Chile prohibits animal testing for cosmetics

On 26 January 2024, the Ministry of Health of Chile published Law No. 21646 in the Diario Oficial de la Republica de Chile, which prohibits animal testing in the preparation of cosmetics. 

The law adds the following text to Article 108 of the Sanitary Code: 

The use of animals for the safety and efficacy testing of cosmetic, hygiene, and personal odorization products, and each of the ingredients, combination of ingredients, or final formulations is prohibited.    

To ensure the protection of human health, by the standards of this code, manufacturers must use alternative testing methods that do not involve animals to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of cosmetics, personal care, and odorization products and all of their ingredients.  

Amended Clauses in Law No. 20.380 on the protection of animals:

An exception to the prohibition on animal testing is made if the following conditions are met: 

1. There is no alternative method or strategy to the use of animals recognized by the Public Health Institute or by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to demonstrate safety parameters. 

2. The ingredients are subject to restriction in their concentration for cosmetic use. These ingredients are listed in the database of cosmetic ingredients used by the Public Health Institute. 

3. The cosmetic ingredient is widely used and cannot be replaced by another ingredient that can perform a similar function. 

The law will take effect twelve months after its publication in the Official Gazette (27 January 2025).