Question : COSMESTICS TESTED ON ANIMALS

(a) whether the Government has made/ proposes to make certain amendments in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the rules framed thereunder with regard to testing of cosmetics on animals in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government proposes to prohibit testing of cosmetics on animals and ban the marketing of cosmetics which have been tested on animals in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has also received demands/representations to impose ban on import and marketing of cosmetics tested on animals abroad; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a) & (b): The Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945 have been amended vide Gazette Notification G.S.R 346(E) dated 21.05.2014 prohibiting testing of cosmetics on animals in the country.

(c) & (d): (i) Representations have been received by the Government, both supporting and opposing the ban on import and marketing of cosmetics tested on animals abroad.

(ii) Comments of stakeholders have been sought regarding insertion of new provisions under the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945 for prohibiting the import of cosmetics prepared after testing on animals. The draft rules for the purpose were published in the Gazette Notification G.S.R 311(E) dated 05.05.2014.