The European Union has taken a major step towards banning cosmetics testing on animals after two days of talks ended to day with a compromise deal, according to the Danish EU presidency.
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EU member states and deputies from the European Parliament struck a deal paving the way for a ban on testing cosmetic products on animals within the EU, and on the marketing of products tested on animals, according to a statement.
"The compromise allows for the development of alternative testing methods of cosmetics to the benefit of consumer safety. All in all we have achieved a well-balanced agreement," said Danish Environment Minister Hans Christian Schmidt.
The EU directive, which still has to be formally approved by the European Parliament and the 15 member states, would mean a ban coming into play in 2009.
However, the European Parliament warned there were outstanding issues to be settled before the directive could be adopted.
But Mr Schmidt hailed the agreement as a victory for animal rights. "The ban on testing of cosmetic products on animals within the EU is in itself a great win for animal welfare," he said. "I am convinced that the ban on marketing in the long run will benefit animal welfare outside the EU.
"It is of great importance to me that we can now see an end to animal testing of cosmetic products. I am pleased that we were able to solve the problem during the Danish EU presidency.
"Both parliament and member states should be commended for their flexibility," he said.
AFP