Import ban on animal-tested products goes into effect

Law follows European Union model; it’s a ‘true revolution,’ parliamentarian says

A prohibition against importing many animal-tested products became law on Tuesday, the first day of the new year, as regulations enacted in 2010 went into effect.

The new law is similar to a European Union ban, enacted in 2004, and follows a 2007 ban on domestic animal testing in the Israeli cosmetics industry.

“Israel will no longer allow the import and marketing of cosmetics, toiletries or detergents that were tested on animals,” said MK Eitan Cabel (Labor), chair of the Knesset Lobby for Animal Welfare, calling the ban a “true revolution.”

Following the EU model, the new Israeli law makes exceptions for certain items that are considered medical products.