Governments to delay cosmetics ban

Date: 04/05/2000

By Renée Cordes

EU GOVERNMENTS are set to support calls for a planned ban on the marketing of cosmetics tested on animals to be delayed, amid concerns that the measure would violate international trade rules.

Experts from the 15 member states are expected to endorse the European Commission's proposal to postpone the ban, which was due to enter into force on 1 July, at a meeting tomorrow (5 May).

Supporters of a delay argue that it is vital to avert potentially damaging disputes with the Union's trading partners. The Commission is calling instead for a full-scale ban on testing finished cosmetic products on animals, insisting that this would be a more effective way to protect their welfare.

Under its latest proposal, member states would be required to end these tests within three years, except in cases where there are no viable alternatives.

Animal welfare groups have repeatedly urged the EU executive not to delay the marketing ban, which was originally due to take effect in 1998, insisting that it is vital to prevent cosmetic firms from conducting tests which might be harmful to animals.

But the cosmetic industry argues that the marketing ban should be abandoned completely and it should be left up to firms to continue their search for alternative testing methods.

EU governments are set to support calls for a planned ban on the marketing of cosmetics tested on animals to be delayed, amid concerns that the meaure would violate international trade rules.