Animal testing in cosmetics products banned in Canada

On the 27 June 2023, the Government of Canada has announced that it will prohibit the testing of cosmetic products on animals before the end of year 2023. 

Bill C-47, Budget Implementation Act, 2023, No. 1, has brought about significant changes to the Food and Drugs Act (FDA), specifically targeting cosmetic animal testing. Under these new legislative amendments, companies in Canada are now prohibited from testing cosmetic products on animals or selling cosmetics that rely on animal testing data for safety assessments. 

The global trend towards ethical cosmetic testing has seen a remarkable reduction in the practice of animal testing, which was already infrequently conducted in Canada. By adopting these changes, Canada is aligning itself with other countries that have taken proactive measures to ban cosmetic animal testing, including all European Union member states, Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Korea. 

Moreover, Health Canada is actively collaborating with the international scientific and regulatory community to explore, validate, and implement alternative methods to animal testing, extending beyond the realm of cosmetics. The agency demonstrates its commitment to this cause by providing ongoing leadership and contributing to the efforts of various committees and organizations, such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Cooperation on Alternative Test Methods (ICATM). 

Starting from 22 December 2023, cosmetic product tests that inflict pain on animals or pose a risk to their well-being will be banned. Additionally, the new law will prohibit the sale of any cosmetic product that relies on animal testing data for safety evaluations and will prevent false labeling claims suggesting a product was not tested on animals. The updated legislation introduces several exceptions to the prohibition on animal testing, which include: 

1. Data published by the Canadian government in a scientific journal or on its website. 

2. Data that is publicly available and originates from a test not conducted by manufacturers. 

3. Data obtained from testing required under the laws of Canada or another country for a substance used or previously used in a non-cosmetic product. 

4. Data derived from a test conducted before the effective date of the ban. 

5. Cosmetics that were sold in Canada prior to the effective date of the ban.