China's Animal Testing Laws May 1, 2021 - What You Need To Know! (2024)

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China's Animal Testing Laws May 1, 2021 - What You Need To Know! (1)

On May 1, 2021, China implemented updates and changes to its animal testing laws. Under the new regulations, some cosmetics may qualify to be exempt from their animal testing requirements.

Note that the changes do not apply to all cosmetics and that cosmetic companies will need to jump through hoops before they can be exempt from China’s animal testing requirements.

This can be confusing to understand from a consumer standpoint. So, I’ve created an infographic to help illustrate and navigate through China’s latest animal testing laws.

You’re welcome to share the infographic but please do not edit, crop, translate, or modify the original image in any form.

China's Animal Testing Laws May 1, 2021 - What You Need To Know! (2)

China & Animal Testing FAQ’s

See below for a list of frequently asked questions I get about China’s animal testing laws:

What’s the difference between General Cosmetics vs. Special Cosmetics?

Special Cosmetics (or Special-Use Cosmetics) are products that make a functional claim like hair dyes, hair perming products, sunscreens, whitening products, anti-hair loss, and cosmetics claiming new efficacy.

General Cosmetics (or Ordinary Cosmetics or Non-Special-Use Cosmetics) are pretty much everything else and include makeup, skincare, hair care products, nail polish, and perfumes.

Are cosmetics ‘Made in China’ required to be tested on animals?

No. Just because a cosmetic company is manufacturing their cosmetics in China does not mean they are required to test on animals. In fact, since 2014, general cosmetics that are manufactured and sold in China do not require pre-market animal testing, if reliable safety assessment reports are provided.

Animal tests are only required for cosmetics that are imported and sold in China.

A cosmetic company says they only sell online to China, are they required to test on animals?

No. As long as the company is only selling their cosmetics online and then shipping directly to their customers in China, they are not required to test on animals. The same goes for cosmetics sold on an online Chinese shopping website like Tmall, Taobao, or JD, which do not require animal testing.

Animal tests are required for cosmetics that are sold in physical stores (and not online) in mainland China.

Are cosmetics sold in Hong Kong required to be tested on animals?

No. Since Hong Kong is not part of mainland China they don’t have the same animal testing laws. Cosmetic companies can choose to only sell in Hong Kong stores and will not be required to test on animals.

What is post-market animal testing?

Post-market testing is conducted after the cosmetic product is already sold on store shelves in mainland China. It’s the opposite of Pre-market testing, where tests are conducted before the products are available for sale.

Post-market testing in China may be conducted in the event of a customer complaint or to check to see if the product sitting on store shelves is authentic and is the same as what’s in their records.

Currently, there are conflicting opinions on whether post-market testing in China is still conducted on animal test subjects. Read more about this complex topic here. It seems like it’s rare and hasn’t happened in years but it’s not excluded.

Are sunscreens and hair dyes sold in China required to be tested on animals?

Yes. Sunscreens and hair dyes are considered Special-Use Cosmetics and if they’re sold in China, they are still required by law to be tested on animals.

So, does that mean a brand’s ‘general cosmetics’ can be considered cruelty-free but just not their sunscreens and hair dyes?

When we evaluate brands to determine if they’re cruelty-free or not, we generally look at the overall brand and not individual products. If a brand sells some of their ‘Special-Use Cosmetics’ in China, they are choosing to engage and pay to have those products tested on animals. Therefore, we wouldn’t consider the brand to be cruelty-free even if they sell some General Cosmetics that may be exempt from animal testing. Brands can’t be 78% cruelty-free, it’s either 100% or not.

Does this mean a lot of brands are now considered cruelty-free that have been selling in China all these years (like MAC Cosmetics, L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, Aveeno)?

No. Companies will need to obtain and submit specific certificates and documents from very specific authorities in order to be exempt from China’s animal testing requirements.

In other words, companies will need to jump through hoops and hurdles before they can import and sell their cosmetics in China while avoiding new animal tests.

Only cosmetic companies that are willing and able to go through the proper process will be considered cruelty-free in the future.

Is animal testing for cosmetics in China banned in 2021?

No. China has not banned or made it illegal to test cosmetics or their ingredients on animals. These new changes have only lifted the requirement for some (not all) cosmetics imported and sold in their country.

Although it’s not required for some cosmetics, it’s still not illegal if companies or suppliers choose to conduct animal tests in China.

So, what’s changed then?

General imported cosmetics can be exempted from China’s animal testing requirements after May 1, 2021, but only if they qualify under the permitted cosmetic category and they have the proper certificates and documentation from the proper authority.

Has any cosmetic company been able to qualify for exemption yet? Not that I’ve heard of but things may change in the coming months as we learn more about the requirements.

