As more countries start to open export routes for their cosmetics industries, Leaping Bunny remains key
As you know, Cruelty Free International has been working closely with authorities and experts in China for several years to secure cruelty free routes to market for our Leaping Bunny brands. Since it was announced earlier this year, we have been anticipating a change to Chinese regulations for the export of general cosmetic products to mainland China which would introduce a waiver of mandatory animal testing. We’re delighted that the waiver has now came into force, as of 1st May 2021.
The Chinese regulator, the NMPA, published further detail around its cosmetics laws, clarifying that imported goods classed as ‘general cosmetics’ do not need to be tested on animals as long as they have been made according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and have a full Safety Assessment report. Companies will need a GMP certificate issued by the government in the country where the products are made.
We’re also delighted that the UK is set to join France in putting in place those measures, which will mean that companies manufacturing in the UK will also be able to benefit from the waiver.
We have been informed that brands and companies manufacturing in the UK will be able to obtain a certificate of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) from the UK Government. Applications for the certificate will be handled by the Import Licensing Branch (ILB) of the Department for International Trade (DIT), mandated and supported by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) - the national regulator for consumer products, as part of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
It is great to see these positive steps and we hope it won’t be long before Leaping Bunny brands can export general cosmetics to China while remaining cruelty free. We’re busy looking at any extra reassurances that might be needed and working with our brands, but everything is undoubtedly heading in the right direction. It’s great that Chinese consumers will soon also be able to purchase cruelty free cosmetics, knowing that products are safe and of great quality without the need for animal testing.
We will keep following the process and talking to competent national authorities. In the months ahead, we will be monitoring the implementation of the new rules and liaising with Leaping Bunny brands.
It has been a long journey - but we are really excited about the future for cruelty free cosmetics in China.
Michelle Thew
Chief Executive Officer
