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Testing cosmetics on animals: Why is certification still important when animal testing is forbidden

Testing cosmetics on animals: Why is certification still important when animal testing is forbidden

25. 8. 2026 Author: Petra Bečičková & development department

‘But testing cosmetics on animals is banned in the EU. So why does certification still exist?’ We hear this question quite often and it makes sense, because it may initially appear that the law has settled all the issues surrounding this matter.

Testing cosmetics on animals: Why is certification still important when animal testing is forbidden

It’s a logical question. But the answer shows that certification means much more today than just complying with the law.

On the face of it, it may seem that if legislation forbids animal testing, the rabbit logo is no longer needed. But the reality is quite the opposite.

Let’s start with the most important information: yes, animal testing is truly forbidden in the EU. But that’s not the end of it.

The European Union is a pioneer in animal protection in the cosmetics industry. Testing finished cosmetic products and their ingredients is banned here.

But that doesn’t mean the issue has been dealt with on global scale.

The cosmetics industry is a global industry. Some brands operate outside EU markets, where different rules may apply. There are also situations when some ingredients may be tested in other industrial sectors or outside the cosmetics industry.

This is why independent certification programmes were created and they are much stricter than the legislation. It’s not about replacing the law, but about verifying that the brand adheres to the same, responsible approach throughout its operation – even in areas outside the scope of the legislation.

Bowls and glass containers with pink flowers, a yellow ingredient, and liquids on a dark work surface. The image evokes natural ingredients and their processing in cosmetic production. — Independent certifications help verify that a brand genuinely upholds its commitments.

Is writing ‘we don’t test on animals’ enough?

This is where we see the biggest difference between the statement on the packaging and independently verified certification.

Today, practically any brand can state that it does not test its products on animals.

But, this statement alone provides no information about how the suppliers of the ingredients are monitored, whether the brand assigns testing to third parties, what markets it serves, or whether it regularly validates its commitments.

This is the difference between a marketing statement and independent certification.

What is the Cruelty Free International Approval Programme?

The Cruelty Free International Approval Programme is the strictest international standard in the area of cruelty free cosmetics, formerly known as the Leaping Bunny.

And it’s not just about the final product.
This certification verifies the entire process – from the origin of individual ingredients, through their suppliers, to the finished product.

The Cruelty Free International certification confirms that MANUFAKTURA meets the requirements of the programme for cosmetic and personal care products. The certification is valid until 31 March 2027. — Verification that covers the entire process, not just the final product.

It is not just a single document or one-off confirmation. This certification covers the daily activities of development, procurement and production.

Among other requirements, the brand must:

Avoid testing products and ingredients on animals

Refrain from assigning testing to third parties anywhere else in the world

Monitor its entire supplier chain

Undergo regular independent audits

Meet stringent programme rules in the long-term

Certification is not just a single stamp

You may imagine that the brand simply submits the required documents once and that is all. In actual fact, acquiring certification is just the beginning of the process, not the goal.

Did you know that…
Manufaktura was the first Czech brand to acquire this certification?

Acquiring certification is the beginning of a long-term commitment.

Each supplier must be verified, the origin of ingredients must be documented and the entire system must be regularly inspected by an independent organisation. As soon as a supplier or recipe changes, everything needs to be verified again.

And that is why this programme is one of the most reliable standards in the field of cruelty free cosmetics.

Why do we support development of alternatives to animal testing?

The Cruelty Free International Approval Programme is not just about independent certification, it also supports development and promotion of alternative testing methods outside the European Union.

A black-and-white dog wearing a yellow collar is sitting in an armchair and holding a tube in its mouth. — We support scientific progress that helps find more humane ways to ensure product safety without the need for animal testing.

We believe that real changes are not based on just complying with the rules, but also on the promotion of modern scientific methods, which help gradually replace animal testing. And that is why we actively participate in this initiative by making regular contributions.

