China has taken a step closer to allowing cruelty-free brands to trade in the country after beauty brands announced their involvement in a Leaping Bunny Pilot Project.
The initiative was founded by Cruelty Free International, in partnership with KnudsenCRC and Oriental Beauty, back in June, and aims to help brands trade without the risk of the animal testing required under Chinese regulations.
Brands announced to take part at the project include Bulldog Skincare, Montagne Jeunesse, Neal’s Yard Remedies and Subtle Energies, who all currently hold the Leaping Bunny logo.
A brand currently cannot hold the Leaping Bunny symbol if it exports to China, due to the risk of mandatory animal testing.
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Commenting on the initiative, Bulldog’s founder Simon Duffy said: “China is the world’s biggest and fastest growing market for cosmetics and it’s continuing to grow.
“Chinese consumers are increasingly demanding cosmetics without animal testing and this unique, ground-breaking project will enable those consumers to buy great cruelty-free products.”
Neal’s Yard Remedies Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Tobitt, said: “As a brand which was one of the original pioneers of cruelty-free health and beauty, we see this as an exciting step forward in making cruelty-free cosmetics’ a truly global initiative.”
Today Chinese authorities have the power to subject animals to toxicity tests if there is a safety concern, despite ending the requirement for testing on ‘non-special' cosmetics in 2015.
Beauty brands currently trading in China include: House 99, L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, MAC Cosmetics, Jo Malone London and Nivea.
Cruelty Free International’s CEO, Michelle Thew, is also pleased with the response to the project from brands and consumers alike.
She said: “The response we received from cruelty-free companies looking to enter the market in China was fantastic.
“We also know there is great demand from consumers in China for cruelty-free cosmetics.
“We hope the success of this pilot will pave the way for more Leaping Bunny brands to sell in China and that through mutual efforts we will achieve our goal of cruelty-free companies trading on the Chinese market.”
