Australian Government to ban animal testing.
During the 2016 Federal Election, the Coalition committed to banning the use of animals in cosmetic testing. The date for the new law to come into force was 1 July 2017.
If the Federal Government’s commitment is realised, this will mean that from 1 July 2017, it will be prohibited in Australia to test finished cosmetic products and cosmetic ingredients on animals.
It will also be against the law to sell cosmetic products or cosmetic ingredients that have been tested on animals outside of Australia. The law will, however, allow “responsible animal testing” for medical tests and drug development.
The animal testing reform will bring Australian laws aligned with New Zealand and the EU.
In November 2016, the Department of Health consulted industry members and representatives in Sydney and Melbourne. We will report on further developments when they are made available.
What constitutes a cosmetic?
Cosmetics are defined as substances or preparations intended to come in contact with any external part of the human body with a view to:
- altering the odours of the body,
- changing its appearance,
- cleansing it,
- protecting it,
- perfuming it or
- maintaining it in good condition.
Under Australian law, cosmetics include many everyday items, such as:
- mouthwash,
- toothpaste,
- deodorant,
- antiperspirant,
- skin moisturisers like Day Moisturiser
- soap,
- skin cleansing and acne washes like Pearl Cleansing cream and Polish Face Scrub
- hygiene powders,
- hand and feet emollients,
- anti-ageing creams like Day Cream and Night Cream
- anti-wrinkle creams like 1% Retinol Cream
- face masks and scrubs, Multi Nourish Masque and Super Fruit Face Scrub
- shampoos and conditioners, like Hydrating Shampoo and Hair Volume Conditioner
- hair dyes, raw materials used in hair dyes like Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
- shaving foams, like Shave Foam
- depilatory creams,
- depilatory waxes,
- antibacterial hand washes, like Anti-microbial hand wash
- baby care products, like Baby Moisturiser
- secondary sunscreen products with SPF 15 or less, like Day Moisturiser Spf 15
For more information on animal testing, visit the Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemists website.
Image courtesy of michellestruth.blogspot.com.au