New Delhi : India has banned animal testing for cosmetics in a historic decision, hailed by activists, animal lovers and environmentalists. In a decision of rare unanimity, the Bureau of Indian Standards has decided to remove animal testing as a legal and legitimate standard for cosmetics. Going a step further, to avoid exploitation of loopholes, the Bureau has also made alternative non-animal tests mandatory.
Supporting the decision, MP Baijayant Jay Panda, said, “This is a great day for India and for the thousands of animals who will no longer suffer, yet more work must be done. Our government must go a step further by banning cosmetics products that are tested on animals abroad and then imported and sold here in India. Only then will India demonstrate its commitment to compassion and modern, non-animal research methods and truly be cruelty free.”
As per the new rules, any manufacturer interested in testing new cosmetic ingredients or finished products must first seek approval from Indias Central Drug Standards Control Organisation. A manufacturer will be given approval to test only after complying with the BIS non-animal standards.
