Cosmetics Directive/Regulation

Cosmetics Directive/Regulation: Provides regulatory framework for phasing out animal testing for cosmetics purposes. Bans testing of finished cosmetic products and cosmetic ingredients on animals. Prohibits to market in the EU finished cosmetic products and their ingredients which were tested on animals for cosmetics purposes. The testing ban on finished cosmetic products applies since 11 Sep 2004; the testing ban on ingredients or combination of ingredients applies since 11 Mar 2009. The marketing ban applies since 11 Mar 2009 for all human health effects with the exception of repeated-dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity and toxicokinetics. For these specific health effects the marketing ban applies since 11 Mar 2013, irrespective of the availability of alternative non-animal tests. Exemptions: Substances which are also used in other industries (e.g. pharmaceuticals) and are thus not developed for cosmetic products exclusively. Products containing animal-tested ingredients that were developed before the ban. Industry revenues (2010): 71 billion EUR ($93 billion). Ärzte gegen Tierversuche (in German).