Further Reading on China’s Animal Testing Laws:

*Important Note: We can address China’s animal testing laws and regulations without criticizing the country, its culture, or its people. Or bring up the virus. I will not tolerate any comments that have racist or xenophobic undertones and will delete such comments from my site.

China's Animal Testing Laws May 1, 2021 - What You Need To Know! (2024)

FAQs

China's Animal Testing Laws May 1, 2021 - What You Need To Know!? ›

Encouragingly on May 1, 2021, China officially exempted animal testing for imported general cosmetics. Overseas cruelty-free brands can now tap into the Chinese cosmetic market under appropriate conditions.

Does China still require animal testing 2021? ›

Now, as of early January 2023, China has also stopped requiring post-market animal testing, and the country stopped using animals in these post-market tests, as well. This means that brands selling in China can ascertain cruelty-free status, in the eyes of Cruelty-Free Kitty.

Are animal tests required for all cosmetic ingredients in China? ›

No. Just because a cosmetic company is manufacturing their cosmetics in China does not mean they are required to test on animals. In fact, since 2014, general cosmetics that are manufactured and sold in China do not require pre-market animal testing, if reliable safety assessment reports are provided.

Does animal testing still happen 2021? ›

FDA no longer requires all drugs to be tested on animals before human trials In a victory for animal rights advocates, drugmakers can take their products to human clinical trials using alternative testing methods that don't involve animals.

Are all beauty products made in China tested on animals? ›

The short is answer is yes. Cosmetics made in China are generally cruelty-free. You don't need to worry if your favorite cruelty-free brand has “made in China” on their packaging as it does not automatically mean that these brands are tested on animals as required by law.

What year will animal testing stop? ›

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is ditching animal testing. The agency intends to cut back 30 percent on requests and spending on animal tests by 2025. It hopes that all requests and funding will be eliminated by 2035.

Will the US ban animal testing? ›

We are also working in several U.S. states to pass legislation that would end cosmetics testing on animals. As of December 2022, ten states (California, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and Virginia) have passed laws banning cosmetics animal testing.

Are Dove products cruelty-free? ›

Dove does not test on animals, and is PETA Approved. We have a long-standing commitment against animal testing, and since the mid-1980s we have used non-animal methods to ensure the safety of Dove products. Dove is committed to care – not just for you, but for animals too.

Does Bath and Body Works test on animals in China? ›

They state: “Bath & Body Works does not test any of our products, formulations, or ingredients on animals. Period. Our personal care products are produced in North America, Europe, and South Korea.”

Is Olay tested on animals to sell to China? ›

Is Olay Sold In China? Olay is sold in China. This is an important fact because, in China, animal testing is required by law. This means that if a brand sells its products in China, they're not cruelty-free.

How many animal tests go wrong? ›

1. More than 90% of basic scientific discoveries, most of which are from experiments on animals, fail to lead to human treatments.

How harmful is animal testing? ›

Due to the combination of low accuracy and high amounts of pain, it is difficult to argue that animal testing is not cruel. Animals such as rats, mice, dogs and chimpanzees are burned, poisoned, crippled, starved or abused in other ways via drugs, confinement or other invasive procedures.

Are animals killed after animal testing? ›

Animals are typically killed once an experiment is over so that their tissues and organs can be examined, although it is not unusual for animals to be used in multiple experiments over many years. There are no accurate statistics available on how many animals are killed in laboratories every year.

Is makeup from China safe? ›

The likely culprit is toxic dyes. Blue 1, Red 5, Yellow 5 and 6 — each linked to certain cancers, are commonly used as base colorant in eyeshadows, blush, and lipsticks imported from China. Lead and Arsenic: Two very toxic substances should never be found in ingredients that are applied to your face.

Is elf makeup made in China? ›

Despite the China market exit, almost all of E.l.f.'s products are sourced and manufactured in China, according to the brand's financial report for fiscal 2022 published last May.

Is Elf a Chinese brand? ›

e.l.f. Cosmetics is an American cosmetics brand based in Oakland, California. It was founded by Joseph Shamah and Scott Vincent Borba in 2004.

What animals are suffering from animal testing? ›

Each year, it is estimated that more than 50 million dogs, cats, monkeys, rabbits, rats and other animals are forced to endure painful experiments in the U.S. These animals are deliberately sickened with toxic chemicals or infected with diseases, live in barren cages and are typically killed when the experiment ends.

Why can't we replace animal testing? ›

Studies that do not use animals can produce much valuable information, but they cannot completely replace the information gained from animal experiments. Only animals can demonstrate the effects of a disease, injury, treatment, or preventive measure on a complex organism.

