Brasília – Today Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies voted to outlaw the sales of cosmetics that have been tested on animals after the approved ban comes into effect. This measure closes loopholes that have long existed within the country’s legal framework for cosmetics, which includes a few state-level animal testing bans as well as a limited federal restriction. Humane World for Animals, formerly known as Humane Society international, is calling on Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to sign the bill into law to bring Brazil into alignment with other cruelty-free cosmetics markets.
Thayana Oliviera Soares, Brazil country director for Humane World for Animals, said: “With the adoption of this groundbreaking measure to ban cosmetic animal testing and trade, Brazil is embracing a cruelty-free future. We’re delighted that the Brazilian parliament has responded to the voices of our citizens who want the products they use to be free from animal suffering. This legislation is a powerful example of what’s possible when government, industry, non-profits, and the public unite for positive change. Consumers can now shop with confidence, knowing their cosmetics are not tested on animals—and that’s something we can all celebrate.”
Humane World for Animals has led a decade of negotiations with policymakers and the cosmetics industry and was instrumental in securing state-level bans in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Amazonas, Pará, Santa Catarina, Paraná, Pernambuco, Espírito Santo, Acre, Paraíba and the Federal District. Together with our partners at Forum Nacional de Proteção e Defesa Animal, ONG Te Protejo, Change.org Brazil and the Animal-Free Safety Assessment Collaboration, we are optimistic that as South America’s largest beauty and personal care market, Brazil will soon join Chile and Colombia as a cruelty-free leader.
Federal Deputy Ruy Carneiro, reporter of the Cosmetic Bill in the Plenary of Chamber of Deputies, said, “This achievement marks a milestone in the history of the animal welfare movement in Brazil. After more than a decade of discussions, this progress also signals a new era for companies committed to ending cruelty and expanding animal protection. It puts a definitive end to practices of mutilation, mistreatment, and suffering— practices that should never have existed. The alignment among the involved parties was essential to persuade lawmakers of the importance of passing the bill. Beyond the non-negotiable priority of animal protection, the new legislation also addresses a significant legal gap for the business sector and ensures greater legal certainty for operations in international markets.”
Vanessa Negrini, Director, Department for the Protection, Defense and Rights of Animals of the Federal Government, stated, “The Animal Protection Department was created under the current administration with a strong commitment to expanding the scope of animal protection. That is why we worked so hard, side by side with civil society, industry, and political leaders, to support the approval of the substitute bill for PL 3062/2022. The approval by the National Congress of the definitive end to animal testing in the cosmetics industry is a concrete step in this direction and reaffirms the role of the State in promoting ethical and innovative science. Real beauty is cruelty-free— and Brazil has taken a stand by saying yes to life, ethics, and respect for animals. I am confident it will be signed into law by the President of the Republic.” The global #BeCrueltyFree campaign led by Humane World for Animals has transformed the cosmetics landscape worldwide through national animal testing bans in dozens of countries.
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