California suggests bill to ban sale of cosmetics tested on animals

California state senator Cathleen Galgiani has suggested a bill to prohibit the sale of animal-tested cosmetics in the state.

Known as the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act SB 1249, the bill is backed by Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL) and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), as well as Cruelty-Free International and Lush Cosmetics.

If passed, the bill will ban manufacturers from importing or selling cosmetics and personal hygiene products in California.

Galgiani said: “California has long been a leader in promoting modern alternatives to animal tests. Inaction at the federal level compels California to lead the way in ensuring a cruelty-free cosmetics market for its citizens by barring any new ingredients or cosmetics that are tested on animals.”

A fine of up to $500 would be levied for a first violation of the legislation, followed by up to $1,000 for each subsequent violation.

Physicians Committee Research Policy vice-president Kristie Sullivan said:  “Banning animal-tested cosmetics in California will encourage manufacturers to clean up their act and stop selling animal-tested products across the US.

“Passage of the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act would be a win for human and animal lives.”

The California State Legislature passed the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Resolution in 2014 urging Congress to ban animal testing for cosmetic products and marketing of animal-tested cosmetics.

SCIL president and founder Judie Mancuso said: “The California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act would save thousands of animals’ lives each year while making cosmetics safer for humans.

“This policy is tried and true as the EU implemented a similar law more than five years ago and the sky didn’t fall. Animals have been saved while companies have flourished and grown without cruelty as part of their business model.”

The EU prohibited the imports and sale of cosmetic products tested on animals in 2013.