What percent of animals are killed after animal testing? ›

As it turns out, the vast majority of animals - 97 percent - are killed at the end of experimentation. Just a small fraction of animals, 6,286 in total, were returned to nature or to their habitat.

What 5 states have banned animal testing? ›

State bans on animal testing - what they do and what they exempt. More US states are moving to ban animal testing of cosmetics. Nine states now have bans: California, Nevada, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland, Maine, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Louisiana.

How many animals are killed from animal testing in the US? ›

It Is Estimated More Than 110 Million Animals Are Killed in the U.S. Annually for Experimentation Purposes. (PETA)

Are medicines tested on animals? ›

The use of animals in research is currently an essential component of the drug discovery process. Animals help us advance our scientific understanding, serve as models to study disease, help us develop and test potential new medicines and therapies.

Is Burt's Bees cruelty-free? ›

Do you test on animals? Burt's Bees does not test its products on animals nor do we ask others to do so on our behalf. You'll see the Leaping Bunny seal on our packaging to reinforce our commitment.

Is Dawn dish soap cruelty-free? ›

And unfortunately, the answer is: Dawn dish soap is not cruelty-free or vegan. Dawn allows its products or ingredients to be tested on animals when required by law. Dawn is also owned by Procter & Gamble, a parent corporation that is also not cruelty-free and tests on animals.

Is vaseline lotion cruelty-free? ›

Vaseline is NOT Cruelty-Free. Vaseline engages in animal testing by allowing its products to be animal-tested. Vaseline is also owned by Unilever, a parent company that does engage in animal testing.

Does Sephora test on animals? ›

FAQ. Are Sephora Collection products cruelty-free? No, Sephora Collection products are not cruelty-free. Although Sephora as a brand does not test its finished products on animals, they nevertheless pay others to test its products on animals “where required by law.” This means that Sephora is not cruelty-free.

Does Colgate do animal testing? ›

Is Colgate Cruelty-Free? Colgate is NOT Cruelty-Free. Colgate engages in animal testing by allowing its products to be animal-tested.

Is CeraVe cruelty-free? ›

No, CeraVe products are not cruelty-free.

The brand and its parent company might test its products on animals (especially when required by law, they admitted to doing this).

Does Mary Kay test on animals in China? ›

Mary Kay is NOT Cruelty-free. Mary Kay sells its products in mainland China where animal testing is mandatory for most imported cosmetics. As a result, Mary Kay pays and allows its products to be tested on animals when required by law.

Is Neutrogena cruelty-free and vegan? ›

They may test on animals, either themselves, through their suppliers, or a third party. Neutrogena is owned by a parent company that is not cruelty-free and is sold in China. On top of that, the brand is not entirely vegan, not fragrance-free, or paraben-free.

What are the worst facts about animal testing? ›

Over 100 million animals are burned, crippled, poisoned, and abused in US labs every year. 92% of experimental drugs that are safe and effective in animals fail in human clinical trials because they are too dangerous or don't work.

How are humans harmed from animal testing? ›

The use of nonpredictive animal experiments can cause human suffering in at least two ways: (1) by producing misleading safety and efficacy data and (2) by causing potential abandonment of useful medical treatments and misdirecting resources away from more effective testing methods.

Should we stop animal testing? ›

In conclusion, animal testing and research must be banned worldwide, as it is against animals' rights and causes unwanted suffering to lab animals. Also, now there are other available methods to test product toxicity. Cruelty against animals should not be taken lightly just because they are not “humans.”

Why shouldn't we ban animal testing? ›

Animal testing contributes to life-saving cures and treatments. Animal testing is crucial to ensure that vaccines are safe. There is no adequate alternative to testing on a living, whole-body system. Animals are appropriate research subjects because they are similar to human beings in many ways.

What animal is most tested on? ›

Uses in Research. Mice and rats make up approximately 95% of all laboratory animals, with mice the most commonly used animal in biomedical research.

How many animals don t survive animal testing? ›

Each year, more than 110 million animals—including mice, rats, frogs, dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, monkeys, fish, and birds—are killed in U.S. laboratories for biology lessons, medical training, curiosity-driven experimentation, and chemical, drug, food, and cosmetics testing.

Can humans breed with any other animals? ›

Probably not. Ethical considerations preclude definitive research on the subject, but it's safe to say that human DNA has become so different from that of other animals that interbreeding would likely be impossible.

What country has the safest beauty products? ›

While there are cultural differences in each country, consumers are demanding high quality as a factor in beauty products. According to one survey, the highest-quality beauty products come from Japan, the United States, and France (in that order).

Is China Made in China safe? ›

But these manufacturing standards depend on the factory itself, not the country they are made in. Toxic and chemical-heavy products have more to do with individual factories as opposed to the country in which they are made. Products that are made in China are generally as safe as other countries.

