Cosmetics tested on animals outlawed

A sweeping ban on the sale of cosmetics that have been tested on animals come into force throughout the EU from today.

Animal experiments carried out to test cosmetics or their ingredients have been outlawed in the EU since 2009. However, companies have been free to sell products with a history of animal testing conducted outside Europe.

The new directive bans marketing in the EU of any cosmetics developed with the help of animal tests carried out after 2009, or 2013, depending on the type of procedure.