Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission
2.8.2013
The EU legislation does not include a prohibition for testing tobacco products with animals. However, Directive 2010/63/EU[1], that took full effect on 1 January 2013, provides a legal framework to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals used for scientific purposes in the EU.
At this stage the Commission has not taken any specific action against imported tobacco products in this respect, nor are there any immediate plans to do so.
Article 5(3) of the framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) obliges the EU and its Member States to protect their public health policies from any commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry.
- [1] OJ L 276/33, 20 October 2010. Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.
OJ C 81 E, 20/03/2014