The Animal Testing Ban: Could Switzerland Be Next?

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Cosmetics manufacturers take note: Switzerland could soon become the latest country to jump on the animal testing ban.

The Swiss government plans to prohibit the sale of cosmetics containing ingredients newly tested on animals, which comes in response to a motion introduced by Green Party parliamentarian Maya Graf. If passed, the ruling would make Switzerland the 35th country to take legal action to curb the trade in animal-tested consumer products as it promotes alternative testing methods.

Claire Mansfield, HSI’s #BeCrueltyFree campaign director, said, “It’s great news that Switzerland has joined the growing list of countries that have committed to #BeCrueltyFree by abolishing the sale of cruel cosmetics. This is one more example of the growing momentum to end cosmetics cruelty around the world once and for all. We congratulate MP Graf for raising this important issue in Parliament, and the Swiss government for committing to take action.”

The Ban Wagon 

The European Union has already banned products with ingredients tested on animals, although many countries have national provisions that manufacturers need to comply with as far as testing and other regulations are concerned. And experts say the responsibility lies with the manufacturers to comply with these national provisions.

Norway, Israel, India, New Zealand, Turkey, South Korea and several states in Brazil have enacted full or partial bans on animal testing for cosmetic products and ingredients. Similar legislation is pending in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Taiwan, Australia, Argentina and elsewhere.

Although it's not currently possible to fully replace animal testing by other methods, the EU Commission, as well as groups like the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing and personal care brands, are examining alternative testing methods. Read more about alternative testing approaches in GCI.

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