Alternatives to animal testing for cosmetics: public consultation launched
FROM: European Commission
Posted: August 12, 2010
On 23 July 2010, the Commission launched a public consultation on a draft report on alternative methods
for cosmetic testing. Comments are sought on alternatives available in testing for certain health-related
effects which are covered by the 2013 deadline for the marketing ban on animal-tested cosmetics covering
repeated dose toxicity, skin sensitisation, carcinogenicity, toxicokinetics and reproductive toxicity.
The public consultation ends on 15 October 2010. This consultation is part of the phasing out of animal
testing of cosmetic ingredients. The testing ban on finished products applies since 2004, and on
ingredients since 2009. The marketing ban applies since March 2009 with the exception of testing for
three kinds of human health-related effects (repeated-dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity and
toxicokinetics), for which the deadline is extended to March 2013. In early 2011, the Commission will
report on the availability of and prospects for the alternatives to testing for these three types of
effects.
Target group: All citizens and organisations can contribute
Period of consultation: 23 July - 15 October 2010
Expected publication date of the final report: end of 2010/early 2011.
