At the CRC Team, we are on a mission to completely remove animal test from cosmetics in China. Since 2016, we have been at the forefront of a transformative journey, dismantling one of the most significant barriers for international cosmetics brands in China — mandatory animal testing.
Our commitment goes beyond mere advocacy; we are actively reshaping the landscape of cosmetic regulations in China. Through strategic partnerships, innovative pilot projects, and tireless advocacy, we have participated in what once seemed impossible: the abolition of mandatory animal testing for imported general cosmetics in China.
But our work does not stop there. We are now setting our sights on even more ambitious goals, working toward a complete replacement of animal testing with alternative tests across all cosmetic categories and ingredients. At CRC Team, we believe in a future where beauty does not come at the cost of animal welfare.
At the heart of our success lies a powerful collaborative approach. We understand that lasting change requires the involvement of diverse stakeholders, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the table. Our approach is founded on the principle that by bringing together diverse stakeholders, we can create solutions that benefit everyone — consumers, businesses, regulators, and most importantly, animals.
Our approach is rooted in the belief that by bringing together diverse stakeholders, we can create solutions that benefit everyone — consumers, businesses, regulators, and most importantly, animals.
At CRC Team, we are not just regulatory experts; we are catalysts for positive change. Our work continues until we have achieved our goal and eliminated all animal testing from the cosmetics industry in China and beyond.
Join us in this crucial mission. Together, we can create a beauty industry that truly lives up to its name — one that enhances life and celebrates the well-being of both humans and animals.
Government Authorities
We work closely with authorities and other regulatory bodies, fostering open dialogue and providing expert insights to drive policy changes.
Animal Rights Organizations
Our partnerships with selected animal rights groups amplify our voice and ensure that animal welfare remains at the forefront of industry discussions.
International Brands
We assist global cosmetics companies in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape, conducting non-animal testing audits, and achieving cruelty-free status in China.
Research Institutions
Collaborations with toxicology societies and laboratories help us develop and promote alternative testing methods that are both scientifically sound and ethically responsible.
Industry Organizations
We engage with cosmetics industry bodies to align efforts and create a united front for cruelty-free practices.
In 2020, as China’s cosmetics industry began shifting towards cruelty-free practices, we initiated a dialogue with Leaping Bunny US to develop a comprehensive audit program for their members entering the Chinese market. This collaboration led to the launch of the Leaping Bunny China Qualification Program in 2022, a significant milestone in cruelty-free cosmetics certification.
As the exclusive audit partner for Leaping Bunny in China, we are honoured to play a crucial role in upholding the highest standards of animal welfare in the cosmetics industry. This trusted position underscores our commitment to ethical practices and our deep understanding of China’s complex regulatory environment.
The Leaping Bunny China Qualification Program represents more than just a certification; it is a testament to the evolving consciousness of the beauty industry and consumers alike. By ensuring rigorous compliance with cruelty-free standards, we are not only facilitating market access for ethical brands but also contributing to a future where animal testing in cosmetics becomes obsolete.
Our partnership with Leaping Bunny exemplifies our dedication to driving positive change in the industry. Moreover, the presence of brands in China that genuinely commit to cruelty-free practices
Knudsen&CRC is proud to announce a pioneering pilot project aimed at abandon animal test as part of the sunscreen registration process in China. Our initiative focuses on replacing three mandatory animal tests – multiple skin irritation tests, skin allergy tests, and skin phototoxicity tests – with OECD approved alternative methods.
This project represents a significant step towards aligning China’s cosmetic industry with global ethical standards and scientific advancements. By collaborating with key stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, research institutions, alternative testing model suppliers, cosmetic and raw material companies, we aim to demonstrate the scientific validity, reliability, and relevance of non-animal test methods for sunscreen safety evaluation.
Our approach includes:
This initiative not only underscores our commitment to ethical testing practices but also aims to remove a significant trade barrier for cruelty-free companies wishing to enter the Chinese market with special cosmetics. By addressing international concerns about animal welfare and aligning with worldwide industry standards, we’re paving the way for increased market access and fostering a more inclusive global cosmetics industry.
We are currently seeking support from companies to fund this crucial pilot project. Your involvement will contribute to groundbreaking advancements in cosmetic safety testing and regulatory alignment. For more information on how you can support this initiative, please contact us at email; info@knudsencrc.com.
Research team on animal testing for cosmetics established within the CRC team. The objective with the research is to uncover the possibility of producing cosmetics locally and distribute within China without any risk of pre - as well as post - market animal test. The research included interviews with local authorities as well as publicly available data by SAMR and China Customs.
Initiate Cruelty Free Cosmetics process in China in close collaboration with the Danish cosmetics brand, Raunsborg. The products were filed as "locally produced general cosmetics" and were distributed in China without animal testing. This project paved the way for the Leaping Bunny Pilot projects.
MOU signed with Knudsen&CRC, Fengpu Industrial Park and Leaping Bunny. Collaboration initiated with IIVS. Official visit by Shanghai officials to Cruelty Free companies in London. Launch of Leaping Bunny Pilot project. CRC team’s work and achievements with the pilot projects in China are mentioned in media around the world.
The second Leaping Bunny Pilot project is launched in China. The CRC team organise a shared booth for the Leaping Bunny Pilot brands during the cosmetic tradeshow in Shanghai in May. The two cosmetics brands, Bulldog and Brigher Beauty, are the first to launch on the Chinese market.
Mandatory animal testing for imported cosmetics is finally abandoned by the Chinese government. The CRC team enters into official partnership with Leaping Bunny/ The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics in the US. The CRC team collaborates with government organisations and industry organisations from all over the world to ensure GMP certificates now required for imported cosmetics to enter the Chinese market without animal test.
The first GMP certificates are approved by NMPA. Spain, Italy and France are among the first countries to secure cruelty free access for their cosmetics industry. The CRC team continues to provide free of charge assistance to governments and industry organisations on drafting the required GMP certificates.
The CRC team initiates the research on a new project on removing animal test from sunscreen products. The project involves input from Shanghai Toxicology Society, government laboratories, cosmetics companies, ingredient suppliers, and NGOs.
The CRC team initiates official collaboration on the sunscreen pilot with a government owned laboratory in Shanghai. The task is to raise the funding for the extensive safety assessment work to document the safety of sunscreens without animal test.
The sunscreen pilot will be officially announced at our yearly Friendship Dinner in May. The CRC team's work continues until a general ban of animal test on cosmetics - on all finished products as well as ingredients - is achieved.
Since 2012, Knudsen & CRC has been at the forefront of supporting international brands in overcoming regulatory barriers in highly regulated markets. Our expertise spans across Cosmetics, Skincare, Food & Beverages, Nutritional Supplements, Functional Health Foods, and more. At Knudsen & CRC, we go beyond traditional compliance, we’re shaping a world where international brands thrive in highly regulated markets. Our diverse team of global experts doesn’t just navigate complex regulations—we transform them into opportunities for growth.
We are pioneering change, fostering collaboration, and delivering transparency. Together, we’re not just meeting standards; we’re setting them.
Knudsen&CRC China
Room 0601, Building B
SOHO Fuxing
277 Danshui Road
Huangpu District
200025 Shanghai
China
Shanghai office
Monday - Friday
09.00 - 17.30 CST
Knudsen&CRC Denmark
D. B. Dirchsens Allé 41
2791 Dragør
Denmark
Knudsen&CRC UK
34 Christchurch Hill
London
NW3 1JL
United Kingdom
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