Mexico Becomes First Country In North America To Ban Animal Testing For Cosmetics

Mexico has become the first country in North America to ban animal testing for cosmetic products. The announcement marks a victory for the animal welfare group Humane Society International’s (HSI) Save Ralph campaign.

In addition to the new law, the country is also banning the manufacture, import and marketing of cosmetics tested on animals elsewhere in the world.

“This is a monumental step forward for animals, consumers and science in Mexico, and this ground-breaking legislation leads the way for the Americas to become the next cruelty-free beauty market and brings us one bunny-leap closer to a global ban,” said Antón Aguilar, executive director at HSI in a statement made to Vegan Food & Living.

The country’s move to ban animal testing was heavily influenced by the animated animal welfare film Save Ralph, featuring celebrities such as Ricky Gervais, Taikai Waititi and Zac Efron. The film generated more than 150 million social media views, 730 million tags on TikTok and more than 1.3 million petition signatures in Mexico.

Mexico joins 40 other countries as well as 10 states in Brazil and seven states in the United States that have banned animal testing. Furthermore, New Jersey, Rhode Island and New York are considering similar bills, while federal bills are currently pending reintroduction in both Canada and the United States.

Originally published at https://retailbum.com on September 7, 2021.