China FDA Make Giant Leap towards Realizing a Cruelty Free Cosmetic Sector

Take home:

• An internal notification released by CFDA specifies that China’s first alternative to animal testing “In Vitro 3T3 NRU Phototoxicity Test for Chemicals in Cosmetics” was reviewed and passed by the Cosmetic Expert Committee.

Our sources have reliably informed us that China Food and Drug Administration has approved an alternative to animal testing of cosmetics ingredients, specifically the in-vitro 3T3 NRU phototoxicity test. An official notification relating to the alternative has been internally circulated in the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) which is responsible for formulating cosmetic technical standards including testing methods.

The internal notification specifies that the alternative “In Vitro 3T3 NRU Phototoxicity Test for Chemicals in Cosmetics” was reviewed and passed by the Cosmetic Expert Committee. The alternative will be added to Chapter 6 of Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics 2015 (STSC), as the 18th toxicological test. It is still unclear if this new test will be acceptable by the implementation date of China’s new cosmetic technical standard the STSC, which will enter into force on Dec 1st 2016.

The specific technical contents of the testing method are still unclear although given regulatory trends in China’s cosmetic sector we can expect it to align with global standards in this area. Technical experts at REACH24h expect the testing method to be the same as OECD Testing of Chemicals Guideline 432 namely the “In Vitro 3T3 NRU Phototoxicity Test”. 

“It’s a historic breakthrough.” Ms. Jiang from Mary Kay noted. “Companies, institutions and associations adhering to cruelty-free have been endeavoring to realize this goal for 10 years. It is the result of unremitting and collective efforts of many organizations. The approval of this alternative gives us confidence. We will continue efforts to realize the acceptance of more alternatives to animal testing.”

The move is the first major step in realizing a total ban of animal testing in China. The softening of CFDA’s stance and the continuous endeavor of organizations will definitely lead to the implementation of a greater variety of alternative testing methods and provide new market opportunities for companies that have avoided the Chinese market due to ethical considerations.