WRITTEN QUESTION E-3710/97 by Phillip Whitehead (PSE) to the Commission (19 November 1997)

Subject: Animals and cosmetic testing

Would the Commission consider giving the Eco-label a cruelty free dimension?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (15 January 1998)

The Community eco-label award scheme, established by Council Regulation (EEC) No 880/92 on a Community eco-label award scheme ((OJ L 99, 11.4.1992. )) does not provide for the establishment of criteria specifically aimed at animal welfare. However, an eco-label may not be awarded to products which do not comply with Community legislation applicable to animal testing such as Directive 86/609/EEC on the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes ((OJ L 358, 18.12.1986. )).

So far the problem has been purely hypothetical, given that eco-labelling criteria have not been established for product groups, such as cosmetics.

In the Commission proposal ((COM(96) 603 final. )) to revise Regulation (EEC) No 880/92 there are no specific animal testing protection requirements.