BDIH reacts on animal testing in China

In a joint press release of BDIH and the international subsidary company IONC (International Organic and Natural Cosmetics Corporation GmbH), the companies informed the manufacturers of products that are labelled with BDIH’s control mark that the conformity with the BDIH standard is threadened by exports into the People’s Republic of China. Over 7,000 products carry the BDIH logo. IONC GmbH controls the adherence of the standard criteria. 

The BDIH standard forbids the manufacturers of certified natural cosmetics to carry out or order animal testing for these products. This ban applies without restriction worldwide, according to the press release. Due to this, the BDIH standard stands out by particular strictness compared to certifications of natural and organic cosmetics that just reference the animal testing bans of the EU cosmetics law, or do not contain any provisions on animal testing at all.

With their information to the manufacturers, BDIH and IONC point to the result of comprehensive research according to which, in spite of current efforts to consider alternatives to animal testing in the People’s Republic of China, as a general rule, animal testing is carried out in the framework of the safety assessment for the official registration of cosmetic products. BDIH and IONC make clear that the ban on animal testing of BDIH’s standard is also infringed if the manufacturer induces a registration application with the Chinese authorities, because this is equivalent to an “ordering” of the animal testing. This is only different if there are products for which there is no requirement of animal testing also according to the Chinese provisions, resp. where the manufacturer verifiably documents that there has been no animal testing for his specific products. The information by BDIH and IONC on the consequences of exports of cosmetic products into the PR China is publicly at http://www.ionc.info
 

BDIH and IONC are aware of the fact that in individual cases there may be significant economic effects for enterprises concerned if they intend to continue to use BDIH’s control mark. However, the BDIH standard documents an unequivocal commitment to the avoidance of animal testing, so that taking inadequately into account the animal testing taking place in China would neither serve the proetectin of animals, nor would it meet the legitimate expectations of consumers. "BDIH and IONC GmbH are convinced that the consistent implementation of the ban on animal testing rooted in the BDIH standard will further strengthen the worldwide reputation of the BDIH standard and therefore also of the manufacturers using this standard," according to the press release.

After the announcement of Logocos to immediately pull out of the Chinese market in November (see the Logocos statement here) and the extensive media coverage, this is a consequent move and should result in further reactions.