Target: Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission, Brussels, European Union
Goal: Preserve and strengthen Europe’s ban on animal testing for cosmetics by closing loopholes, prioritizing cruelty-free methods, and delivering an ambitious, time-bound roadmap to phase out animal testing in chemical safety.
Europe’s landmark prohibition on cosmetic animal testing faces renewed scrutiny during revisions to the Cosmetics Product Regulation (CPR) and other rules. Advocates warn of a “misalignment” that can allow animal tests for cosmetics ingredients under chemicals rules, despite the sector-specific ban. This gap risks backsliding on welfare, consumer trust, and scientific modernization. Clear law should mean no animal testing for cosmetics—no matter which regulation applies.
Members of the European Parliament and NGOs have urged leaders to protect, not dilute, the ban. They call for explicit precedence of the cosmetics ban over conflicting provisions, rapid regulatory acceptance of proven non-animal methods, and a Commission roadmap that is actionable and measurable. Industry already uses advanced in vitro, in chemico, and computational tools. With focused acceptance and guidance, regulators can replace legacy animal tests while maintaining high protection for people and the environment.
Europe can lead by example. The Commission should codify that cosmetics testing on animals is prohibited regardless of route, invest in validation and uptake of non-animal approaches, and set milestones for a cross-sector phase-out of animal testing in safety assessment. Public reporting and deadlines will ensure accountability. This petition calls for legal clarity, strong enforcement, and sustained funding so innovation moves faster than cruelty.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Ursula von der Leyen,
Europe’s ban on animal testing for cosmetics is a global benchmark. During the ongoing revisions to CPR and REACH, we urge you to lock in and strengthen that promise. Stakeholders have flagged a regulatory misalignment that can permit animal tests for cosmetics ingredients under chemicals rules. That outcome undermines public trust and the spirit of the ban.
Make the cosmetics-testing ban explicitly override REACH, fast-track acceptance of non-animal methods, publish a timed roadmap to phase out animal testing in chemical safety, boost funding and capacity for validation and training across the EU, and enforce the ban consistently so companies can’t reroute tests through other regulations.
Protecting the cosmetics ban while advancing non-animal science will keep Europe at the forefront of safety, ethics, and innovation. Clear rules and a credible plan will deliver measurable change.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Stephencdickson
