With PETA Input, Department of Transportation Ends Animal Skin-Corrosion Test Requirement

For Immediate Release:
September 15, 2022

Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382

Following years of pressure and advice from PETA scientists, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has ended its requirement for a painful test in which corrosive substances are smeared onto rabbits’ sensitive skin. Now, companies will no longer be required to use rabbits in order to determine whether chemicals cause permanent skin damage.

The DOT requires that companies test products for possible permanent skin damage to allow safe handling in case of accidental spills during transport. PETA successfully asked the DOT to accept Corrositex, an animal-free skin test that works with most kinds of corrosive substances, almost 30 years ago. Now, with this 2022 update to the DOT testing requirements, all chemicals can be tested without using animals.

In a letter informing PETA of the new rule, the agency stated that its decision would encourage companies to use animal-free tests. PETA will make sure that every company knows about this updated rule, including spreading the word about a September 21 webinar hosted by the DOT to discuss the rule change.

“Animal-free skin-corrosion tests are more relevant for protecting human health, and the DOT’s update brings the U.S. in alignment with other countries that have been using non-animal methods safely for years,” says Dr. Amy Clippinger, managing director of the Regulatory Toxicology Department. “When PETA and regulatory agencies work together, it’s a win-win situation for everyone: We prevent animals from being killed in painful experiments and better protect humans.”

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