Cosmetics: The Voluntary Ban

Some cosmetic companies or suppliers have devised their own 'cruelty free' criteria and labelling schemes - some being rather less than 'cruelty free'. These moves have developed to the stage where there is now a confusing variety of 'cruelty free' criteria, schemes, and labels/logos on the market.

1997 has seen a breakthrough in the voluntary ban campaign - in the form of a new 'International Standard on 'Not Tested on Animals'. This international standard was developed by an international coalition of animal protection groups from across the European Union and North America, including the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments and the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, in order to harmonise the previous diversity of standards. The standard has already been supported by a wide range of cosmetic companies and provides an historic opportunity for animal groups across the world to work together on pressing the cosmetic industry to stop causing animal suffering in the name of vanity.

Any animal groups currently working on a voluntary ban campaign are urged to consider adopting the new International Standard in order to demonstrate unity and end confusion amongst consumers.

Animal groups not yet working on the voluntary ban may like to consider joining this exciting new initiative! The existing groups in the international coalition are particularly keen to see the voluntary ban spread across parts of the world that have not been involved to date. New international standard - new horizons!

Animal groups wishing to join the voluntary ban, or seeking further information should contact the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments.