What is the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals?
The Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals is a product labeling and manufacturing policy proposed for all cosmetics manufacturers by a wide-ranging national animal protection coalition. The standard clarifies the terminology, procedures and labeling used to identify cosmetics and other consumer products meeting ethical standards developed within the animal protection community.
The standard requires a corporation select a date of its choosing and commit from that day forward to cease all animal testing. The standard promotes companies that have a long history of "cruelty-free" manufacturing, but also provides an incentive for other manufacturers to join the list of those that are "cruelty-free" by making a commitment to cease animal testing.
What products are covered by the standard?
The Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals applies to cosmetics and household products. The standard uses the term "cosmetic" in a broad manner, to include all items that are commonly thought of by consumers as cosmetics. This includes many products regulated under federal law as either cosmetics or drugs or as both. Additionally, the standard applies to household products such as cleaning supplies, bleaches, laundry and dish detergents, furniture polish, floor wax, ink correction fluid, glue and toys.
Is using the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals legal?
The current legal atmosphere is especially conducive to the introduction of The Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals label. Recently, the Supreme Court has bolstered the First Amendment commercial speech doctrine. As a result, adoption and use of the label is constitutionally protected speech.
Additionally, when properly used and verified, the standard provides consumers with material information concerning cosmetic, drug and household products in accordance with Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission laws. By taking proper precautionary steps, manufacturers can use the standard in a non-misleading manner and ensure their compliance with both laws.
How can my company adopt the standard?
Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals provides manufacturers with consistent standards and practices to ensure consumer understanding and prevent misleading animal testing label claims from being used for an unjustified competitive advantage. There are several ways for companies to avoid misleading consumers while using "The Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals" label. In general, manufacturers are recommended to take the following steps to responsibly and proactively use the product labeling standard:
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Educate yourself and your employees—especially ingredients buyers—on the animal testing issue.
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Take your stance. Your company needs to decide where it stands on the animal testing issue and make that stance clear to all employees.
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Adopt the standard. Sign the Statement of Assurance to adopt the Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals.
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Work with your suppliers. Let your product and ingredient providers know that you are adopting Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals labeling and want them to sign a statement of assurance.
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Label your products. Once you have obtained assurances from your suppliers, label your products appropriately.
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Inform your customers. Informational signs and advertising can provide information concerning The Corporate Standard of Compassion for Animals.
