It's official - New Zealand has banned the testing of cosmetics on animals!

The ban was introduced through an amendment from the National Party after one was proposed by Green Party MP Mojo Mathers.

As part of the global Be Cruelty Free we campaign we worked closely with Mojo to get the best possible amendment voted on.

It's important to note that the ban as passed does not apply to "dual use" ingredients - substances that may be used for a purpose other than cosmetics. About 90% of all cosmetics ingredients fall into this category.

Further strengthening this ban to ensure that no substance used in a cosmetic can be tested on animals in New Zealand will be one of our next goals.

The ban will be included in the Animal Welfare Act so can not restrict the import and sale of animal tested cosmetics. Nor can it prohibit the advertising of animal tested cosmetics for sale online overseas.

These are all issues that need to be looked at and addressed. An end to the import and sale of animal tested cosmetics is now a prime goal of Be Cruelty Free NZ. The Be Cruelty Free campaign also has legislative bans being considered in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Taiwan and the United States, as part of its global efforts to eradicate animal testing from the cosmetics industry.

New Zealand has now added itself to the ever growing list of countries that show it can be done, we hope that the ban here will help our friends working on the campaign in all those countries.

A huge thanks and acknowledgement for this ban passing needs to go to the team at the Humane Society International (HSI). They are leading the global Be Cruelty Free campaign and are working tirelessly to end the outdated practice of animal testing cosmetics forever. NZAVS is extremely honoured to have the pleasure of working with them closely to ensure NZ does it's part. Thank you HSI!