China Is Considering Changing Their Policy on Animal Testing for Cosmetics!

While many companies in the U.S. have taken strides to eliminate animal testing for cosmetics, if that brand still sells their products in China, then it is a major red flag for animal lovers. This is because China’s laws require all foreign cosmetics to be tested on animals before they can be sold in the country. As a result, brands like L’Oreal and NARS have been the subject of campaigns aimed at getting them to drop their Chinese market – however, it looks like change may be coming and China is currently considering a big change in its policy of testing cosmetics on animals. According to a new report, the country’s National Institute for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) emphasized that the research, development, and standardization of alternatives to animal testing are now its top priorities. The move would cut short the suffering of hundreds of thousands of animals now used in testing.

The NIFDC recently issued a statement about its commitment to overhauling cosmetics testing and exploring alternatives which are already in use in countries where animal tests are banned, reports South China Morning Post. Organizations dedicated to animal protection have been working with Chinese stakeholders to replace animal testing with advanced technologies which are not only free from harm but also much more predictive and effective. Alternatives to animal testing include, for example, tests using artificial human tissues and the test tube method which can distinguish toxic from non-toxic ingredients.

“It would be the first time the authority has publicized its view towards cosmetic alternatives with a future strategy so clearly articulated,” Troy Seidle, Vice President of research and toxicology for Humane Society International, told the Post. “Chinese authorities and stakeholders are actively working to embrace validated alternatives to strengthen international regulatory alignment and trade in the cosmetic sector.”

China began slowly changing its rigid cosmetic testing laws in 2014 when it allowed domestic cosmetic brands and foreign brands that manufactured in China for sale locally to sell products like makeup, skincare, and fragrances without testing them on animals. Unfortunately, the products still had to follow strict standards and adhere to a list of pre-approved and tested ingredients. Animals could also still be harmed through post-market testing. A serious change in the laws would put an end to those risks – as well as open the market to many cruelty-free brands.

A complete shift away from using animal testing for cosmetics could take years, but the recent news from the country brings a lot of hope. Chinese consumers do want change – especially the new generation of consumers who do not agree with cruel practices. At the moment, nearly 40 countries have banned testing cosmetics on animals; let’s hope this first step leads to a domino effect for change!

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