The European parliament's environment committee has voted overwhelmingly for an immediate ban on the sale of new cosmetics tested on animals where alternative non-animal tests are available.

This is to be followed after five years by a complete ban on the sale of new cosmetics which have been tested on animals. The testing of cosmetics on animals would also be banned in the European Union from the end of 2004. The plenary session of the European parliament will vote on June 12 on ratifying the decision of the committee.

Forum Response: RSPCA

Marlou Heinen, deputy head of RSPCA International, told ePolitix.com: "We are very pleased with this vote and hope the plenary will agree that a ban on the sale of cosmetics tested on animals should come into force as soon as possible."

"It is vital that after the vote in plenary the UK government listens to the demands of the public and the European parliament and ends the unnecessary suffering and killing of animals used in tests for more so-called 'new' and 'improved' cosmetics by supporting the ban on the sale of new cosmetics tested on animals after a fixed date."