Mexico’s Senate has made history today by becoming the first North American country to support a ban on animal testing for cosmetics.
Senators unanimously supported the federal bill, making it the 41st country globally to do so, according to Humane Society International (HSI).
The new law also bans the manufacture, import and marketing of beauty products tested on animals from elsewhere in the world.
HSI has campaigned for years alongside Ong Te Protejo, an organisation that promotes using cosmetics not tested on animals, leaning on the government to propose a ban.
The teams jointly said: “We are thrilled to see Mexico become the first country in North America to outlaw cosmetic animal testing, and commend our bill sponsor Senator Ricardo Monreal, and all congressmen and women for voting to end cosmetics animal testing in Mexico.”
The organisations’ Save Ralph animated film is thought to have been heavily influential in the Mexican government’s decision, after the video helped to garner 1.3 million petition signatories in Mexico.
The short video documents an animated testing rabbit named Ralph and the types of procedures are carried out during testing for cosmetic products.
Meanwhile, Antón Aguilar, Executive Director for HSI, added: “We thank the Mexican government for showing leadership on this important issue, and we will continue to work with them to implement the commitments and enforce a robust ban.
“This is a monumental step for animals, consumers and science in Mexico, and this groundbreaking legislation leads the way for the Americas to become the next cruelty-free beauty market, and brings us one bunny leap closer to a global ban.”
Mexico joins seven US states to have banned animal testing, including California and Virginia, as well as ten states in Brazil in South America.
However, across the Atlantic, the UK government has become embroiled in a battle with cruelty-free campaigners after the UK Home Office said that it would allow animal testing on cosmetic-use only ingredients to meet chemicals regulation requirements.
The decision is in line with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – but the UK government did not have to take the same stance as the EU following Brexit.