China announces end to post-market animal testing for cosmetic products
The statement brings China closer to international cruelty-free market practices
China is moving closer to banning animal testing for cosmetic products. The Gansu Province National Medical Products Association announced that post-market testing – tests on cosmetics after they hit the market – for finished imported and domestically produced cosmetic products will no longer involve animal testing.
While this does not yet apply to pre-market testing requirements – tests needed on all cosmetics before they hit the market – for imported cosmetics products, it is a major step towards eradicating the cruel and dangerous practice. The statement brings Chinese manufacturers and consumers closer to international cruelty-free market practices. The European Union banned the sales of all animal-tested cosmetics in 2013.
Michelle Thew, chief executive of Cruelty Free International (CFI), said: “This assurance by the Chinese authorities … is an enormous step in the right direction and most welcome”.
The move was preceded by the Chinese authorities’ memorandum of understanding (MOU) with The Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) in 2017. The non-profit organisation is dedicated to using non-animal testing methods, and urged the government to remove the requirement that compels cosmetic companies to use animal testing before they can sell products in China.
The impact of China changing its stance on animal testing will be huge. Statista estimated that the cosmetics and beauty industry in China was worth almost 22 billion yuan (US$3.27 billion) in 2017, something that helped convince make-up giants NARS, L’Oreal and Benefit to continue to take part in animal testing.
The Gansu association’s statement offers cause for celebration. Although this does not yet ensure that all imported brands are cruelty-free, it does signify that China is on course to adopting ethical standards.
“Through cooperation and partnership, our aim to end cosmetic animal testing everywhere and forever is coming closer,” said Thew.
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