H.R.1657 - Humane Cosmetics Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1657, the Humane Cosmetics Act of 2025, aims to substantially restrict animal testing for cosmetics within the United States. The bill prohibits knowingly conducting or contracting for cosmetic animal testing in the U.S., as well as the sale or transport of cosmetic products developed or manufactured using such testing. It includes exemptions for testing required by foreign regulatory authorities or requested by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under specific conditions.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would likely lead to a significant reduction in animal testing for cosmetics in the U.S. Cosmetic companies may need to rely more on alternative testing methods and ensure their supply chains comply with the new regulations. States would be prevented from enacting laws regarding cosmetic animal testing that differ from the federal law.
Potential Benefits
- Ethical Considerations: Reduces animal suffering associated with cosmetic testing.
- Innovation: Encourages the development and use of alternative, non-animal testing methods.
- Consumer Confidence: May increase consumer trust in cosmetic products due to ethical production practices.
- Market Access: Could align the U.S. with other countries that have already banned or restricted cosmetic animal testing.
- Public Health: Promotes potentially safer testing methods that may better reflect human responses.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Cost Increases: Development and validation of alternative testing methods may increase production costs.
- Trade Barriers: Could create trade barriers with countries that require animal testing for cosmetics.
- Limited Product Availability: Some cosmetic ingredients or products might become unavailable if alternative testing is not feasible.
- Regulatory Burden: Cosmetic companies may face increased regulatory burden to demonstrate compliance.
- Competitive Disadvantage: U.S. companies may be at a disadvantage compared to companies in countries with less stringent regulations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill primarily concerns the regulation of commerce, which falls under the powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (the Commerce Clause) of the U.S. Constitution. The bill's provisions regarding interstate commerce and the setting of national standards for cosmetic animal testing are consistent with this clause. The limitations on state authority in subsection (g) are also permissible under the Supremacy Clause (Article VI), as long as the federal law is within Congress's constitutional authority.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).