rabbits, hamsters, mice - several million animals are killed every year in laboratories worldwide, and yet nothing at all can justify that for cosmetics. Alternative testing methods exist, which are often cheaper, faster and more efficient," commented Liberal MEP Frédérique Ries.

The European Parliament also requested that the Commission exclude cosmetic products tested on animals from free trade agreements, "whether they are already in effect or still in negotiation."