The Colombian Senate Votes To Ban Animal Testing For Cosmetics; Bill Now Moves To President’s Desk For Signature

Last week, the Colombian Senate voted to ban cosmetics testing on animals. The new bill, which will come into effect in 2024, prohibits the use of animals for the purpose of testing cosmetic products and their ingredients imported or manufactured in Colombia.

The Senate was almost unanimous in voting for the bill to pass. Congress sessions had been postponed due to COVID-19, but resumed virtually so that the bill and other legislative initiatives could be discussed.

With many multinational companies based in Colombia serving the Latin American market, the measure will also impact Pacific Alliance countries such as: Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.

Animal Defenders International (ADI) provided research and testimony in support of the bill that was introduced in 2018, and worked with House Representative and the author of the bill Juan Carlos Losada to advance the legislation. The bill is supported by the Colombian Government, National Association of Businessmen, and all 14 political parties.

“Supported by the public, we are delighted that this historic and anticipated initiative to protect animals has finally been approved,” Losada said in a statement.

The legislative text will now, and before June 20th, be reconciled in both Houses, in readiness for the President to sign into law.

“Today, Colombia becomes a better and more humane society, stated Senate co-author of the bill Richard Aguilar. “The prohibition of cosmetics testing on animals will avoid the suffering of thousands of sentient beings and lead to the development of new methods of research.”

Nearly 40 countries have ended the use of animals in cosmetics tests. The UK was the first country to introduce a ban in 1998, as well as India, Israel, New Zealand, and the 27 countries of the European Union.

In the United States, The Humane Cosmetics Act is before Congress and seeks to phase out animal testing for cosmetics, as well as the sale of animal-tested products.

Cosmetics tests on animals can include repeated, toxic doses of products to observe long-term poisonous effects on organs. The animals may be forced to inhale products, or have them pumped down their throats or applied to their skin. In skin sensitization tests to assess potential allergic reactions, researchers cause painful damage to the animals’ skin in order to test products.

Investigations undertaken by ADI have exposed terrible suffering of animals used in cosmetics testing, including racks of rabbits restrained while products are dripped into their eyes, also guinea pigs suffering raw and inflamed skin lesions.

Tests such as these are unnecessary!

Advanced scientific methods that do not involve harming animals are readily available and should be used. Such methods produce results that are more accurate and relevant to humans

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and in your glass. #GoVeg