Is China Ending Pre-market Animal Testing for Cosmetics?

China could be phasing out animal testing for many cosmetic categories.
China could be phasing out animal testing for many cosmetic categories.

China may be moving toward ending animal testing requirements for imported cosmetics categorized as "ordinary," including hair care, nail care, skin care, perfumes and makeup. A Plant Based News report quotes the Humane Society International's Troy Seidle, as saying, "As China is one of the few countries in the world to require animal tests for beauty products, removing this pre-market requirement for all ordinary cosmetics would be a game changer for cruelty-free beauty, and could save many tens of thousands of animals each year."

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While this could allow brands to enter the Chinese market without testing on animals, @crueltyfreekitty on Instagram points out:

[I]t's important to note that animal testing could still occur under the new regulations, in one of two ways:

  • For "special use" cosmetics (such as hair dye, sunscreen, or whitening products)
  • As part of post-market product testing

The news comes amid the latest update to China's Cosmetic Supervision and Administ­ration Regulation.

 

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