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The BUAV position on China

The BUAV, together with our international partners, manages the Humane Cosmetics Standard rigorously, to ensure that certified companies do not test any of their products on animals anywhere in the world.

In nearly every country, it is now possible to sell cosmetics that have not been tested on animals. One exception is China, although the country is now reviewing its position. Accordingly, the BUAV will be launching a new initiative with concerned companies across the industry, with the goal to gain acceptance in China for the well-established and validated methods that are available as an alternative to testing on animals. We are inviting companies to join this campaign whether or not they are already certified under the Humane Cosmetics Standard, so that we can get the broadest possible support for our objective to persuade the Chinese government to remove this barrier to ethical trade.

It is clear to us that companies which export to sell in China are unable to operate without testing on animals (even though it may be done through agents without their knowledge). We have, therefore, made it an explicit condition of certification that members do not export cosmetic products to sell on the Chinese market, unless they can show that they have been given exemption to not test on animals. We hope that as soon as China changes its regulations, so that no animal testing is required, a wider range of companies will conform to the standard. Watch this site regularly for further updates, and for news of progress in the Chinese initiative