"The main purpose of the bill is to stop animal suffering in the cosmetics industry."

Ban could take effect in a year if legislation is approved 

Testing cosmetic products on animals could soon be banned in Colombia, under proposed legislation.

The new bill, which is being presented to the Colombian Congress today (29 August), would come into force 12 months after being passed.

It prohibits the use of animals for testing cosmetic products and their ingredients, including those that are manufactured in and imported to the country.

Author of the bill, the house representative Juan Carlos Losada, said: "The main purpose of the bill is to stop animal suffering in the cosmetics industry and enable Colombian companies to enter the European market, a region that has for years rejected such tests".

Nearly 40 countries have banned animal testing for cosmetics, including the UK, India, Israel, New Zealand and the EU. In May this year, members of European parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of a resolution calling for a worldwide ban by 2023.

Lobby group Animal Defenders International (ADI) said such tests are unnecessary and unreliable.

Commenting on the new bill, ADI president Jan Creamer said: “Colombia is taking its first steps to becoming a leader in Latin America and banning cosmetics testing on animals. With advanced alternatives available and already in use around the world, this historic bill should pass at the earliest opportunity.”