Is Shein makeup from China? ›

Shein (/ˈʃiːɪn/ SHEE-in; styled as SHEIN; Chinese: 希音; pinyin: Xīyīn) is a Chinese online fast fashion retailer headquartered in Singapore. Founded in Nanjing, China in October 2008 as ZZKKO by entrepreneur Chris Xu, Shein grew to become the world's largest fashion retailer as of 2022.

Is Mac cruelty-free? ›

WORKING TOWARD A CRUELTY-FREE WORLD

M·A·C does not test on animals. We do not own any animal testing facilities and we never ask others to test on animals for us.

Where is Covergirl made? ›

CoverGirl is an American cosmetics brand founded in Maryland, United States, by the Noxzema Chemical Company.

Are Maybelline products cruelty-free? ›

At Maybelline, we care for animal welfare and do not test on animals. Instead, we practice effective, non-animal ways to ensure the safety of our cosmetic products. - Our Maybelline labs carry out testing using reconstructed skin (L'Oreal's Episkin), which is created with human skin cells to mimic real skin.

What beauty brands are leaving China? ›

Since last summer, brands including Too Faced, owned by The Estée Lauder Companies, Huda Beauty and South Korean skin-care brand The Face Shop have left China's $7.4 billion beauty and skin-care market.

Is elf a vape brand? ›

Elf Bar vape brand was established in 2018 in China town Shenzhen, Guangdong, 51800. Nowadays, the Elf Bar vapes company producing e-cigarettes is based in California, the United States, but its products come from China.

Can something made in China be cruelty-free? ›

The short is answer is yes. Cosmetics made in China are generally cruelty-free. You don't need to worry if your favorite cruelty-free brand has “made in China” on their packaging as it does not automatically mean that these brands are tested on animals as required by law.

Is animal testing mandatory in China? ›

Special-Use Cosmetics are still required to be tested on animals. That also includes special-use cosmetics that were manufactured or made in China. If it's sold in China and it's considered a special-use cosmetic, then animal testing is required by law, regardless if it was made in China.

Did China end mandatory animal testing for a majority of cosmetics? ›

Effective May 1, 2021, so-called “general cosmetics” imported in China will be exempted from animal testing. Brands will need to provide GMP certificates and a safety assessment of the products.

How many states have banned animal testing 2021? ›

Nine states now have bans: California, Nevada, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland, Maine, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Louisiana. These efforts are supported by industry, largely because they reflect current industry practice.

Is animal testing still used today? ›

Video: Watch what scientists have to say about alternatives to animal testing. It is estimated that more than 115 million animals worldwide are used in laboratory experiments every year.

Is Colgate toothpaste tested on animals? ›

Colgate is NOT Cruelty-Free. Colgate engages in animal testing by allowing its products to be animal-tested.

What is being done about animal cruelty in China? ›

There are currently no nationwide laws in China that explicitly prohibit the mistreatment of animals, except for a more generic law protecting wildlife.

Does the US allow animal testing for cosmetics? ›

Does FDA require animal testing for cosmetics? The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act does not specifically require the use of animals in testing cosmetics for safety, nor does it subject cosmetics to FDA premarket approval.

Does Mac test on animals in China? ›

Because MAC has decided to sell in mainland China stores, they must consent and pay to have their products tested on animals. That's why most cosmetics brands selling in mainland China cannot be considered cruelty-free in 2023.

Which states have the strongest animal cruelty laws? ›

2022 U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings
  • Massachusetts.
  • California.
  • Washington.
  • Texas.
  • Indiana.
  • New Hampshire.
  • Michigan.
  • Virginia.

How bad is animal testing in the US? ›

Each year, it is estimated that more than 50 million dogs, cats, monkeys, rabbits, rats and other animals are forced to endure painful experiments in the U.S. These animals are deliberately sickened with toxic chemicals or infected with diseases, live in barren cages and are typically killed when the experiment ends.

What happens to animals after testing? ›

What happens to the animals once an experiment is over? Animals are typically killed once an experiment is over so that their tissues and organs can be examined, although it is not unusual for animals to be used in multiple experiments over many years.

How many animals have died because of animal testing? ›

It Is Estimated More Than 110 Million Animals Are Killed in the U.S. Annually for Experimentation Purposes. (PETA)

What replaced animal testing? ›

Some examples include:
  • Testing cells and tissues in test tubes or cell cultures.
  • 3D tissue culture, also referred to as organs-on-a-chip.
  • Computational and mathematical models.
  • Stem cell research.
  • Non-invasive diagnostic imaging.
  • Clinical research. involving people.
Aug 19, 2022

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