Ban on Testing of Cosmetics on Animals
The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 have been amended vide Gazette notification No G.S.R. 346(E) dated 21 May, 2014 prohibiting the testing of cosmetics on animals in the country as per the recommendation of Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) made in its 65th meeting held on 25 November, 2013. This also harmonizes our regulations with the European Union’s regulation on cosmetics.
As per Schedule S, read with Rule 150A of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, the cosmetics in finished form need to conform to the Indian Standard Specification laid down from time to time by the Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS). BIS has approved the oral toxicity test and/or oral mucosal irritation test as non-animal alternative tests for safety evaluation of cosmetics vide amendment dated 3 August 2013 to IS 4011:1997.
The Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha here today.
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MV/BK