The News Minute | October 14, 2014 | 05:06 pm IST

New Delhi: The ministry of health and family welfare on Tuesday banned the import of cosmetics which are tested on animals.

The ban comes in the form of Rule 135-B that states: "Prohibition of import of cosmetics tested on animals. No cosmetic that has been tested on animals after the commencement of the Drugs and Cosmetics (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2014, shall be imported into the country."

The notification will come into effect Nov 13, 30 days from the date of notification in the Gazette of India.

The government on May 4 asked for suggestions from the public and stakeholders in the matter.

With this ban, India becomes the first country in south Asia to impose such a ban.

The ban comes after the government prohibited testing for cosmetic products and their ingredients on animals May 23.

With IANS