Question : BAN ON TESTING OF COSMETICS ON ANIMALS

(a) whether the Government has prohibited testing of cosmetics on animals in the country and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(b) whether the Government has approved any adequately validated alternative method in the wake of the aforesaid ban on testing of cosmetics on animals, and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure appropriate safeguards so that consumers do not suffer due to the aforesaid ban;

(d) whether the Government has conducted any impact assessment of the ban on the cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients industry, particularly with regard to the people employed in this industry; and

(e) if so, the details along with the outcome thereof?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)

(a): Yes. The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 have been amended vide Gazette notification No G.S.R. 346(E) dated 21 May, 2014 prohibiting the testing of cosmetics on animals in the country as per the recommendation of Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) made in its 65th meeting held on 25 November, 2013. This also harmonizes our regulations with the European Union’s regulation on cosmetics.

(b) & (c): As per Schedule S, read with Rule 150A of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, the cosmetics in finished form need to conform to the Indian Standard Specification laid down from time to time by the Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS). BIS has approved the oral toxicity test and/or oral mucosal irritation test as non-animal alternative tests for safety evaluation of cosmetics vide amendment dated 3 August 2013 to IS 4011:1997.

(d): No.

(e): Does not arise.