Government Wins High Court Backing for Controversial Animal Testing Rules
Animal Testing U-Turn Sparks Outrage
The UK government has been cleared by the High Court to continue licensing animal testing of certain cosmetic ingredients. This controversial move, lined up with EU chemical regulations, began after the European Chemicals Agency’s 2020 ruling requiring animal tests to protect workers who manufacture these ingredients.
Ban Loosened After Years of Opposition
Since 1998, animal testing for makeup has been banned in the UK — except for rare cases where human health benefits trump animal welfare. But since 2019, despite Brexit, the government has been quietly issuing animal testing licences for cosmetic ingredients in line with EU rules. This shift has triggered fierce backlash.
Beauty Giants and Activists Cry Foul
- Major brands such as Unilever, Body Shop, and Boots have slammed the policy change.
- Animal rights group Cruelty Free International called it “outrageous,” accusing the government of siding with testing firms over animal welfare.
- More than 80 brands have voiced their disgust at the decision.
Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International, blasted the ruling: “The government is prioritising contract-testing companies’ profits over animals and the British public’s wishes.”
Future Legal Fights and Policy Updates Ahead
CFI promises to appeal the court’s decision and urges the government to reinstate a full ban. Dr Julia Fentem from Unilever also slammed the tests as “unnecessary,” highlighting alternative safety methods that protect consumers without animal cruelty.
The government is expected to unveil a new chemicals strategy later this year, which might clarify future rules for cosmetics companies and possibly address this divisive issue once and for all.
