January 14, 2004

By: Nicole Sims
Website: http://www.1st-in-cosmetics.com

The European Parliament and the Council have agreed on amendment of the cosmetics directive (ban on animal testing)

After a second conciliation meeting 6/7 November 2002 European Parliament and Council reached an agreement on the main elements of the seventh amendment of the cosmetics directive. The delegation of the European Parliament was led by Vice President Giorgious Dimitrakopolous and the Council delegation by the President of the Environment Council, the Danish Minister for the Environment, Hans Christian Schmidt.

The objective of the amended directive is to ban the testing of cosmetic products, and ingredients used in cosmetic products, on animals within the EU, and to ban the marketing of cosmetic products, or ingredients used in cosmetic products, where the product or the ingredients have been tested on animals. The amended directive also implies restrictions within other areas. Clear limits are defined for the use of carcinogenic and mutagenic substances as well as substances harmful to reproduction.

The ban on animal testing will come into force from 2009 and put an end to the use of animals in testing of cosmetic products but without jeopardising consumer safety. Alternative ways of testing may be developed in the transition period to replace animal testing.

After the meeting Vice President of the European Parliament Giorgious Dimitrakopolous and raporteur Dagmar Roth-Berendt said: "The compromised reached was a fair one. But there are still other points to be solved".

Danish Minister for the Environment, Hans Christian Schmidt added:

"It is of great importance to me that we can now see an end to animal testing of cosmetic products. I am pleased that we were able to solve the problem during the Danish EU Presidency. Both Parliament and Member States should be commended for their flexibility.

The ban on testing of cosmetic products on animals within the EU is in itself a great win for animal welfare. But in order to prevent import into the Community of products that are tested in third countries, it was also very important that agreement was reached on the ban on marketing. I am convinced that the ban on marketing in the long run will benefit animal welfare outside the EU. Finally I take good comfort in the fact that the compromise allows for the development of alternative testing methods of cosmetics to the benefit of consumer safety. All in all we have achieved a well balanced agreement".

The proposal will have to be finally adopted by European Parliament and council.

About The Author:

Nicole Sims is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cosmetics.com.  Tips on skin care, hair care and beauty products to bring out natural beauty.