After much advocacy and numerous promises, Canada has finally banned cosmetic testing on animals. The Canadian government successfully passed the legislation, known as the Budget Implementation Act (Bill C-47), on Thursday. Furthermore, Canada has also made it illegal to sell cosmetics that rely on new animal testing data or have false or misleading labeling regarding animal testing. This significant milestone was achieved as Bill C-47 recently cleared the Senate, effectively putting an end to cosmetic animal testing in Canada. Together with another bill, Bill S-5, Canada is actively moving towards eliminating the pain and suffering associated with animal testing. This momentous occasion showcases the impact of our collective efforts and demonstrates the support for animal welfare.
Jean-Yves Duclos, the Minister of Health for the Government of Canada, emphasized in a statement that testing cosmetics on animals is both inhumane and unnecessary. He expressed pride in fulfilling the promise to ban cosmetic animal testing and trade, reassuring Canadians that cosmetics in the country are now cruelty-free. The Minister also emphasized that the government will continue to take all necessary measures to enhance animal welfare.
Michael Bernard, the deputy director of Humane Society International/Canada, described the ban as a historic achievement resulting from the collaborative work between the government, industry, non-profit organizations, and the public. He highlighted that Canadian consumers can now be confident that the cosmetics they purchase are not a result of animal suffering, bringing about a positive change.
Animal rights advocates in Canada have long advocated for a complete ban on cosmetic testing on animals and the transition to non-animal alternatives. In March, the Liberal government announced its intention to amend the Food and Drugs Act as part of the 2023 budget, thereby prohibiting cosmetic testing on animals.
Canada joins over 40 countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, South Korea, India, Israel, and Turkey, in enacting laws to restrict or ban animal testing for cosmetics. The European Union was among the first to impose a full ban in 2013. The United States is also seeking to pass similar legislation called the Humane Cosmetics Act, with ten states already having laws in place to prohibit the sale of animal-tested cosmetics.
While China has historically required animal testing on cosmetic products, it has recently relaxed regulations. However, some cosmetic brands still engage in animal testing to be able to sell their products in the country.
The ban on cosmetic animal testing in Canada has been years in the making. The Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act was initially introduced in the Canadian Senate in 2015 but took three years to pass. It was later introduced to the House of Commons in April 2019 but was halted due to the election that year. Since then, there has been increasing pressure to abolish the practice.
During the 2021 election campaign, the Liberal Party made a pledge to end cosmetic testing on animals by 2023 and phase out toxicity testing on animals by 2035.
Darren Praznik, the CEO of Cosmetics Alliance Canada, expressed that the newly passed legislation was long overdue. He noted that since the issue was first raised in Parliament in 2015, his organization has been working closely with Health Canada to align on principles and ensure the ban complies with the Canadian regulatory framework.
Instead of animal testing, cosmetic manufacturers can now utilize alternative methods such as computer models, artificial skins, cornea models, in vitro assays, and organs-on-chip technology.
Overall, this ban on cosmetic animal testing marks a significant step forward for animal welfare in Canada, and it illustrates the power of collective efforts in achieving positive change.
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