In Canada, the cosmetic testing of animals is not banned. It is not a requirement to use animals in testing products or ingredients; however, cosmetic companies must prove that their products are safe as per cosmetic regulations. Health Canada regulates production and sales of cosmetics and as stated by the Cosmetic Legislation, cosmetic products must meet the requirements of the Food and Drug Act as well as the Cosmetic Regulations. Cosmetic products must be labelled following The Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act.
The Canadian Council of Animal Care was created in 1968 with a goal to set, maintain and oversee the implementations of high standards for animal ethics and care in science in Canada. Guidelines for care and use of experimental animals were developed in order to monitor animal use. The quality of care of experimental animals has increased throughout government, commercial, and university labs.
A bill in Canada called The Federal Bill S-214, the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act, amends the Food and Drugs Act to prohibit cosmetic animal testing and the sale of cosmetics developed or manufactured using animal testing has been passed by the Senate. This bill has been expected to be tabled at the House of Commons in the week of March 18th. The House of Commons must approve this bill in order to become a law.
More information about cosmetic regulations in Canada can be found here:
The Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act
Canadian Council of Animal Care
