California May Be the First State to Ban Cosmetics Tested on Animals

A bill banning the sale of animal-tested cosmetics has passed the California Senate and Assembly and is waiting for Governor Jerry Brown’s signature before it becomes law, starting Jan. 1, 2020.

California would be the first state to pass such a law. It could have a significant impact on the U.S. and international cosmetic market, since California is the world’s fifth largest economy.

“Notwithstanding any other law, it is unlawful for a manufacturer to import for profit, sell, or offer for sale in this state, any cosmetic, if the cosmetic was developed or manufactured using an animal test that was conducted or contracted by the manufacturer, or any supplier of the manufacturer,” states Senate Bill 1249, also known as the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act.

Not only cosmetics manufacturers in California will be affected, retailers who want to sell cosmetic products will be unable to import into California products that have components that were tested on animals.

“Passing 1249 will alter testing practices across the globe,” said Kristie Sullivan, M.P.H., vice president of research policy for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in a statement.

The penalty for violating the law includes an initial fine of $5,000 and an additional fine of $1,000 for each day the violation continues. It could be enforced by district or city attorneys.

There are exceptions provided in the bill in special situations, such as complying with federal, state, or foreign regulatory requirements.

SB 1249 was introduced by Senator Cathleen Galgiani and co-authored by Assembly Member Ash Kalra.

“I commend animal rights activists and the cosmetic industry alike, as we move forward on this important legislation to protect animals and adopt cruelty-free cosmetics,” stated Assemblymember Kalra.

Opponents of the bill include the California Chamber of Commerce, the Chemical Industry Council of California, and the House Cleaning Products Association.

U.S. Congress is considering a similar bill, called the Humane Cosmetics Act. Many other countries such as India, Israel, as well as the European Union have all taken measures against animal testing to some degree, according to People.