Certification helps change the cosmetics industry

The Cruelty Free International Approval Programme certification is not just independent verification that the brand meets stringent cruelty free rules. It is also part of a wider initiative supporting development and promotion of alternatives to animal testing outside the European Union.

We are proud to participate in this activity by making regular contributions. This means we support development of modern scientific methods, which help gradually replace animal testing and contribute to the more ethical future of the cosmetics industry.

We consider this the natural continuation of the commitment that begins with certification.

A laboratory worker's hands are handling a Petri dish on a workbench. — Cruelty Free International (formerly Leaping Bunny) is the most rigorous cruelty-free standard, verifying the entire product as well as its ingredients throughout the supply chain.

What does it mean for you, as the customer?

You may wonder what this actually means for you when you purchase cosmetics?

When you see The Cruelty Free certification logo on a product, you don’t have to study the origins of the individual ingredients or the method of their verification. Certification assures that the entire process has been independently verified according to stringent international rules.

You can be certain that:

The product was not tested on animals

The entire supplier chain is subject to regular inspections

The brand follows stringent international rules

This is not just a marketing statement, but an independently verified commitment

As a result, this is not just a logo on the packaging, but an entire system of rules, checks and long-term responsibility.

The Cruelty Free certification logo does not just mean compliance with legislative requirements. It represents the brand’s long-standing commitment to act responsibly, transparently and with respect towards animals – from development of recipes, through selection of suppliers, to regular, independent audits.

And that is why this certification continues to be important, even today.

FAQ – frequently asked questions

Are cosmetics tested on animals in the EU?

Testing finished cosmetic products and cosmetic ingredients on animals is banned in the European Union. However, the cosmetics industry operates globally and different rules may apply outside the EU. What is more, some ingredients may be tested for other purposes or under different legal regulations, which is why independent international certification is still important.

Is cruelty free certification compulsory?

No. Brands are not required to acquire cruelty free certification. This is a voluntary commitment, which allows a brand to monitor its supplier chain and regularly verify compliance with the stipulated terms and conditions. This means that certification provides a higher level of certainty than the brand’s statement.

What is the difference between vegan and cruelty free?

Vegan labelling means that the product does not contain ingredients of animal origin. The cruelty free label applies to testing on animals. This means that vegan products are not automatically cruelty free and cruelty free products are not automatically vegan. These are two different criteria.

What does the rabbit logo mean?

The rabbit logo usually signals the brand’s commitment to refrain from testing cosmetic products and their ingredients on animals. But not all logos represent the same standard. It is important that independent certification verifies the entire supplier chain, requires regular inspections and that this is not just the brand’s statement.

Why is the ban on testing cosmetics on animals in the EU not enough?

European legislation only applies in the European Union and does not automatically cover all situations in the global supplier chain. Independent certification also verifies the origin of ingredients, suppliers, potential testing by third parties and the brand’s activities on foreign markets.

How do I recognise reliable cruelty free certification?

Reliable certification should be awarded by an independent organisation, apply to the entire supplier chain and require regular audits or repeated verification. It is also important that the brand submit proof of the origin of ingredients and refrain from assigning testing to third parties.

Is certification a one-off matter?

No. The whole process does not end with certification being granted. The brand must comply with the programme’s terms and conditions in the long-term, update information about suppliers and recipes and undergo regular inspections.

Does Manufaktura sell cosmetics in countries where animal testing may be required?

No. One of the conditions of certification is that products are not sold on markets where their testing on animals may be required.

Why does Manufaktura use its own rabbit logo on some packaging?

We use our own symbols on our packaging because we have full control over them. This helps us avoid situations when changes to the appearance or conditions for use of an external certification logo would lead to the need to modify or dispose of previously produced packaging. This does not affect our international certification in any way.

Why is choosing cruelty free cosmetics important?

By choosing an independently certified cosmetic product, customers support brands that regularly validate their approach and undergo inspection. They also support development and promotion of alternative methods, which help gradually replace animal testing.