Canada is poised to become the latest country to ban animal testing for cosmetics.
The country first submitted Bill S-214, now labelled the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act, in 2015 led by Humane Society International (HSI) and the Animal Alliance of Canada, to be phased in over four years.
The act was introduced into the House of Commons on 12 April before being passed by the Senate introduced by the Conservative Shadow Minister for Health, Marilyn Gladu.
Today, 39 countries worldwide have banned the act of testing on animals for cosmetics.
These include: India, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and countries in the EU.
Countries such as the US and Argentina are currently developing legislation for the same result.
Troy Seidle, HSI VP of Research and Toxicology, said: “As a proud Canadian I could not be more pleased to see my country move a step closer to becoming a cruelty-free beauty market.
“In 2019, with the vast array of established cosmetics ingredients and animal-free approaches to safety assessment, there’s simply no excuse for continued reliance on animal testing for cosmetic products or ingredients.”
Meanwhile, Liz White, Director of Animal Alliance of Canada, added: “We urge the Canadian government to act quickly and pass this crucial legislation to prevent any more animals from suffering needlessly.
“We look forward to working with officials to see Canada join other nations in taking a stand against cruel cosmetics by enacting the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act.”
Australia became the latest country to ban animal testing for cosmetics earlier this year.
The country will also no longer accept results derived from animal experiments as evidence of cosmetic efficacy and safety.
- Canada moves one step closer to a cosmetics animal testing ban
- Animal testing ban in US takes one step closer
- China gives non-animal testing the green light
- P&G joins the campaign against animal testing as Humane Society International's new partner