China to end pre-market animal testing in 2021

Updated 7/10/2020

Animal testing is completely banned in Europe and Australia, and the United States is working on it, with several states taking the first step into banning cosmetics that are tested on animals. Those of us who choose cruelty-free products know that animal testing is unnecessary and more inaccurate than other ethical testing procedures. Humans can react differently than animals and these tests have unreliable results. So, a question I get often is “Why does China still require animal testing?”

Despite China having strict regulations on product safety and the use of animal testing, they are progressively lighting up on these regulations and taking the steps toward cruelty-free cosmetics regulation. Keep reading for the latest update and timeline of how China’s regulations have evolved since they began to make positive change on their animal testing regulations.

China to end pre-market animal testing in 2021

On July 3, 2020 China’s leaders made a HUGE announcement stating that they will end their pre-market animal testing policy in 2021 on ordinary imported cosmetics. This is truly amazing news and a huge leap towards making China completely cruelty-free!! Any imported special-use cosmetics will still require animal testing, and post-market animal testing can still occur on any product if there is a consumer complaint, but this announcement is definitely worth celebrating.

Below, I break down the Chinese animal testing laws and what qualifies a beauty product to comply with these laws:

1. Any imported ordinary cosmetic (not made in China) sold in mainland China requires pre-market animal testing and is also subject to post-market animal testing (pulled off the shelves). The pre-market animal testing requirement will end in 2021.
2. Any ordinary cosmetic made and sold in China is not required to perform pre-market animal testing but is still subject to post-market animal testing.
3. Any special-use cosmetic sold in China that has a specific claim, like antiperspirant, deodorant and sunscreen, requires pre-market animal testing and is subject to post-market animal testing (pulled off the shelves).
4. Any cosmetic that is made in China but not sold in China is not subject to or required to be tested on animals.

China’s Animal Testing Regulations Timeline

2020 – On July 3rd, Humane Society International announced that China will end their pre-market animal testing policy in 2021 on ordinary imported cosmetics.  “Effective Jan. 1, 2021, imported ordinary cosmetics such as shampoo, blusher, mascara and perfume may no longer have to be animal tested for eye and skin irritation in Chinese laboratories. Ordinary cosmetics make up the bulk of personal care products imported to China; so-called “special” cosmetics will still require animal testing.” – HSI.org. Special cosmetics refers to products that make claims, such as antiperspirant, deodorant and sunscreen. Post-market animal testing can still occur on any product sold in China and may still involve animals during non-routine tests, such as a consumer complaint.

2019 – Pre-market testing remains unchanged. Post-market testing in China no longer includes animals during routine tests. However, post-market testing may still involve animals during non-routine tests, such as a consumer complaint. China has not yet accepted a non-animal, alternative test to skin/eye irritations.

2014 – Products made in China and do not claim a specific function, do not require pre-market animal testing. If any product is made in China but it is not sold in China, it does not require any animal testing. However, all products sold in China are still subject to post-market animal testing.

Why does China require Animal Testing?

To put it simply, they still require animal testing for the same reason why animal testing is not completely banned in the United States yet. Awareness. When did we in the US start becoming aware that animal testing is not reliable and is unnecessary? Maybe two decades ago when the internet boomed? The Chinese community still has that lack of awareness around animal testing which is slowing down the change for it.

There is still a lack of awareness in China that animal testing is cruel and there’s a belief that animal testing is still safer than alternative methods. Because of this, the Chinese authorities do not feel that same pressure that are on the US or European governments. In China, many people also carry anxiety about the safety of products in general, including food and water. They believe that animal testing is keeping them safe.

Final Thoughts

For now, China is still not cruelty-free in either pre-market or post-market testing. No brand that sells in China is on the Ultimate Guide: Cruelty-Free Beauty Brands list, but their continued efforts towards becoming cruelty-free give me high hopes for the future.

If this gave you a better understanding of Chinese animal testing regulations, or if you have other questions, let me know in the comments! Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram as well as subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date on all things cruelty-free!

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