Information about animal research in Sweden
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Are cosmetics tested on animals?

Photo: European comission 2007.

Tests on artificial skin in test tubes replaces animals.

Testing of cosmetics on animals has been prohibited in Sweden since 2004, but imported products may have been tested and developed with the help of animal research. Since March 11, 2009 the testing of ingredients in cosmetics on animals and the sale of animal-tested cosmetics is prohibited throughout the European Union.

 

  • The ban includes cosmetics imported from countries outside of EU. There is, however, an exception regarding tests repeated use
  • impact on fertility, and
  • studies on how the substances are taken up in the blood, broken down, and excreted. These three types of tests will be completely banned in EU starting March 11, 2013 regardless of whether or not alternatives to animal research are available.on the health effects of cosmetics in humans. It concerns: toxicity of
Published: 2009-04-15
Last updated: 2009-08-06
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The Medical products agencyexternal link, opens in new window is the responsible authority in Sweden for supervision of cosmetic and hygiene products.

European Centre for th Validation of Alternative Methods: ECVAMexternal link, opens in new window.

The european partnership for alternative strategies in animal testing.

More about cosmetic testing at The Swedish Fund for Research Without Animal Experimentsexternal link, opens in new window .

Responsible for content: Mats Ulfendahl, Secretary General of Medicine and health, Swedish Research Council.
Editor: Peter Tillhammar, Swedish Research Council. Contact: Send email to the editorial staff.