The law, known as a Knesset in Israel, governs cosmetics, toiletries and detergents, any products that have been tested on any sort of animal, anywhere in the world.
It also means that there is a ban on the marketing of cosmetics that have been animal tested, even if the laboratory testing was conducted in another country.
New regulation builds on 2007 ruling
This law builds on existing regulation passed in 2007 that banned the animal testing of cosmetics, toiletries and detergents that were manufactured in Israel.
The law has been promoted by labor politician MK Eitan Cabel, who has served as head of the Animal Rights Lobby in the country, promoting to promote the legislation and ensure that the ban is put into full effect.
"Animal testing in the Cosmetics Industry inflicts horrific suffering on these animals. Each product requires between 2,000-3,000 tests, and animals die in agony,” MK Cabel said in a statement to support the implementation of the ban.
Bringing Israel in line with Europe
The regulation brings Israel into line with the EU, where a ban on the testing of animal on cosmetic products was introduced in 2004, preventing the sale of any such products in Europe.
Subsequently the EU has also passed regulations banning the testing of animal for ingredients that are used in cosmetics and toiletries, which is expected to take full effect during the course of this year.
Israel’s move to ensure its regulations on animal testing fall in line with those of Europe are important because it is the most important market for the country’s growing cosmetics industry, which was estimated to have exported approximately $120m worth of products in 2010.
According to the Humane Society International; once the EU enforces its own sales ban, the creation of these two cruelty-free markets will be a significant milestone towards achieving a better industry.
"Whilst we commend Israel for taking this truly historic action, strict enforcement of the law alongside active assistance from cosmetic companies, will now be vital," says Troy Seidle, director of research & toxicology at the Humane Society International.