Updated March 8, 2021
According to its own statements, the Chinese government has created a new approach to dealing with cosmetics that are not tested on animals. From May 1st, companies will be allowed to market the most frequently imported "general cosmetics" (formerly classified as "non-special use cosmetics") without having to have animal tests carried out as before. “General cosmetics” include products such as shampoo, shower gel, lipstick, lotion and makeup.
That's great progress. Unfortunately, it does not mean that animal testing will no longer take place in the future. The affected companies must take several steps and apply for animal testing exemptions for their imported “general cosmetics”. If a company does not follow these steps or does not receive the exemption, it must continue to allow animal testing for its products. And companies that produce so-called "special cosmetics" (formerly "special use cosmetics") must continue to allow tests on animals. "Special cosmetics" are products that claim a certain function, such as "hair colors, permanent wave products, products to remove freckles, whitening products, sunscreen, anti-hair loss products and cosmetics that claim a new effectiveness". All in all, the completion of the animal testing specifications under the Cosmetic Supervision and Regulation is an important milestone - but animals abused in experiments still urgently need your help.
Original article as of September 17, 2020
In 2012, PETA was able to show that some previously cruelty-free companies had started to market their products in China and to have the animal testing required by the Chinese authorities carried out with approval. For such experiments, hundreds of thousands of animals are put through cruel and deadly poisoning tests every year, in which they are force-administered substances, chemicals are applied to their skin, or chemicals are dropped in their eyes.
New regulations in sight
However, the Chinese government is now taking new steps and is relaxing its requirements for cosmetic tests on animals. In detail, it looks like China will soon no longer require animal testing for imported cosmetics in the non-special use category (e.g. shampoo, shower gel, body lotion, make-up) in order to market these products in China may be.
China has already abandoned animal testing requirements for many other products. For example, brands such as Dove and Herbal Essences can now be listed as “cruelty-free” by PETA. The new Chinese push would be another important step against animal cruelty.
Does that mean that there will soon be no more animal testing in China?
While the latest developments may represent enormous progress, they do not mean that animal testing is no longer carried out in China. Companies that manufacture products in the "Special Use" category would have to continue to have animal testing carried out for marketing in China. This category includes special cosmetic products such as hair dyes, permanent wave products, whitening products, sunscreens or hair loss remedies. If the CSAR were passed, it would be a real milestone, but countless animals would still need our help.
What you can do
The best way to persuade companies to stop abusing animals is when consumers refuse to buy their products.
Finding products that aren't tested on animals anywhere in the world isn't as difficult as it might first appear. PETA's cruelty-free cosmetics list features more than 500 brands and companies.
