Canada has passed a landmark bill to end animal testing for cosmetics and prohibit selling cosmetics that rely on new animal testing data.
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Canada has passed a landmark bill that will finally see cosmetics animal testing and trade officially banned.
On June 22 2023, the government made amendments on the Budget Implementation Act (Bill C-47) prohibiting the cruel practise. The bill will also ban selling cosmetics that rely on new animal testing data to establish the product’s safety.
False or misleading labelling pertaining to the testing of cosmetics on animals will additionally be prohibited.
Creating a ‘better future’
In a statement sent to Vegan Food & Living, Jean-Yves Duclos, Canadian Minister of Health, described cosmetics testing as ‘both cruel and unnecessary’.
“That’s why we are proud to move forward on our promise to ban cosmetic animal testing and trade,” he added.
“Protecting animals now and in the future is something many Canadians have been advocating for… Now, we can all be assured that cosmetics in Canada are cruelty-free, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to improve animal welfare.”
The move was also hailed by Michael Bernard of the Humane Society International / Canada, who was ‘thrilled’ at the country’s ‘cruelty-free makeover’.
“This legislation truly shows the great things that can happen when government, industry, the non-profit sector and the public work together to create a better future,” he said.
“Canadian consumers can finally rest assured that the cosmetics they purchase have not come as a result of animal suffering. That is something we can all feel good about.”
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Earlier this year, Canada was slammed for its ‘slow progress’ over banning cosmetic animal testing - despite years of mounting pressure from animal-rights advocates. Photo © Elnur via Adobe Stock
Cosmetics animal testing in Canada
Earlier this year, Canada was slammed for its ‘slow progress’ over banning cosmetic animal testing – despite years of mounting pressure from animal-rights advocates.
Back in 2015, the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act aimed to amend the Food and Drugs Act to prohibit cosmetic animal testing and the sale of cosmetics developed or manufactured using animal testing.
The bill was moved through committee with full support in 2017 and was passed by the Senate in 2018.
However, it was only able to get passed first reading in the House of Commons before the legislature session ended in 2019.
Cosmetics Alliance of Canada’s President Darren Praznik attributed the delay to the covid-19 pandemic, but says it is time the government ‘finally got this done’.
Now, Canada is joining more than 40 jurisdictions and major markets that have already committed to ending cosmetics animal testing.
Want to help make a change? Here’s how you can help stop animal testing in the beauty industry
Featured image © AndriiKoval via Adobe Stock
