REACH-required animal testing of cosmetics-only ingredients is banned by United Kingdom

The UK Government recently informed Parliament that they will no longer grant licenses for animal testing of chemicals that are exclusively intended for use in cosmetic products. The licensing ban came into force on 17 May 2023.

The UK Government is fully committed to minimizing the use of animals in scientific research, whenever scientifically viable, and holds strong confidence in the capabilities of the UK science sector and industry to provide alternative solutions.

This move has positioned the UK at odds with the EU, as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) mandates the testing of cosmetics-only ingredients on animals as a last resort to ensure worker and environmental safety within the framework of REACH.

Regarding cosmetic regulations, manufacturers are obligated to demonstrate the safety of their products for consumer use. In 1998, the UK implemented a ban on animal testing for consumer safety of cosmetics and their ingredients, which remains in effect to this day.

However, under the chemicals regulations, known as the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regime, chemical manufacturers and importers must prove the potential hazards of the chemicals they place on the market to human health and the environment. This requirement encompasses chemicals utilized as ingredients in cosmetics. In certain instances where no validated alternatives exist, animal testing has been employed as a last resort in the past.

It's important to note that the REACH regime operates separately from consumer cosmetics regulations, serving a distinct purpose. This distinction has allowed for the possibility of animal testing when it comes to chemicals used in cosmetics production. As a result, a limited number of time-limited licenses were issued between 2019 and 2022. The government acknowledges the public's concerns regarding animal testing of cosmetic ingredients and recognizes the newfound opportunities to diverge from the EU testing regime.

Recently, the UK High Court dismissed a legal challenge brought forth by an animal rights organization, which claimed that the government had neglected to communicate its alignment with the EU's approach.