Nine MEPs and 14 animal protection NGOs have signed an open letter urging the European Commission to protect bans on animal testing for cosmetics. The letter was sent to key Commissioners to highlight the importance of defending and strengthening these bans in light of the planned revision of the Cosmetics Product Regulation. Cruelty Free Europe, which co-ordinated the writing and signing of the letter, has expressed concerns about potential weakening of the bans and prioritization of animal testing requirements in other EU chemicals laws.

The open letter makes three requests: to defend and strengthen bans on animal testing for cosmetics, promote cruelty-free scientific innovation through non-animal methods, and ensure the forthcoming Commission roadmap towards phasing out animal testing for chemical safety assessment is ambitious and actionable. Cruelty Free Europe emphasizes the need to prioritize bans on animal testing to align with the Commission's roadmap for transition away from animal testing, emphasizing the importance of supporting innovation in non-animal testing methods for human health and the environment.