EU Ban on Animal Testing in Cosmetics Date Set

In a letter written by Commissioner Tonio Borg to The Body Shop and Cruelty Free International––the leaders of the EU’s campaign to end cosmetic animal testing––Borg confirms that there will be no delay in proceeding with banning the import and sale of animal-tested cosmetics in the EU. Beauty products include toiletries, such as toothpaste and soap, as well as makeup. Michelle Thew of Cruelty Free International calls the ban “truly an historic event and the culmination of over 20 years of campaigning.” Earlier this year, Israel instituted a countrywide ban on animal tested beauty products; The Body Shop and Cruelty Free International hope the new European legislation will convince other nations to follow suit.