Summary
The document is a joint statement by NGOs and the chemical industry urging the European Commission to consider animal testing impacts within the REACH Impact Assessment and to bolster support for non-animal methods. The statement criticises the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for failing to uphold the principle of animal testing as a last resort and argues that dependence on animal testing is unreliable, costly, and slow, potentially leaving harmful chemicals on the market. It calls for dedicated funding and a pragmatic approach that favours non-animal testing methods and utilises innovative risk assessment tools to enhance regulatory outcomes and support the EU Green Deal’s objectives.
Takeaways:
- Article 13 of the Treaty and Directive 2010/63 mandate full regard for animal welfare, aiming to replace animal testing.
- Proposed information requirements could lead to extensive animal testing; an impact assessment should measure this to balance protection and minimisation of animal use.
- The Strategy lacks commitment to funding non-animal methods. More investment is crucial to develop and implement these methods to align with the Green Deal objectives.