Great news from Colombia as the country takes a major step towards putting an end to cruel cosmetics. Yesterday, the House of Representatives of the Congress of Colombia unanimously voted in favour of a bill that would prohibit the use of animals in tests for cosmetic products and ingredients.

The bill, initiated by member of parliament Juan Carlos Losada, would also end the sale in Colombia of newly-tested cosmetics, including imported cosmetics, within a year of its adoption. Following its approval in the House of Representatives, the bill will now transfer to the Senate where it will be debated in committee and on the floor of the House.

Kerry Postlewhite, Director of Public Affairs for Cruelty Free International said: “Sincere congratulations to Honorable Losada and every success for the next stage of this bill. People around the world are now clear that the use of animals in cosmetics testing must stop everywhere and forever. We very much hope that Colombia will very soon join the growing list of countries taking action, bringing us closer to closing the door globally on this cruel and unnecessary practice.”

Colombia joins countries like Canada and Chile where proposals for similar prohibitions are currently under consideration by parliamentarians.