India in a landmark move is planning to impose a blanket ban on testing cosmetics on animals. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BSI) is revising the standard IS 4011 — the method of safety testing for cosmetics. Drug Controller General of India Dr G N Singh told TOI that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) is examining the feasibility of banning animal testing of cosmetics. Dr Singh met MP and animal activist Maneka Gandhi last week to discuss the legislation. Dr Singh said, “Several developed countries have put in rules that ban testing cosmetics on animals. We’re examining them. We don’t want to be cruel to animals. If other countries don’t allow it, we will also ban animal testing of cosmetics. The decision will follow a through examination and a strong scientific examination.” Gandhi has sent a letter to the DCGI giving scientific evidence supporting a ban on animal testing. The letter said, “on a priority, we as a nation need to go cruelty free as far as testing cosmetics are concerned.” Gandhi said that the European Union (EU) has with the 7th amendment of the cosmetic directive prohibited testing of finished cosmetic products from September, 2004.