Cosmetic products: animal experiments (7th amend. to "Cosmetics Directive" 76/768/EEC)

PURPOSE : to prohibit the marketing of cosmetics where the final formulation has been tested on animals using a method other than the alternative method. COMMUNITY MEASURE : Directive 2003/15/EC of the European Parliament and of the council amending Council Directive 76/768/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to cosmetics products. CONTENT : the Council adopted, with the French delegation voting against, the Directive aimed at banning the use of animal testing for the development of cosmetic products within a period of six years, in accordance with the joint text agreed on in conciliation with the European Parliament on 3 December 2002. (Please refer to that document). The agreed text, which modifies Directive 76/768/EEC, is intended as a means of improving animal welfare without jeopardising consumer safety and the protection of human health, and without undermining the Community's respect for its international obligations. It aims to promote the development of alternative testing methods, and ensure that these methods are effectively used when they exist and that they are scientifically validated. The Directive has four main objectives: - to prohibit the testing of cosmetic products on animals; - to prohibit the testing of cosmetic ingredients on animals and the marketing of cosmetics tested on animals or containing ingredients tested on animals as soon as alternative testing methods have been validated by the Commission, with due regard to validation within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); - to align the provisions of Directive 76/768/EEC with the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO); - to improve consumer information in relation to the use of cosmetic products. The text includes deadlines for the introduction of the marketing ban and the testing ban, up to a maximum of 6 years from entry into force. The Commission is however empowered to allow Member States to derogate from the bans, by means of a committee procedure, if exceptional circumstances arise involving serious concerns for the safety of consumers. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 11/03/03. DATE FOR TRANSPOSITION : 11/09/04.