India bans cosmetic animal testing
Published
02nd Jul 2013
India has become the first country in southern Asia to ban animal testing for cosmetics, under the drugs and cosmetics act and the animal cruelty act. Indian manufacturers are now legally required to find alternative, non-animal related, testing methods – with legal ramifications for companies who break the law.
Baijayant Panda, a member of the Indian parliament, said: “This is a great day for India and for the thousands of animals who will no longer suffer." However, Panda added that it still remains for India to follow in the footsteps of Israel and the 27 European Union nations and not only ban animal testing for cosmetics in the country, but also prohibit the import and sale of products tested on animals elsewhere in the world.
“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,” Panda said. “Only then will India demonstrate its commitment to compassion and modern, non-animal, research methods and be truly cruelty free.”
The Indian ban on animal testing for cosmetic purposes follows extensive campaigning by organisations including Humane Society International (HSI) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India. Troy Seidle, HSI's director of research and toxicology, said: “India’s decision shows the way for all countries that are still undecided about whether to ban cosmetics animal testing"
