Updated, 11:02

A EUROPE-WIDE BAN on testing cosmetic products on animals comes into effect across the EU today.

The cosmetics directive – originally agreed by EU states in 1976, but which has been continually deferred and refined since then – has been coming into effect on a phased basis since 2004, when testing of finished cosmetics on animals was banned.

Limited testing of ingredients in cosmetics was permitted until 2009, with exemptions granted for a small number of cases such as skin conditions – but those exceptions are removed from today, irrespective of whether a non-animal alternative is available.

The measures taking effect today also make it illegal for products manufactured outside of the EU, and which were tested on animals outside the 27-nation bloc, to be sold within the union.

A cosmetics industry spokesman told TheJournal.ie that the industry was “committed to eliminating animal testing” and had made significant investment in non-animal alternatives to allow compliance with the new rules.

Statutory instruments giving legal effect to the directive came into effect in Ireland last October 31.

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