Cosmetic industry hit by animal ban

EUROPE’s €32 billion cosmetics industry is in jeopardy after it was ruled that all animal testing in the EU will be banned from 2009, industry groups said yesterday.

The European Parliament this week agreed to the move that will cover all cosmetics, including deodorants, sunscreens and shampoos. The EU member states are now expected to finalise the ban.

The ban will also cover the sale and marketing in the EU of products made in other countries that have been tested on animals.