Britain has been training Chinese scientists in techniques that could replace the use of animals in cosmetic safety tests.

The programme, which has been running for more than a year, is intended to lead to Chinese authorities banning all animal testing for toiletries, lipsticks, moisturisers and other beauty products.

At present, it is a legal requirement in China for imported cosmetics to be tested on animals – mostly mice or rats, but also rabbits and guinea pigs. Britain banned the practice in 1998, while the European Union did so in 2013. Artificial skin cells are now used for safety tests.

Products made in Europe have to be retested on animals in China – a major market for western firms – before they can be imported. As cosmetic companies and animal welfare groups have pointed out, this is a waste of time, money and animal life.

China has started to investigate ways to replace animal testing and has sought the assistance of British scientists. The move is a part of the growing cooperation between the two countries that was formally agreed between David Cameron and China’s president, Xi Jinping, during a state visit to Britain last month.

“We need to help the Chinese to get to a place where it is safe for them to stop using animals in testing,” said Judy MacArthur Clark of the Home Office’s animals in science regulation unit.

“Their consumers have to know they will be safe to use cosmetics, even though they are no longer being tested on animals.”

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Last year, scientists from the unit helped set up an international conference on animal welfare in Beijing. This was followed up with a UK visit by Chinese researchers last December. Last week, MacArthur Clark and her team visited Beijing to help with training.

“In future, there will be more cooperation and more help from us,” she said. “It is clear that the long-term aim of the Chinese is to change their legislation so that animals are no longer used to test the safety of cosmetics there. It will not take place overnight but I am confident it will happen.”

A key motive behind China’s desire to stop animal testing lies with its growing affluence and the popularity of European cosmetics, such as those by Estée Lauder, Givenchy and Chanel, a point that was stressed by Chris Flower, director general of the UK Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association.

“There is a huge appetite for European cosmetics in China, thanks to [the country’s] growth in affluence. Cosmetics, moisturisers, sun preparations, you name it. If it comes from Europe, it must be great.”

In total, about 300,000 animals are used for tests in China, MacArthur Clark said. “These creatures are usually anaesthetised and killed after the test is completed,” she added.

European cosmetics companies have become uncomfortable with their products being tested on animals and, along with animal welfare groups, have been pressing for a halt.

“Cosmetics firms and animal groups might not always have been on the same side, but we have been in this case,” said Nick Palmer of Cruelty Free International. “We all want a change. The image of shampoo being squirted into a rabbit’s eyes is no longer acceptable.”

This point was backed by Flower. “Our companies feel uncomfortable about this because they can defend the safety of their products without doing tests on animals any more. It would also appear that the Chinese now agree.”

In fact, the move by the Chinese away from animal tests is part of a growing global movement. “Brazil, Russia, Thailand, South Korea and several other nations have all made it clear that they plan to phase out animal testing for toiletries,” said Palmer.

“Europe’s ban has echoed round the world. Countries realise, for free-trade reasons alone, they need to have a strategy on this issue.”

In addition, the issue of animal welfare is becoming of wider concern, said MacArthur Clark.

“Chinese society, as it becomes more westernised, is certainly becoming more focused on the care of animals. But people there need to be sure their cosmetics are safe to use.”