The Chile He took a historical step for the protection of animals: yesterday the law 21,646 that prohibits animal experimentation for cosmetics And regulates the marketing of products tested on animals. With this measure, the country becomes The 45th in the world to promote a cruelty-free approach in the cosmetic industry.
The bill, supported by the NGO Chilean TE Protejo and by Humane Society International, was approved in December 2023 by the Senate with an almost unanimous consent. The law establishes that animal tests for cosmetics, personal care products and perfumes, neither for final formulas nor for individual ingredients. Furthermore prohibits the import and sale of products tested on animals in other jurisdictionsfavoring alternative methods recognized by the Institute of Public Health Chilean or OECD.
However, some specific exceptions are planned. Animal experimentation can only be authorized in the absence of valid alternatives To certify product safety, if the ingredient is regulated for its concentration or if there are no other available data. In any case, these tests must not be carried out exclusively for cosmetic purposes.
There are fines and severe penalties for those who violate the provisions
To ensure transparency, the products compliant with the regulations can be labeled as “Cruelty-free” or “not tested on animals”. This represents a competitive advantage for companies that embrace more ethical and sustainable practices. Parallel are foreseen penalties severe for those who violate the provisions, including Fines and penalties established by the Criminal Code for the use of deceptive labels or for unauthorized tests.
According to Nicole Valdebenito, director of the Advocacy of Te Protejo, this law marks an important turning point for animal rights in Chile, as well as being a point of reference for the entire Latin America. His approval was the result of years of awareness campaigns, also supported by global initiatives such as the animated short #Saveraphwhich involved millions of people all over the world.
The entry into force of this law represents a concrete commitment towards a future in which innovation and respect for animals can live together, showing that a more ethical industry is possible in the hope that soon Other countries go to ban these practices barbaric.
