On 1st June, the European Commission unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to phase out animal testing for chemical safety assessments. This strategic document delineates clear, actionable steps towards adopting innovative non-animal approaches while ensuring the integrity of safety evaluations that protect human and animal health as well as the environment. This initiative enhances the existing REACH framework, the EU’s legislation governing chemicals, and represents a significant deliverable within the Commission’s Chemicals Action Plan, introduced in July 2025.
In 2023, in response to the European citizens’ initiative “Save Cruelty-Free Cosmetics,” the European Commission pledged to develop a roadmap to phase out animal testing for chemical safety assessments. Although these assessments are crucial for product safety, they still depend largely on animal testing. New alternative methods are emerging, offering faster, more cost-effective, and innovative solutions for the industry.
“The publication of this roadmap marks a pivotal step towards modernising chemical safety assessments while reinforcing Europe’s leadership in innovation. By phasing out animal testing, we are not only upholding higher ethical standards but also strengthening our competitiveness through cutting-edge, non-animal alternative technologies,” stated Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy.
The roadmap comprises 22 actions categorised into three primary pillars, designed to gradually replace animal testing across 15 specific domains, including industrial and consumer chemicals, pesticides, biocides, pharmaceuticals, and food and feed additives. Additionally, it establishes indicators to facilitate the monitoring of progress regarding these actions and recommendations.
The first pillar emphasises the need to drive change to reduce the use of animals. Actions within this pillar aim to accelerate the development and adoption of non-animal methods, outlining over 30 targeted recommendations for replacing, reducing, or refining animal testing in human health and environmental safety assessments.
The second pillar is dedicated to ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of research and innovation. Initiatives under this pillar will support a diverse ecosystem of research and business innovation to advance non-animal methodologies, including the application of artificial intelligence and large datasets for method development.
The third pillar focuses on fostering collaboration both within Europe and internationally. Actions in this area include establishing a framework to facilitate implementation across all relevant stakeholders in the EU and promoting global cooperation with regulators.
“Today is a good day for animals and shows that Europe cares. After decades of animal testing, we are taking concrete steps to end this. Phasing out animal testing for chemical safety assessments through innovation will be a triple win for animals, the environment, and companies. We will now build on this collective momentum to implement the roadmap actions. This will speed up progress towards a new scientific framework that no longer relies on animal testing,” Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy.
The Commission will commence the implementation of this roadmap immediately, working closely with Member States, EU agencies, and various stakeholders. By 2029, a high-level conference will be held to assess progress. This conference will centre on the increased use and adoption of non-animal approaches in all relevant EU legislation, including REACH. It will include stakeholder consultations to determine the way forward.
