Many countries have banned cosmetic animal testing — but gaps in global trade requirements persist.
Cosmetic animal testing has declined dramatically since the EU ban, which covered not just domestic manufacturing but also products sold in the EU — a powerful mechanism that affected global supply chains. However, gaps remain. Some markets still require animal testing for certain product categories. Cruelty-free certification standards differ between organizations, creating consumer confusion. Full global elimination of cosmetic animal testing requires continued regulatory pressure on hold-out markets and enforcement of existing bans.