We welcome new industry code for cruelty free cosmetics in Australia

We are pleased to welcome the launch in Australia of the new Voluntary Industry Code of Practice which will support the Australian ban on reliance upon animal testing data for cosmetics. The Code has been developed to ensure consistency and offer clarity on “not tested on animals” terms and advertising claims used by the cosmetics industry.

Australia has had a ban in place on reliance on safety data generated in animal tests for cosmetics ingredients since June 2020. An overwhelming majority of 85% of Australians oppose cosmetics testing on animals and 81% support a national ban on the sale of animal-tested cosmetics according to a 2013 Nexus Research Poll.

Our CEO, Michelle Thew, said: “We are delighted that the Code highlights our Leaping Bunny programme as good practice labelling for cruelty free brands and welcome the clarity that will be provided to Australian consumers. Gaining Leaping Bunny approval is something brands can do to demonstrate adherence to the Code.

“As we have said all along, the ban on using animal test data for ingredients in the Industrial Chemicals Laws is a big step forward but limited. There’s a way to go until no more animals suffer for cosmetics. That’s why we do the work we do at Cruelty Free International and through our rigorous Leaping Bunny programme.

“Congratulations to the Australian Government and Accord on the Code, and we look forward to working with them to rolling out and refining.”