The Facts
About the campaign
On 11th March 2009, all animal testing of cosmetics in the EU stopped thanks largely to two decades of campaigning by the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE). Read more about the history.
A ‘marketing’ ban that will also prevent the sale of new cruelly tested cosmetics in the EU is due to come into force on 11th March 2013. Until then three types of animal tests are allowed to be carried out in non-EU countries for cosmetics sold in Europe until March 2013. The reason is to allow non-animal tests (‘alternatives’) to be developed and approved.
But some in the cosmetics industry have been seeking exemptions to the marketing ban for certain cruel animal tests.
If they had got their way it could have meant 10 more years during which thousands of rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats could be injected, gassed or force-fed and killed worldwide for cosmetics products sold in the EU.
The ECEAE has been fighting to ensure this does not happen. And, with your help, we did it! The European Commissioner responsible has confirmed the ban will go ahead as promised. Europe has listened and said NO to cruel cosmetics!
The Leaping Bunny and the EU ban
After the EU ban comes into force on 11th March 2013, the Leaping Bunny continues to be the only way consumers can be sure they are buying truly ‘cruelty-free’ beauty products.
When the ban takes effect, companies will not be able to animal test new cosmetic products and ingredients on sale in the EU. However, companies can still carry on animal testing cosmetics outside the EU where these cosmetics are also sold outside the EU.
The Leaping Bunny is a global standard and applies to all of the operations and sales of companies, not just those for the EU. We only certify companies that meet our strict criteria and have a policy not to test their products on animals in any market. We will not certify companies who sell in China where animal testing for imported cosmetics is required.
There are also a number of outstanding issues with the EU’s Cosmetics Regulation text which are yet to be clarified. Until full guidance is given, it is sadly likely that many companies that have not yet joined the Leaping Bunny programme may seek to continue to use animal-tested ingredients in some circumstances.
So look for the Leaping Bunny to be sure you are buying truly ‘cruelty free’ cosmetics and toiletries. Visit www.GoCrueltyFree.org to find our list of nearly 500 certified brands.
Who we are
The European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE) is Europe's leading group campaigning on behalf of animals used in laboratories.
Drawing on our political, legal and science expertise, as well as working with politicians, European officials and EU citizens, we campaign tirelessly to end the suffering of the 12 million animals used in animal tests in Europe every year.
The ECEAE was originally formed to stop animal testing for cosmetics and cosmetics ingredients within the EU. Thanks to 20 years of campaigning and masses of support from politicians, celebrities and the public, we finally achieved a ban on animal testing on cosmetics in Europe! But now the last part of the ban to come into force is under threat.
We need your help to stop animals needlessly suffering. Please sign the petition and make a donation now. Together we can make sure there are no cruel cosmetics in Europe.