United States · Cosmetics

Cosmetic Animal Testing in the United States

A practical guide to Cosmetic Animal Testing for cosmetics sold in the United States: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Brands must be able to show that the product and its ingredients were not tested on animals where the market bans such testing; Online sellers listing cosmetics for buyers in the United States

Authority

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Legal basis

21 CFR Part 701

Local representative

A local responsible entity or authorised representative is required

Timeline

Before sale; notification review typically takes weeks

Cost

Official fees are usually low; testing and local representation add cost

If you do not comply

Recall, import block, fines, or marketplace delisting

Who needs this

Brands must be able to show that the product and its ingredients were not tested on animals where the market bans such testing
Online sellers listing cosmetics for buyers in the United States

Documents you need

Animal testing declaration from suppliers
Product information file with a safety assessment
GMP certificate for the manufacturing site
Ingredient and labelling compliance review

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Animal testing declaration from suppliers
Product information file with a safety assessment
GMP certificate for the manufacturing site
Ingredient and labelling compliance review

How to comply

Collect supplier declarations covering every ingredient
Confirm the product is legally a cosmetic in this market
Compile the product information file and safety assessment
Complete the local notification or registration step

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: Cosmetic Animal Testing — United States
Product category: Cosmetics
Authority: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Legal basis: 21 CFR Part 701

Documents we already have:
  1. Animal testing declaration from suppliers
  2. Product information file with a safety assessment
  3. GMP certificate for the manufacturing site
  4. Ingredient and labelling compliance review

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under Cosmetic Animal Testing in the United States?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before sale; notification review typically takes weeks.

Official fees are usually low; testing and local representation add cost.

Common rejection reasons

Supplier cannot confirm the testing history
Missing or incomplete product information file
Claims that are not supported by evidence
Label not in a required local language

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.

Official sources

FAQ

Who needs Cosmetic Animal Testing in the United States?

Brands must be able to show that the product and its ingredients were not tested on animals where the market bans such testing Online sellers listing cosmetics for buyers in the United States.

What documents are required for Cosmetic Animal Testing?

Animal testing declaration from suppliers; Product information file with a safety assessment; GMP certificate for the manufacturing site; and ingredient and labelling compliance review.

What is the first step for Cosmetic Animal Testing?

Collect supplier declarations covering every ingredient. Before sale; notification review typically takes weeks.

How long does Cosmetic Animal Testing take?

Before sale; notification review typically takes weeks.

How much does Cosmetic Animal Testing cost?

Official fees are usually low; testing and local representation add cost.

What happens if I sell without it?

Recall, import block, fines, or marketplace delisting.

Who regulates Cosmetic Animal Testing in the United States?

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.