The End of an Era of Cruelty
Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies has approved a groundbreaking bill that prohibits the testing of cosmetics on live vertebrates. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed this critical legislation into law on July 30, 2025, marking a new, compassionate chapter for the nation.
The new law modifies Law 11.794/08, making it clear that data from animal testing can no longer be used to authorize the marketing of these products or their ingredients.
While products and ingredients that were tested on animals before the law came into effect can remain in circulation, all new products are now protected. There will be a two-year period for regulatory agencies to fully implement alternative testing methods.
What the Ban Doesn't Do
While this is a monumental victory, it's important to understand the exceptions. The ban prohibits animal testing within Brazil, but it doesn't mean every cosmetic product sold in Brazil will now be cruelty-free.
Unfortunately, companies can still sell products in Brazil that have been tested on animals in other parts of the world, if that testing was done to comply with the laws of other countries.
This is the case with most bans on animal testing around the world, and it's why cruelty-free shoppers must continue to be viligent when it comes to our purchases. We must keep holding companies accountable and demanding a global end to this practice.
No More False "Cruelty-Free" Claims
One of the most powerful parts of this new legislation is its crackdown on deceptive marketing. Any company that relies on animal testing data conducted after the ban is explicitly forbidden from using claims like “not tested on animals” or “cruelty-free” on their labels.
This means that, if a product is tested on animals in countries which require animal testing, the company cannot claim that it's cruelty-free. The same applies to non-cosmetic products which were tested on animals.
A Word from Our Allies
This victory was a collective effort, and the passion of advocates on the ground was instrumental. As Camila Cortínez, General Director of Te Protejo, so powerfully stated:
“With this law, we can prevent hundreds of thousands of animals from being subjected to cruel experiments in Brazil, practices that have already been overcome by modern methods that do not require living beings.”
This is the heart of the matter – moving beyond cruel, archaic methods and embracing modern, humane science.
Animal Testing Bans in Latin America
With this decision, Brazil joins a growing list of compassionate nations that have said NO to cosmetic animal testing. It now stands alongside other Latin American leaders like Chile, Mexico, and Colombia, as well as over 40 other countries worldwide that have enacted similar bans.
This proves that the world is waking up, thanks to consumer demand, scientific innovation, and the work of animal rights organizations across the globe.
Thank You to Our Brazilian Readers
To our incredible Brazilian Cruelty-Free Kitty readers: this victory is your victory. Your dedication, your voices, and your commitment to a cruelty-free world have made this historic achievement possible.
You have shown that when we stand together against injustice, we can and do create meaningful change for animals. Thank you for being at the forefront of this fight.
The future of beauty is cruelty-free, and thanks to you, Brazil is now a vital part of that future.
Which Brands Are Cruelty-Free?
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