House Considers Bill to Ban Cosmetic Animal Testing

A bill has been reintroduced in the US House of Representatives that would ban cosmetic animal testing and prohibit the sale of products tested on animals.

The Humane Cosmetics Act (HR 2790) – like a similar measure considered in the last session of Congress – was introduced with broad bipartisan support.

It calls for a phase-out of internal or external application or exposure of any cosmetic to the skin, eyes or other body parts of a live non-human vertebrate for evaluating the safety or efficacy of a product, within one year of the law’s enactment. A sales prohibition would take effect two years later.

NGO Cruelty Free International and global cosmetics manufacturer the Body Shop were among organisations which welcomed introduction of the bill.

"We are delighted that this landmark bill has been reintroduced with strong bipartisan support. Consumers in the US and worldwide want cosmetics produced without the cruel use of animals and without compromising safety or quality," said Cruelty Free International chief executive, Michelle Thew.

Jessie Macneil-Brown, senior manager of international campaigns for the Body Shop, added that the bill would help harmonise international laws on animal testing.

"It’s time for the Humane Cosmetics Act in the US, and for a United Nations global ban to end cosmetic animal testing - everywhere and forever," said Ms Thew.

The bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee.