The European Commission on Monday published a roadmap for the phased elimination of animal testing in chemical safety assessments, setting out concrete steps toward alternative methods while maintaining high standards of protection for human health, animal welfare and the environment.
The initiative sits within the existing REACH regulatory framework for chemical substances and forms part of the Chemicals Action Plan presented in July 2025. The roadmap covers 22 actions across three pillars and 15 sectors, including industrial and consumer chemicals, pesticides, biocides, pharmaceuticals, and food and feed additives. Progress indicators will be established to monitor implementation.
The three pillars
The first pillar focuses on accelerating the development and uptake of non-animal methods, with more than 30 recommendations on replacing, reducing or refining tests relating to human health and the environment. The second pillar aims to keep Europe at the frontier of research and innovation by building a broader ecosystem for developing alternative methods, drawing on artificial intelligence and big data. The third pillar addresses cooperation within the EU and internationally, with the goal of harmonising approaches with regulatory authorities worldwide and ensuring new methods are adopted consistently.
The Commission said it will begin implementing the roadmap immediately in cooperation with member states and European agencies, and has scheduled a high-level conference for 2029 to assess progress and determine next steps.
A triple benefit
Executive Vice President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy Stéphane Séjourné described the roadmap as a decisive step toward modernising chemical safety assessments while reinforcing Europe's position as a leader in innovation. Phasing out animal testing, he said, advances higher ethical standards while strengthening competitiveness through cutting-edge non-animal technologies.
Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessica Roswall called the initiative a triple benefit for animals, the environment and business. "This will accelerate progress toward a new scientific framework that no longer relies on animal testing," she said.
The Commission committed to developing the roadmap following a European Citizens' Initiative calling for a Europe free of animal testing in chemical safety assessments. The new alternative methods are expected to offer faster and more efficient solutions for industry while strengthening innovation and sustainability.
Source: CNA
