Governor Kathy Hochul signed the law into law New York Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act (A.5653B/S.4839B) which prohibits, from January 2023, the production and sale of animal-tested cosmetics in New York State. Manufacturers will therefore have to use alternative test methods. The cosmetics currently on the market will still remain available and several other exceptions are foreseen by the text.
General support
The bill, supported by MP Linda B. Rosenthal and the Senator Alessandra Biaggiit was passed by the New York State Assembly and Senate with nearly unanimous bipartisan support.
« More than ever, consumers are demanding cruelty-free cosmetics and I am proud that my legislation prohibiting the sale of cosmetics tested on animals has been passed. I am proud to have partnered with Cruelty Free International to pass this legislation and look forward to seeing other states follow in New York’s footsteps. explains Linda B. Rosenthal.
« New York has finally joined the list of forty countries that have taken a stand against this harmful practice. Protecting human safety when testing cosmetics is extremely important, but it doesn’t mean that animals should be used at their expense for our well-being. “, adds Senator Alessandra Biaggi.
The new legislation was also supported by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC). With 600 member companies, representing more than 90% of the US beauty industry, the PCPC is the leading trade association representing the cosmetics industry in the United States.
Towards federal legislation?
The passage of New York’s Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act could pave the way for the passage of federal legislation.
« American history has shown that state activity drives change at the federal level. Because of New York’s connection to the fashion and beauty industries, passage of the New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act could be the tipping point that will lead to the passage of the federal law. commented Monica Engebretson, Public Affairs Manager for North America at Cruelty Free International.
A federal bill called the Humane Cosmetics Act was introduced, in its latest version, in the House in December 2021. It plans to ban the sale and production of cosmetics tested on animals in the United States. According to the Humane Society, more than 375 companies — including Walgreens, The Body Shop, Unilever, H&M and Paula’s Choice — have announced their support for this legislation that will decide on a nationwide ban.
« It is now up to Congress to pass the Humane Cosmetics Act for consistent regulation to end animal cosmetic testing nationwide. says Brian Shapiro, director of the New York branch of the Humane Society of the United States.
