WRITTEN QUESTION E-1923/96 by Thomas Megahy (PSE) to the Commission (16 July 1996)

Subject: Testing of cosmetics on animals

Recent reports in the UK press have suggested that the Commission is considering proposing an indefinite postponement of the ban on the testing of cosmetics on animals currently scheduled for 1998

Is there any truth in these suggestions and, if so, what possible justification can there be for such a postponement?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission (9 September 1996)

The Commission attaches the highest importance to the development of alternative methods to animal testing in the field of cosmetics.

The situation and the progress made in this field in 1995, as well as the perspectives for validation, the funding of research and the actions of the European centre for the validation of alternative methods will be described in the 1995 report on the development, validation and legal acceptance of alternative methods, which should be adopted by the Commission in the course of the coming days.

The Commission has, by 1 January 1997, to submit draft measures to postpone the date of implementation of the ban on animal testing in those fields where satisfactory methods to replace animal testing are not expected to be ready by 1 January 1998, according to the latest information available in the autumn of 1996.

The Commission supports all efforts to reduce and suppress animal suffering, but also has to ensure the safety of products offered to the consumer.