After releasing the draft amendment to ban the import of cosmetics tested on the animals recently, the union health ministry has now prohibited the testing of cosmetic products and ingredients on animals within the country.

Through a notification, the ministry has amended the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945 to insert a new rule after 148-B and effected the ban on animal testing for cosmetics. “148-C prohibition of testing of cosmetics on animals- No person shall use any animal for testing of cosmetics,” said the gazette notification.

After approval from the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), the ministry had issued the draft notification on January 14, amending the D&C Rules and invited the suggestions from the stakeholders within the mandatory period of 45 days.

“Objections and suggestions received from the public on the said rule have been considered by the central government. Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred under section 12 read with section 33 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (23 of 1940), the Central Government after consultation with the DTAB makes the rules further to amend the D&C Rules,” said the final notification.

Welcoming the notification, Humane Society International/India, said its high-profile Be Cruelty-Free campaign had been instrumental in convincing the Drug Controller General and the ministry of health and family welfare to end animal testing for cosmetics.

“We think this is a huge victory for animals in laboratories, the Be Cruelty-Free campaign and the dozens of legislators who wrote to the health ministry regarding this. India has taken a step forward in ethical consumerism and with the notification, will lead the world towards it too,” HSI said in a statement.

Recently the ministry has released the draft rule to ban the import of cosmetics tested on animals abroad. As per the notification, a new rule (135-B) will be inserted under the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945 to ban the imports.