Just a few weeks ago, we reported that China was considering a revision of its animal testing policies, and now it’s official!

According to a Humane Society of the United States press release, “China’s Food & Drug Administration [reports] that from June 2014, China plans to remove its mandatory animal test requirements for domestically manufactured cosmetic products. For the first time ever, Chinese companies producing “non-special use cosmetics” such as shampoo or perfume will have the option to substantiate product safety using existing safety data for raw ingredients, or European Union-validated non-animal tests instead of having to submit product samples to the government for testing on rabbits, mice and rats.”

This is a huge step for China, and for the movement to ban animal testing everywhere. It will open up trade between China and countries in the European Union, allow citizens of China to get the cruelty-free products they deserve, and have the potential to spare untold amounts of animal lives and suffering.

Image Source: David-O/Flickr