European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy Tonio Borg in his press release received here on Wednesday said that the ban will continue to run as proposed.
"I believe that the ban will come into force in March 2013 as it has been decided by the Parliament and Council. Therefore I do not plan to propose a delay," Tonio Borg said.
He said that starting March 11, 2013, manufacturers who want to sell new cosmetic products in the European Union are prohibited to test them on animals.
The ban includes all cosmetic products, including toiletries and beauty products from soap to toothpaste.
According to him, the ban sends a powerful message to the rest of the world to support the Cruelty Free world of beauty, especially to countries such as China that still requires testing of cosmetics on animals to respond and participate in animal testing ban.
"This decision also means that we must increase efforts in the development and support to gain international recognition, "he said.
Cruelty Free International Chief Executive, Michelle Thew, welcomed the ban.
"It is truly a historic event and is the culmination of more than 20 years campaigns. Now we will apply the determination and vision on the global stage to make sure the whole world will follow, " she said.
Michelle Thew met Commissioner Tonio Borg on January 30, 2013 on behalf of the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE) to discuss the implementation of the ban.
The EU ban on the import and sale of products tested on animals has been planned since 2009, but many cosmetic companies who expect the ban to be postponed.
The Body Shop International Values Director Paul McGreevy as one of the cosmetic companies provides great appreciation to the customers that support the Against Animal Testing campaign for years.
"The greatest achievement in Europe is only a beginning. The future world of beauty to be free of cruelty," she added.
It became the first cosmetics company to take stern action against animal testing for cosmetics, supporting the campaign to garner support from consumers across Europe.
In 1996, Dame Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, joins the ECEAE and MEP in collecting petition containing four million signatures to the European Commission.
(A050/H-YH)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
