According to France’s beauty federation, the Fédération des Entreprises de la Beauté (FEBEA), France has become first country in the European Union (EU) to export ‘ordinary’ cosmetics to China without animal testing. ‘Ordinary’ cosmetics include shampoo, blush, mascara and fragrances.

In order to bypass this criterion, companies worldwide must present a certificate to approved authorities that states the company is conforming to Good Manufacturing Practices, in addition to product safety assessments. Companies that fulfill the criteria for importing “ordinary” cosmetics no longer require animal testing for eye and skin irritation in Chinese laboratories. According to the report, “ordinary” cosmetics make up the majority of personal care products imported into China, versus special cosmetics such as hair and skin coloring products, permanent wave product, sun protection, anti-hair loss and children’s products.

“The cosmetics industry is the only one in Europe to have completely banned animal testing. . .”

Global cosmetic companies and health authorities have attempted to introduce alternatives to animal testing to Chinese authorities, as animal testing has been banned in the EU since 2009. Since June 2014, certain cosmetic products such as shampoos, shower gels and makeup manufactured and marketed in China no longer required animal testing, although domestic special-use products and all imported cosmetic products still mandated it.

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Published by Cosmetics&Toiletries on January 19, 2021