EU deal over cosmetics tested on animals

The Conciliation Committee (a body composed of representatives from the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union) reached a compromise on 7 November 2002 on banning cosmetics that involve animal testing, with a basic agreement they hope will circumvent previous legislation which never took effect because of trade concerns. It was agreed that the ban on marketing such products would not take effect until six years after the legislation entered into force, with a period of 10 years for certain products which need to be screened for their toxic effect or impact on fertility. However, the agreement was immediately attacked by the European Cosmetics Association.

Final agreement depends on negotiations to be organised shortly on the remaining subsidiary issues. This must subsequently be endorsed by the Parliament and the Council for the directive to be adopted.

http://europarl.europa.eu/code/default_en.htm http://europarl.europa.eu/code/default_en.htm

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