Necessity of animal testing, if no other safe methods are available

REACH, the new Chemical Directive of the European Union, stipulates that possible health risks to people and environmental damage as a result of chemicals need to be detected at an early stage and prevented.
In many cases, we have only been able to identify the properties of the material and possible exposure through animal testing. This is required for new substances within the framework of chemical law, for food additives or medications, but also for the release of a new material within the framework of the EU Cosmetics Directive.So far, there are still no adequate, officially recognized alternative methods for all tests on animals. Research is required here to find suitable alternative methods - in vitro and in silico - and to acquire international recognition.

In cosmetics, animal testing is generally rejected. Whereas animal testing has already been prohibited for years for cosmetic finished products, animal testing on cosmetic raw materials has now been prohibited in Europe since March 2009. A further strengthening of the legal situation will enter into force in Match 2013, i.e. a marketing ban for cosmetics in Europe as soon as the animal testing ban 2009 / 2013 is violated.