New Jersey just passed a new law, that will go into effect March 2022, banning the sale of cosmetics that are tested on animals.
They are the eighth state to do so in the U.S. as consumers are showing more concern for animal rights and more interest in cruelty-free cosmetics.
Current law prohibits performing animal tests on products in New Jersey when there is an appropriate validated alternative test method. This bill would strengthen this prohibition with respect to cosmetics products, barring the sale of all cosmetics that were tested on animals, even if those tests were performed outside the State, writes the bill.
According to EcoWatch, the bill follows multiple studies showing widespread, bipartisan support from Americans, who want to end the practice of animal testing. A 2019 study by Cruelty Free International showed that 79% of respondents supported cruelty-free practices. Another survey from The Humane Society of the U.S. found that over 67% of respondents want an end to animal testing and would prefer researchers to find alternatives to testing cosmetics and other personal care products.
“In the passage of this law, New Jersey has recognized overwhelming public opinion that animals should not suffer to test cosmetic products or ingredients. With a growing number of non-animal test methods available, there is no ethical justification to continue harming animals for the sake of shampoo, mascara, or aftershave,” says Vicki Katrinak is the director of Animal Research and Testing for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
California, Nevada, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland, Maine, and Hawaii are the first seven states to put this ban into law.
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