„Not Tested on Animals"
EU 1223/2009 Art. 18, Anhang I Nr. 10 UCPD i.d.F. EmpCo (EU 2024/825)
What does it mean?
Since 2013, animal testing on finished cosmetic products and their ingredients has been prohibited in the European Union (EU 1223/2009). The claim 'not tested on animals' therefore does not fundamentally constitute differentiating information and may be subject to cease-and-desist warnings as a trivial claim. The EmpCo Directive (EU 2024/825) tightens the requirements for such statements by providing for a clear substantiation obligation (Anhang I Nr. 10 UCPD). Companies must demonstrate that not only the final product, but the entire supply chain is free from animal testing. A mere assertion without certification or transparent information about the supply chain is insufficient and may be deemed misleading pursuant to § 5 UWG.
Typical phrasings
- 'Our cosmetics are manufactured without animal testing'
- 'We guarantee cruelty-free products'
- '100% Cruelty-Free'
What you can write instead
Instead of 'not tested on animals': 'Product not tested on animals, certified by [certificate name]' or specific supply chain information.
Required evidence
- Leaping Bunny (Cruelty Free International)
- PETA Beauty Without Bunnies
- NaTrue
Rechtsgrundlage (Originalwortlaut)
Anhang I Nr. 4a UCPD (i.d.F. EmpCo) — generische Umweltaussage ohne anerkannte Nachweise
Quelle: Richtlinie (EU) 2024/825 (EmpCo) — verbindlich ist ausschließlich die im Amtsblatt der Europäischen Union veröffentlichte Fassung.
DEDeutsch (amtlich, DE-Fassung Amtsblatt)aufklappenzuklappen
„Treffen einer allgemeinen Umweltaussage, wobei der Gewerbetreibende die anerkannte hervorragende Umweltleistung, auf die sich die Aussage bezieht, nicht nachweisen kann."ENEnglish (Official Journal, EN version)aufklappenzuklappen
„Making a generic environmental claim for which the trader is not able to demonstrate recognised excellent environmental performance relevant to the claim."FRFrançais (Journal officiel, version FR)aufklappenzuklappen
„Présenter une allégation environnementale générique au sujet de laquelle le professionnel n'est pas en mesure de démontrer l'excellente performance environnementale reconnue en rapport avec l'allégation."NLNederlands (Publicatieblad, NL versie)aufklappenzuklappen
„Het maken van een generieke milieuclaim zonder dat de handelaar erkende voortreffelijke milieuprestaties kan aantonen die relevant zijn voor de claim."Does your website use „Not Tested on Animals"?
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