The French Federation for Beauty Companies (FEBEA) yesterday announced the decision by the China’s ANSM consumer safety agency, making France the first EU member state that can export cruelty-free cosmetic products to the lucrative market. 

The decision, which brands and animal welfare groups have been seeking for years, could accelerate the growth of French cosmetics players in what is currently the country’s fourth-largest destination for beauty exports, according to FEBEA.

Since the EU banned animal testing in 2009, China’s requirements that imported beauty products be tested in local labs has impeded beauty players looking to enter the market without compromising their ethics.According to FEBEA, brands looking to sell in China will still need to present evidence of product safety and good manufacturing practices. The exemption only applies to “ordinary” cosmetics, a term including everyday makeup, haircare and fragrance products, as opposed to “special” cosmetics like hair dye and sunscreen.