1. Europe

The United Kingdom has officially banned animal testing on cosmetics in 2009, while  the remainder of Europe has not implemented a ban yet. France, for instance, has a strong opposition to the ban since they believe cosmetic testing on animals are necessary for sufficient health and safety testing of products.

Animals (Scientific Procedure) Act 1986

The Animals (Scientific Procedure) Act 1986 requires that researchers provide proposals for research involving the use of animals. There will be detailed examinations of the particular procedures and experiments, as well as the number and types of animals used to fully assess any harm that may be inflicted upon on the animals. Then an utilitarian approach of cost-benefit analysis will determine whether or not the proposal is accepted.

The Ethical Review Process introduced in 1998 promotes animal welfare and human science by ensuring that the use of animals at the designated establishment is justified. The goal of this additional review process is to provide independent ethical advice, provide support to licensees regarding animal welfare and ethical issues, and to promote ethical analysis to increase awareness of animal welfare issues and to develop initiatives to apply the 3R’s – replacement, reduction, and refinement of the use of animals.

The Animals (Scientific Procedure) Act 1986 can be found here: Click here

Freedom of Information Act

The UK Freedom of Information Act came into power on January 1st, 2005. With this Act in place, anyone can request information from government departments, universities, and some research councils of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Freedom of Information Act was formed to promote openness and accountability, including how public authorities conduct their duties and the reason behind their decision-making.

The Freedom of Information Act can be found at the UK Legislation site: Click here

2. Canada

In Canada, animal testing is regulated, but not as stringently as United Kingdom. However, the basic approach is similar. The federal laws relating to cosmetics are: The Food and Drugs Act, the Cosmetic Regulations, and the Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act and Regulations. None of these specify requirements for animal testing for cosmetic purposes.

The Food and Drugs Act

According to Section 2 of the Food and Drugs Act, a cosmetic is “any substance or mixture of substances manufactured, sold, or represented for use in cleansing, improving or altering the complexion, skin, hair or teeth, and includes deodorants and perfumes.”

Therefore, cosmetics include:

• lipsticks
• mascara
• eyeshadows
• nail polish
• shampoos
• conditioners
• moisturizers
• cleansers
• hair dyes
• hair permanents
• foundations
• deodorants
• perfumes

Section 16 of the Foods and Drugs Act states that:
No person shall sell any cosmetic that

• (a) has in or on it any substance that may cause injury to the health of the user when the cosmetic is used,
  • (i) according to the directions on the label or accompanying the cosmetic, or
  • (ii) for such purposes and by such methods of use as are customary or usual therefor;
• (b) consists in whole or in part of any filthy or decomposed substance or of any foreign matter; or
• (c) was manufactured, prepared, preserved, packaged or stored under unsanitary conditions.

The Canadian Food and Drugs Act can be found here: Click here

The Cosmetic Regulations

The Cosmetic Regulations can be found at: Click here

The Cosmetic Regulations allow Health Canada’s Cosmetics Programme to regulate cosmetics manufactured, imported and distributed for retail sales in Canada. According to the Cosmetic Regulations, cosmetic manufacturers must be able to validate that their products are safe.

The Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act and Regulations

The labeling of cosmetics is regulated by the Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act and Regulations, along with the Food and Drugs Act and the Cosmetic Regulations.

Cosmetic manufacturers must print certain information on the labels of each product, and that includes:

• the identity of the product
• the net quantity in metric units
• any warnings or cautions necessary for the safe use of the product
• the name and address of the manufacture or distributor
• the list of ingredients

For the complete Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act and Regulations: Click here

Canadian Council of Animal Care (CCAC)

In 1968, the Canadian Council of Animal Care was created with the support from universities and government departments that use animals. The CCAC oversees and recommends improvements in animal experimentation.

To minimize animal harm and suffering, the CCAC makes sure that animals are used under ethical and proper conditions. Animals used for testing purposes must be provided with optimal care and they must be treated humanely and respectfully during the course of the experiment. Moreover, animal use should not be conducted unless it provides a positive and meaningful contribution to human understanding of biology or if animals and humans can benefit from the gain of knowledge.

For more information on the Canadian Council of Animal Care: Click here