Israel Bans Animal-Tested Products

Companies that test their products on animals needn’t bother trying to ship them to Israel, because, starting New Year’s Day, the country banned the import, sale and marketing of animal-tested cosmetics, toiletries and household cleaners. Previously, in 2007, the Israeli government had banned using animals to test personal-care and household products within the country. But with the new law, which was passed in 2010 and came into effect on 1 January 2013, lawmakers have one-upped themselves, blocking products that have been tested on animals in other countries from even crossing Israel’s border. PETA and our affiliates are working to end the testing of cosmetics and household products on animals in countries around the world, and Israel has proved that a full ban on such vile products is not only possible but also ethically responsible. PETA India is trying to get a similar ban implemented in that country, and the effort has a lot of momentum. PETA US and PETA Asia have been helping Chinese scientists switch to in vitro cosmetics testing methods and are encouraging the Chinese government to accept the results in place of the animal tests that it currently requires.

The EU has also passed a marketing ban on animal-tested cosmetics, which is scheduled to take full effect in March 2013, but lawmakers are now considering extending that deadline.

Where Europe was once leading the way, it now appears to be dragging its feet. More than ever before, the eyes of the world will be watching Europe to see if it upholds the 2013 marketing ban on animal-tested cosmetics. With a new commissioner on board, it’s essential that we remind him that the vast majority of the European population is opposed to animal-tested cosmetics and puts animal welfare before vanity. Please take action today and contact the responsible European Commissioner, Tonio Borg, to let him know that the people of Europe want no delay, no compromise and no cosmetics tests on animals.