Why has the UK returned to testing cosmetics on animals after 25 years?

After 25 years of prohibition, Govt UK Allowed again animals Cosmetic products will be used in testing.

The government changed the animal testing policy to comply with the chemical rules European Union (EU)According to the judgment of the High Court.

After a case is opened Animal rights activistsThe Supreme Court said last Friday (5) that the government is acting legally.

More than 80 brands said they were “appalled” by the government’s new stance.

“We are pleased that the High Court has accepted the government’s position in this case. The government is committed to protecting animals in science,” a spokesperson told the BBC.

• Since 1998 animal testing of cosmetics or its ingredients has been completely banned in the UK;
• Experiments are permitted only if the benefits derived from the research outweigh any animal suffering, for example, to make medicines;
• But in 2020, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the EU agency that oversees chemical regulation, ruled that companies must test some ingredients used in cosmetics on animals to ensure they are safe for workers making the products.
• Despite Britain leaving the group in 2020, it was revealed that from 2019 the British government granted licenses for animal testing of cosmetic products under EU chemical rules;
• This includes testing chemicals commonly found in foundations and hides, forcing rats to inhale or ingest them. It is not known how many of these licenses were issued and to whom.

Cruelty Free International (CFI), which filed a lawsuit, argued that it was illegal and violated a 1998 ban on testing cosmetics and its products on animals.

British High Court judge Thomas Lyndon ruled in favor of the government, saying the change in policy was still in line with existing laws. But he said it was unfortunate that the public was not informed.

The companies say they disagree

The government’s move has been heavily criticized by major beauty and cosmetics brands including Unilever, The Body Shop and Boots. Most major brands have long campaigned to end animal testing.

Cruelty Free International said the government’s effective lifting of the ban was “authoritative”.

Christopher Davies, director of operations and sustainability at The Body Shop, said he would be “vigorously campaigning” against the changes.

“Allowing animal testing for cosmetics would be a devastating blow to the millions of people who have supported campaigns to end this appalling practice,” he told the BBC after the ruling.

Cruelty Free International CEO Michelle Thew said: “This case makes that clear. [o governo] It prioritized the interests of contract testing companies over the interests of animals and the wishes of the majority of Britons who strongly oppose cosmetic testing.

The CFI said it would appeal the court’s decision and ask the government to reinstate the full ban in the UK.

Julia Fendem, head of the Center for Safety and Environmental Assurance at Unilever, one of the world’s largest cosmetics companies, said the tests required by the new policy were “redundant” and that safety tests could be carried out without involving animals.

Source: ByteWriting