Cosmetic products: animal experiments (7th amend. to "Cosmetics Directive" 76/768/EEC)
2000/0077(COD)
The amendments accepted by the Commission concern:
- the inclusion of a reference to Directive 86/609/EEC relating to the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes;
- increasing the efforts in the development and validation of alternative methods, as it is already foreseen for the implementation of the Chemical policy;
- the addition of the following paragraph: "The Commission shall in particular ensure the development, validation and legal acceptance of alternative test methods which do not use live animals";
- the principle of the listing of the recognised fragrance allergens in Annex III of Directive 76/768/EEC according to the suggested modalities (setting of threshold levels suggested by the SCCNFP). However, according to Directive 76/768/EEC, the proposed modification of Annex III has to be implemented via a Commission Directive adapting to technical progress, adopted under the comitology procedure.
On the other hand, the Commission rejected the amendments concerning :
- the requests for the Commission to present another proposal for amending Directive 86/609/EEC;
- the EU testing ban for ingredients;
- the deletion of the prioritisation of alternative methods (according to the 3Rs principle: replacement, reduction, refinement) introduced in the Common Position supported by the Commission;
- the setting up of a fixed timetable for the tests within 5 years;
- restricting the scope of research to non-animal alternative methods without taking into account the 3Rs principle;
- reintroducing the marketing ban as and when alternatives are available, with a definitive date after which no products can be marketed if tested on animals, whether or not there are validated alternatives. Having noted the concerns of public opinion, it will stimulate discussions on trade and animal welfare in a multilateral forum;
- the additional requirement of compulsory labelling "tested on animals";
- to avoid use of fragrances in some categories except when they fulfil specific purposes;
- a general ban which is contrary to the principle of risk assessment set up in Directive 76/768/EEC;
- ingredients potentially allergenic;
- the definition of finished products. This definition has already been reconsidered in the Common Position with the aim of achieving a consistent and coherent legislation;
- publishing all data concerning each cosmetic product in the Inventory;
- the durability of cosmetic products;
- achieving a full ingredient listing, including perfume composition;
- product information, the current legislation already specifies that the information is accessible for control authorities for control purposes;
- suggesting additional data on animal tests performed should be included in the product information required for each cosmeticproduct put on the market;
- the request for an annual report.