Members of Congress are once again pushing for legislation to end cosmetics testing on animals in the US.
A bipartisan delegation, led by Democrat Representatives Don Beyer, Tony Cárdenas and Paul Tonko, and Republicans Vern Buchanan and Ken Calvert, reintroduced the Humane Cosmetics Act in the US House of Representatives on 12 September.
The legislation would end the safety testing of cosmetic products on animals and prohibit the sale of products developed using animal testing in the US.
“Cosmetics testing on animals is cruel, unnecessary and outdated, and Congress should finally put a stop to it,” said Beyer.
“Much of the cosmetics industry has already moved to more scientifically sound methods that do not result in animal cruelty.
“The Humane Cosmetics Act would outlaw an obsolete and inhumane practice without damaging American businesses.”
Beyer added that he hoped the bill would “receive swift consideration”.
The safety testing of cosmetics on animals is currently banned in 44 countries and 11 US states.
The reintroduction of the bill for consideration by Congress has been applauded by US trade association the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC).
“This reintroduction builds on the decades’ long effort by industry and stakeholders to promote non-animal alternatives,” said the PCPC in a statement.
“For nearly four decades, both in the US and globally, our member companies have been instrumental in the movement to develop viable alternative safety assessment methods, and we will continue to work towards this important charge.”
Beyer, Cárdenas and Buchanan have a history of leading the charge for The Humane Cosmetics Act before Congress.
Together with Senators Cory Booker and Rob Portman, they reintroduced the bill in December 2021.
The Humane Cosmetics Act was first introduced to Congress in March 2014, but the bill did not advance.
