E.U. Bans Cosmetics Animal Testing

It’s been a long and rather divisive journey, but at last, the European Union will prohibit the import and sale of animal tested cosmetics, effective March 11. The ban will affect all toiletries and beauty products, from makeup to soap to toothpaste, according to PR Newswire. Back in 2003, the European Parliament overwhelmingly approved the ban after 10 years of negotiations — although lawmakers initially agreed to begin enforcing it in 2009. Industry lobbyists managed to delay the ban for a few more years, but now, it seems it’s finally official.