A spokesperson from the organization said that a bill is “underway”, which will match the law introduced earlier this year which forbade the development of domestic cosmetics tested on animals.
Following the recommendation by DTAB earlier this month, the next step is likely to be approved by the Minister and a draft notification which would go through legal vetting and public consultation.
Numerous Indian MPs, as well as Environmental groups including Humane Society International, have been campaigning in favour of the bill following the introduction of a ban on domestic cosmetics earlier this year.
DTAB recommendation
Early this year, the Drug and Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) recommended a complete ban on cosmetic imports to India where either the product or the ingredients had been tested on animals.
The minutes of the DTAB meeting note that carrying out an import ban would put India ahead of the other BRIC countries in terms of regulations and would “help consumers make a compassionate choice.”
This change would bring the subcontinent in line with the EU’s new regulations on the marketing of products which have been tested on animals.
HSI comments
Humane Society International commented that they have carried out meetings with government officials and have been informed that changes will be made to the law in the near future. They are also planning to support funding for alternatives such as toxicology testing.
Be Cruelty-Free India Campaigns Manager, Alokparna Sengupta, commented to CosmeticsDesign-Asia.com: “We have met with Ministry officials, including Union Secretary of Health and Additional Secretary, who have assured us that action will be taken.”
“One of the biggest needs for India is to invest in 21st century toxicology testing, shifting away from animal testing and towards high throughput non-animal screening. We are in the process of working with funding agencies in India to increase investment in this area.”