IIVS and ZJIFDC open non-animal testing lab in China

China’s Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control (ZJIFDC) and US-based Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) have opened a new testing laboratory that will offer beauty and cosmetics clients an alternative to animal testing.

Offering services to both domestic and international firms, the ZJIFDC laboratory will implement technical training by IIVS to execute and interpret non-animal testing practices.

ZJIFDC director Yang Li said: “IIVS helped train our staff and provided guidance on implementation as we developed the laboratory.

“Their assistance combined with our dedication to the development of a high-quality laboratory has led to a successful opening.”

ZJIFDC also took part in international conferences and workshops on best practices for alternative testing.

IIVS president Erin Hill said: “China is working diligently to build capacity and infrastructure in alternative methods to support future changes in regulations.

“The opening of the Zhejiang alternatives laboratory is a significant step toward this goal and we are honoured to have been a part of its success.”

The move comes after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) with IIVS in September this year to bring non-animal tests for the regulation of cosmetics and ingredients in the country.