First congress ever

For the first time ever, the People’s Republic of China is exploring alternatives to animal testing. This issue will be the subject of the first edition of the International Forum on Cosmetic Technology and Applications, initiated and organised by the China Cosmetics Research Centre of the Beijing Technology and Business University.

According to the organisers, the purpose of this first congress on “alternatives to animal experimentation for cosmetics” is to “increase communication and cooperation within the international cosmetic community, remove technology barriers to cosmetic safety assessment, exchange information on international cosmetic technology and application, and look into the future of the cosmetic industry in China.

The organisers plan to invite representatives from companies and trade organizations, researchers and experts from research institutes in the European Union, America, Japan and South Korea, as well as Chinese experts in cosmetics studies, government officials from relevant Chinese supervision departments, and cosmetic companies in China.

Filling the gap with international laws

In a context where animal tests for cosmetics and their ingredients have been banned in the European Union and while they are regressing in most countries, the current Chinese legislation appears somewhat out of phase with the general trend. Indeed, tests on animal are compulsory to assess the safety of cosmetics placed on the Chinese market, even where validated alternatives exist. In the long run, this gap between Chinese and international standards may pose problem to China’s trade.

Through this congress, China’s industry and administration intend to get more information about current legal requirements and technologies related to alternatives to animal experimentation for cosmetics in several countries. Major cosmetics companies such as Amore Pacific, Chanel, Estee Lauder, L’Oréal, LG, Mary Kay, P&G, Shiseido, Unilever are supporting this initiative.

The first “International Forum on Cosmetic Technology and Applications - Alternatives to Animal Experimentation for Cosmetics,” will be held in Beijing on April 11th and 12th, 2011 at the Beijing Xiyuan Hotel (No.1, Sanlihe Road, Hadian District, Beijing 100044).

The deadline to submit papers is March 15th, 2011.

Registration form here below:

Beijing Forum on Cosmetic Technologies