Switzerland has announced a complete ban on sales of cosmetics that are tested on animals.

The decision follows the announcement in March last year by the Swiss Federal Council that saw it ban the marketing of cosmetics that have been tested on animals abroad, with the outright ban coming into effect at the end of 2016.

Switzerland is the latest country to implement the ban, following in the footsteps of 28 European countries, India, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan, with Cruelty Free International applauding the news.

Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International, said in a statement: “We are delighted that Switzerland will no longer allow cosmetics for which animals have suffered to be sold in the country. This move is the next step in our 20-year campaign to end cruel animal testing everywhere and forever. With no similar measures in place, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Russia and the US are falling behind. It is time now for every government to step up and do the right thing.”