US to ban animal testing? Bipartisan delegation reintroduces Humane Cosmetics Act

13 Sep 2023 --- A bipartisan delegation led by a group of US congressmen has reintroduced the Humane Cosmetics Act to end safety testing of cosmetic products on animals and prohibit the sale of products developed using animal testing in the country. The act will be reviewed in Congress, which, if passed by a majority vote, would lead to a nationwide prohibition of animal-tested cosmetics, one year after its enactment.

“Eleven states and 44 countries already slammed the door shut on new animal testing for cosmetics. In fact, the US is essentially the only country in North America that hasn’t passed legislation to end it,” says Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund.

The states that banned the sale of animal-tested cosmetics are California, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Virginia.

“The bill includes select exemptions for products that undergo animal testing mandated by the US FDA or other international regulators,” trade association Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) shares.

Overturning an “outdated” practice
Currently, 11 US states have banned the sale of animal-tested cosmetics.Representatives Don Beyer, Vern Buchanan, Tony Cárdenas, Ken Calvert and Paul Tonko led the reintroduction.

“Cosmetics testing on animals is cruel, unnecessary and outdated, and Congress should finally put a stop to it,” says Beyer. “Much of the cosmetics industry has already moved to more scientifically sound methods that do not result in animal cruelty.”

“The Humane Cosmetics Act would outlaw an obsolete and inhumane practice without damaging American businesses. I thank my colleagues for supporting the Humane Cosmetics Act, which I hope will receive swift consideration.”

Moreover, PCPC published a statement in support of the reintroduction:

“It builds on the decades-long effort by industry and stakeholders to promote non-animal alternatives. For nearly four decades, both in the US and globally, our member companies have been instrumental in developing viable alternative safety assessment methods, and we will continue to work toward this important charge.”

“Time for the US to get on board”
The representatives have united in outspoken agreement to trust in scientific alternatives – such as organ-on-a-chip technology used in safety testing products – to end animal cruelty.

“I have and will continue to advocate for the expanded use of scientific alternatives to animal testing to protect animals and lower costs for consumers and taxpayers. I want to thank Rep. Beyer for working on this important bipartisan step to protect animals,” states Calvert.

Tonko adds: “Every year in our nation, thousands of animals suffer due to cosmetic animal testing. This cruel practice continues even as scientific advancements have created viable alternatives that make animal testing unnecessary.”“The bill includes certain exemptions for products that undergo animal testing mandated by the US FDA or other international regulators,” PCPC shares.

“Our Humane Cosmetics Act would institute national restrictions on animal testing for cosmetics, all while supporting the development and implementation of testing alternatives to ensure the continued growth of the US cosmetics industry. I’m proud to support this legislation that will restore America’s position as a world leader in cruelty-free safety methods that promote the well-being of humans and animals alike.”

In agreement, Buchanan, co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, says: “Scientific advancements have created viable alternatives to these cruel experiments while still ensuring that cosmetic products are safe for human use. As countries around the world work to prohibit animal testing in cosmetics, it’s time for the US to get on board.’’

Cárdenas remarks: “I’ve been a champion for animal rights throughout my years in public service, and we’ve come a long way – now there are non-animal, cost-efficient research methods that we should be using instead of horrific, unacceptable tests on animals.”

Collaborative effort
Representative Don Beyer.“CrueltyFree International applauds this renewed effort to end animal testing for cosmetics across the US,” comments Monica Engebretson, head of public affairs North America.

“This is a unifying issue that has earned bipartisan support and will match the progress we are seeing at the state level and around the world as consumers, companies, regulators and advocates come together to achieve a common goal of ensuring that animals won’t suffer for the sake of cosmetics anywhere.”

Meanwhile, PCPC highlights that its member companies have worked with policymakers to achieve regulatory and scientific advancements:

“PCPC stands united with a diverse coalition of stakeholders to support a uniform, humane standard for animal welfare and cosmetics safety. PCPC works closely with the International Cooperation on Cosmetic Regulation (ICCR), International Cooperation on Alternative Test Methods (ICATM) and the International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety (ICCS) to advance science and encourage the global adoption of alternative methods for safety assessments.”

Launched in February 2023 with the support of approximately 40 cosmetics brand manufacturers and ingredient suppliers, international industry associations and animal rights NGOs, ICCS is committed to adopting animal-free safety assessments for cosmetics and personal care products and their ingredients.

Personal Care Insights sat down with Erin Hill, president and CEO at ICCS, detailing how the initiative facilitates collaboration between governments and companies while underscoring how varying regulations can challenge certain forms of animal-free testing, such as artificial skin.

“We look forward to working with animal welfare groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, and members of Congress to enact this important legislation to protect animal welfare while ensuring the safety of these innovative products that consumers trust and rely on every day,” continues PCPC’s statement.

Global developments this year
In mirrored movements happening in global markets, the European Commission openly responded last July to a European Citizens’ Initiative that petitioned against animal cruelty by laying out an action plan to “ultimately eliminate” animal testing for chemicals.

In June, Canada passed measures through its Budget Implementation Act (Bill C-47) to ban animal testing and trade for cosmetics.

Last March, Brazil, South America’s most prominent beauty market, partially banned animal testing for “personal hygiene products, cosmetics and perfumes.”

By Venya Patel