Animal testing ban on cosmetics
Learn more about the ban on cosmetics testing on animals, which took effect on December 22, 2023.
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Background
Increasing concern for the well-being of animals has driven demand by people in Canada for cruelty-free cosmetics, such as shampoos, soaps and makeup. As the demand for cruelty-free cosmetics has increased, cosmetic manufacturers have been less likely to test on animals. Many were already voluntarily reducing their reliance on animal testing data.
Many countries around the world have laws in place that ban or limit the testing of cosmetics on animals, including the European Union (EU) member countries. The EU has banned the sale of cosmetics tested on animals since 2013. Canada joined these many countries in banning the sale of cosmetics as of December 22, 2023.
About the ban
Health Canada held discussions with the cosmetics industry and key animal advocacy groups before implementing the ban. The ban covers both cosmetics imported into Canada and cosmetics manufactured in Canada.
The laws that make up the ban are part of the Food and Drugs Act (act). Any person is banned from testing cosmetics on vertebrate or invertebrate animals in Canada if:
- it may cause the animal physical or mental pain, suffering or injury and
- the purpose of the testing is to satisfy cosmetic requirements under the act or cosmetic safety requirements in another country
People are also banned from:
- selling a cosmetic in Canada if safety can't be established without relying on data from animal testing when testing may cause the animal physical or mental pain, suffering or injury, with some exceptions
- making a claim on a label or in an advertisement that the cosmetic has not been tested on animals unless they can provide evidence of the truth of this claim when asked by the Minister of Health
Cosmetic products already on the market in Canada may continue to rely on their existing animal testing data to demonstrate safety. This is consistent with how other countries have put in place their bans on cosmetic animal testing. Over time, the ban will apply to many more cosmetics as new cosmetics are introduced to Canada and existing cosmetics are reformulated.
The ban and the cosmetics industry
To meet the Canadian requirements, industry must:
- not test any cosmetics on animals in Canada to establish the cosmetic is safe for the purpose of satisfying cosmetic requirements under the act or another country's cosmetic requirements
- ensure the safety of any new cosmetic product sold in Canada can be established relying strictly on allowable data
- data not derived from animal testing
- data satisfying the relevant exceptions
- ensure that any claims stating the cosmetic was not tested on animals can be supported by evidence
To help industry comply with the requirements, Health Canada has developed the following guidance document:
Enforcing the ban
Health Canada will enforce the ban on cosmetic animal testing by responding to complaints and incident reports made by people in Canada.
We will review each complaint to determine if it contains enough information for us to take action. We may ask the person who filed the complaint for more information if needed.
We will not pursue the complaint if:
- the evidence provided to support the complaint is not credible
- the product targeted by the complaint is not subject to the relevant requirement of the ban
- for example, the product relies on animal testing data and was sold before December 22, 2023, meaning the data may be used
We will take appropriate action if we find that industry has violated the ban on cosmetic animal testing.
Other animal testing in Canada
The ban won't interfere with other legislative regimes in Canada where animal testing is still needed to demonstrate safety until internationally accepted alternative methods become available. Examples include testing of pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
Health Canada continues to support the development and use of alternatives to animal testing both within Canada and through our participation on national and international scientific committees.
To file a complaint
You may file a complaint if you:
- believe that 1 of the requirements of the ban on cosmetic animal testing has been violated and
- can provide or point to credible evidence that we can review when processing your complaint
Examples of credible evidence include:
- photographs
- links to scientific data
- links to scientific journals
- documentation from the company or an employee of the company
You can help us with our assessment by providing as many details as possible. The following sections outline the steps to take for different scenarios and how to submit a complaint.
Use the following form to submit your complaint:
If you believe cosmetics are being tested on animals in Canada after Dec 22, 2023
Under the first tab "Tell us what happened," include the following information:
- where testing took place
- for example, address of facility
- period during which the testing is suspected to have taken place
- for example, between Jan 1, 2024, and March 1, 2024
- reason for believing the testing took place
- for example, witnessed testing
- link to report describing the testing
- additional details
- for example, type of testing and type of animal involved in the testing
Under the second tab "Tell us about the product," include as much information as possible about the product that was involved in the described incident. Upload any photos, documentation or other information.
Complete the final 2 tabs. Be sure to give us your contact information.
If you believe the safety of a cosmetic sold in Canada cannot be established without relying on data from animal testing
Under the first tab "Tell us what happened," include the following information:
- a detailed description of the safety data you suspect the company relied on for the given product
- the reasons that led you to believe the company relied on this data
- a description of how the safety data violates the ban
- the brand name of the product
Under the second tab "Tell us about the product," include as much information as possible about the product for which the safety data is in question. Upload any photos, documentation or other information.
Complete the final 2 tabs. Be sure to give us your contact information.
If you believe that claims about animal testing made on a label or in an advertisement are false
Under the first tab "Tell us what happened," include the following information:
- the name and type of cosmetic product
- for example, shampoo, lotion, lipstick
- the wording of the claim made on the label or in the advertisement
- the reason you believe the claim is false
- include any evidence supporting your conclusion
Under the second tab "Tell us about the product," include as much information as possible about the product that was involved in the described incident. Upload any photos, documentation or other information.
Complete the final 2 tabs. Be sure to give us your contact information.
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