Breaking! China Accepts Certain Non-Animal Testing Methods For Cosmetics; Time To Put An End To Animal Testing!

In an effort to modernize their regulatory oversight of cosmetics, the NMPA and its scientific subordinate body, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), have been working to gain experience and build confidence in non-animal testing approaches. Specifically the agencies are requiring in-country testing capacity before test methods are submitted to the Experts Committee of Cosmetics Standards by the NIFDC.

Working under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), IIVS and the NIFDC have collaborated on projects designed to bring alternative test methods to China. A key component in this partnership is an annual hands-on training in alternatives held for provincial MPA/IFDC scientists. To date, the program has trained more than a hundred scientists in numerous test methods including the first officially approved non-animal test method, NRU 3T3 Phototoxicity assay, and the recently approved test methods DPRA and STE.

“We have seen first-hand how the partnership with NIFDC and our training program have built capacity and proficiency in alternatives,” Erin Hill, President of IIVS, said in a statement. “The opening of the alternatives laboratory at the Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control (ZJIFDC) is a wonderful example of how laboratories can expand to offer training and testing services in alternative test methods.”

Recently, IIVS was appointed to the NIFDC’s newly established Alternatives Working Group. In addition to its work with the NIFDC, IIVS collaborates with other influential groups in China, such as the Expert Committee of Cosmetics Standards and Cosmetic Review Committees, to advocate for the use and acceptance of alternative test methods.