Animal testing question
isitbannedintheuk.co.uk · Answer card
Yes. But “banned” isn't the same as “never tested”. Brands can't test cosmetics or their ingredients on animals to meet cosmetics safety law, and products tested for that reason can't be put on sale in the UK. However, test results from before the ban can still be used, and some ingredients are tested on animals under other laws, such as chemical safety rules. So the ban on its own doesn't tell you a product is cruelty-free.
UK cosmetics law
BannedBrands can't test a cosmetic, or its ingredients, on animals to show it meets UK cosmetics safety rules, and a product tested that way can't be put on sale here. Test results from before the ban came in can still be used.
EU cosmetics law
BannedNorthern Ireland follows the EU rules, which work the same way. The EU ban on selling cosmetics tested this way has applied in full since 11 March 2013.
EU court ruling, 2016
Depends how results are usedNot always. The EU's top court has said that if a brand tests abroad, for example to meet another country's rules, and then relies on those results to show its product is safe to sell in the EU, that can break the ban. Just having the results on file is treated differently. That ruling is about the EU rules, which cover Northern Ireland. Great Britain's wording has changed since Brexit, and we haven't found a UK court decision on it.
Other laws, such as chemical safety
Not covered by the banThe ban only covers testing done for cosmetics law. Some chemicals must be tested under other laws, such as the chemical safety rules that protect workers and the environment (known as REACH). In 2023 the High Court agreed that this testing isn't covered by the cosmetics ban, even when the ingredient is only used in cosmetics.
Home Office licences
Announced in 2023Animal testing in Great Britain needs a Home Office licence. In May 2023 the government said it would stop granting new licences to test chemicals used only in cosmetics. Testing under licences already granted could carry on at that point, subject to review. We haven't confirmed what the position is now.
Except as provided in paragraph 1A, no cosmetic product may be placed on the market— (a) where the final formulation of the product has been the subject of animal testing in order to meet the requirements of this Regulation; (b) where the ingredients or combinations of ingredients of the product have been the subject of animal testing in order to meet the requirements of this Regulation.
Whether a particular brand or product has been tested on animals. For what “cruelty-free” and “not tested on animals” labels mean, see what cruelty-free really means.
isitbannedintheuk.co.uk/rules/animal-testing-ban/ · Last checked 2 November 2026
General information from official sources, checked on the date shown. Not legal or medical advice. © The Contract Studio UK Ltd
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