Today, the European Commission presented a roadmap towards phasing out animal testing for chemical safety assessments, which lays out clear, tangible steps to ensure the transition to innovative non-animal approaches. The roadmap will also preserve the integrity of safety evaluations, which ensure a high level of protection for human and animal health and the environment.
This initiative supports and strengthens the existing REACH framework, the EU’s chemicals legislation, and is a concrete deliverable under the Chemicals Action Plan presented by the Commission in July 2025. With 22 actions under three pillars, the roadmap envisages gradually replacing animal testing for chemical safety assessments in 15 domains, including chemicals for industrial and consumer uses, pesticides and biocides, pharmaceuticals, and food and feed additives. The roadmap sets out indicators that will help to monitor progress in the implementation of the actions and recommendations.
The first pillar focuses on making change happen towards phasing out animal use. Actions under this pillar aim to accelerate the development and uptake of non-animal approaches. Over 30 targeted recommendations to replace, reduce or refine animal testing for human health and environmental safety assessments are outlined in this pillar.
The objective of the second pillar is to keep Europe at the forefront of research and innovation. Actions under this pillar aim to support a broad ecosystem of research and business innovation to develop non-animal approaches. The actions include leveraging artificial intelligence and big data sets for method development.
The third pillar is about working together in Europe and beyond. Actions under this pillar include putting in place a framework to facilitate implementation with all relevant stakeholders in the EU and to foster collaboration with regulators at international level.
Next steps
The Commission will start implementing the roadmap immediately, in close collaboration with Member States, EU agencies and stakeholders. By 2029, the Commission will organise a high-level conference to take stock of progress. The conference will focus on the increased use and uptake of non-animal approaches in all relevant EU legislation, including REACH. It will include consulting stakeholders on the way forward.
Background
In 2023, in response to the European citizens’ initiative Save Cruelty-Free Cosmetics – Commit to a Europe Without Animal Testing, the Commission pledged to develop a comprehensive roadmap towards phasing out animal testing for chemical safety assessments.
Chemical safety assessments help ensure products placed on the market are safe, but they still rely largely on animal testing. New alternative methods are enabling a gradual shift away from animal tests, offering faster, more cost-efficient and innovation-friendly solutions for industry.
For more information
Roadmap towards phasing out animal testing for chemical safety assessments
Quote(s)
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.
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 based on 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.