http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/07/china-cosmetics-uk-training-stop-animal-testing
Britain has been training Chinese scientists in techniques that could replace the use of animals in cosmetic safety tests.
The programme, which has been running for more than a year, is intended to lead to Chinese authorities banning all animal testing for toiletries, lipsticks, moisturisers and other beauty products.
At present, it is a legal requirement in China for imported cosmetics to be tested on animals – mostly mice or rats, but also rabbits and guinea pigs. Britain banned the practice in 1998, while the European Union did so in 2013. Artificial skin cells are now used for safety tests.
Products made in Europe have to be retested on animals in China – a major market for western firms – before they can be imported. As cosmetic companies and animal welfare groups have pointed out, this is a waste of time, money and animal life.
