Thousands of animals can be spared poisoning tests with cosmetics, shampoos, shower gels, etc.
For immediate release:
March 8, 2021
Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382
Norfolk, Virginia. – After PETA’s ongoing efforts, which included exposing companies for secretly paying for animal tests, China has just announced that it will allow imported “general-purpose cosmetics” – such as shampoo, shower gel, lipstick, lotion and cosmetics – for sale to countries without animal testing. This means that companies that are taking steps can soon sell most of the imported conventional cosmetics in China without having to pay for force-feeding or dripping them into their eyes.
In 2012, PETA discovered that many companies that banned all animal testing were quietly paying the Chinese government to test their products on animals. The group learned – and publicly disclosed – that China is requiring companies to pay for animal tests for cosmetics and other personal care products. After exposing hidden support for testing by companies, PETA took action to remove testing requirements. He collaborated with leading experts in animal-free testing at the Institute for In Vitro Research (IIVS) and provided the institute with two grants that allowed the team to train Chinese scientists in animal-free testing methods and establish animal-free testing laboratories in China. … PETA also invited IIVS to seek support from cosmetics companies, which a scientific non-profit organization did.
This new policy follows a 2014 regulation change in China that allows general-purpose (formerly known as “non-special”) cosmetics companies in that country to avoid testing such products on animals.
“No animal should die in a lab for any reason – never – and especially lipstick,” says PETA Senior Vice President Katy Guillermo. “PETA would like to thank China, IIVS and all the companies that have supported this progressive effort.”
The new exemptions from China’s animal testing requirements do not apply to products for babies and children, products with new ingredients, or products from companies already under government oversight. Companies selling “specialty” cosmetics such as hair dye, sunscreen and hair loss products in China will still be required to pay for animal tests under the new regulations.
PETA encourages consumers to continue to consult the Beauty Without Bunnies database, which lists more than 5200 ruthless companies and brands that for no reason test animals anywhere in the world.
PETA, whose motto is in part that “animals are not ours to experiment on” – opposes specisism, which is a worldview focused on human excellence. For more information please visit PETA.org or subscribe to the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram…