US Moves Towards National Ban on Cosmetic Animal Testing

On September 12, 2023, a bipartisan group of legislators reintroduced an updated version of the Humane Cosmetics Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation is to bring an end to animal-based testing for cosmetics within the United States and to prohibit the sales of any cosmetic product that has been tested on animals after the date of enactment. Those found in violation of the new regulation will be subject to civil penalties under U.S. law, emphasizing the seriousness and enforceability of the proposed legislation.

The reintroduced act will undergo review and deliberation in Congress. If it receives a majority vote of approval, it will lead to a nationwide ban on the animal-tested cosmetics one year after its enactment.

Progress of the Cosmetic Animal Testing Ban in the US

To date, 11 US states, including California, Nevada, Illinois, Hawaii, Maryland, Maine, New Jersey, Virginia, Louisiana, New York, and Oregon, have already passed bans on animal testing for cosmetics. Companies intending to sell their products in these states must already adopt alternative non-animal test methods. 

Globally, 44 countries have already prohibited new animal testing for cosmetics, leaving the US as the sole country in North America yet to pass legislation to end this practice. Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, highlights the urgency for the US to align with international standards and emphasizes the growing global momentum towards eliminating cosmetic animal testing.

For more information on the latest global cosmetic animal testing regulations, please refer to ChemLinked's webinar: 2022 Global Cosmetic Animal Testing Regulation Updates Recap.