How Leaping Bunny Certification goes beyond testing bans
Cosmetic testing bans in the European Union, India, South Korea, New Zealand, and Australia, and in several US states are an important step to ending the practice of product testing on animals once and for all. Under most testing bans, cosmetics companies that are not Leaping Bunny approved may still test their products or ingredients on animals because of certain legislative loopholes including:- The ingredient is in wide use and cannot be replaced by another ingredient capable of performing a similar function.
- A specific human health problem is substantiated and the need to conduct animal tests is justified and is supported by a detailed research protocol proposed as the basis for the evaluation.
- There is not a non-animal alternative method accepted for the relevant endpoint by the relevant federal or state regulatory authority.
- Animal tests are conducted to comply with a requirement of a foreign regulatory authority, such as China.
The Leaping Bunny Difference
The Leaping Bunny Program provides the best assurance that a product is free of animal testing. In order to become Leaping Bunny certified, brands must comply with requirements in place that go beyond current laws. Specifically, companies must:- Adhere to a fixed cut-off date, an unalterable date after which neither the brand nor any of its suppliers and/or manufacturers may conduct, commission or be party to animal tests.
- Set up a Supplier Monitoring System to ensure all their suppliers and manufacturers comply with Leaping Bunny criteria.
- Be open to independent audits to ensure their Supplier Monitoring System adheres to the Leaping Bunny Standard.
- Renew their commitment to the Leaping Bunny Program annually.