EU Launches Public Consultation on Roadmap to Phase Out Animal Testing in Chemical Safety

Public Consultation Details

The European Commission has initiated a public consultation to gather input on its roadmap to eliminate animal testing in chemical safety assessments. This call for evidence is open to all interested parties, including EU citizens, businesses, non-governmental organisations, and the scientific community. Feedback will help shape the initiative, ensuring it reflects diverse perspectives and the best available knowledge. The consultation period is set from 17 September to 15 October 2024, during which stakeholders can submit their views and suggestions in any of the 24 official EU languages​.

The Roadmap Initiative

This roadmap is a response to the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) titled "Save Cruelty-Free Cosmetics – Commit to a Europe without Animal Testing," which garnered support from over 1.2 million signatories. It aims to set milestones and specific actions to phase out animal testing in chemical safety assessments, ensuring protection for human health and the environment while reducing reliance on animal testing​.

Next Steps and Timelines

• Targeted Stakeholder Consultation: From the fourth quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025, the Commission will conduct a targeted consultation with Member State authorities, EU agencies, businesses, and other stakeholders. This will include online surveys, meetings, and interviews to collect in-depth feedback on the initiative​.
• Workshops: A series of workshops are planned to facilitate further outreach and discussion among stakeholders. Scheduled for December 2023, October 2024, and May 2025, these workshops aim to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing between key players, including the chemicals and pharmaceuticals industry, animal welfare NGOs, and research institutions​.
• Roadmap Development: By the fourth quarter of 2025, the Commission plans to finalise and adopt the roadmap. This roadmap will outline short- and long-term actions to reduce and eventually phase out animal testing in chemical safety assessments. It will also provide clarity and certainty for stakeholders on transitioning to non-animal testing methods​.

Impact of the Initiative

This roadmap is expected to have significant implications for the chemical industry, regulatory authorities, and animal welfare. By transitioning to non-animal testing methods, the EU aims to accelerate chemical safety assessments and potentially reduce costs. This initiative also aligns with the EU's commitment to protecting animals as sentient beings and promoting innovative, humane scientific practices​.

Conclusion

The EU's public consultation marks a crucial step in developing a comprehensive strategy to phase out animal testing in chemical safety. With a clear timeline and stakeholder engagement, this initiative aims to create a more ethical and efficient regulatory framework by 2026.