The use of animals for scientific and medical research is regulated by specific legislations - based on the 3Rs principle - which protect laboratory animals, ensure their well-being and impose compliance with ethical rules.
Born from the ethical reflections of two British scientists, William Russel and Rex Burch, the principle of replacement, reduction and refinement, known as the "3Rs principle", first appeared in 1959 in a code of good conduct drawn up by researchers for researchers..
Since the beginning of the 80s, driven by the need to implement and homogenize good practices in animal experimentation, this principle has been taken up and applied by numerous institutions in Europe and across the Atlantic, and even integrated into the law.
French law recognizes the 3Rs principle, as evidenced by the references to the 3Rs and the need for a center dedicated to their implementation in Article 48 of the "loi n° 2020-1674 de programmation de la recherche".
- In accordance with Articles 38, 39 and 43 of the European Directive, the "French decree" of February 1, 2013 details in Articles 3, 4, 5 and 7 that it is the responsibility of the CEEAs to ensure theoretical compliance with the 3Rs principle when evaluating animal research projects.
- According to Article 27 of the EU Directive, the SBEAs are responsible for promoting and implementing the 3Rs principle within their research organizations.
The application of the 3Rs principle is imposed on EU Member States by Article 4 of directive 2010/63/UE of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.
Article 4
Principle of replacement, reduction and refinement.
Member States shall ensure that, wherever possible, ascientifically satisfactory method or testing strategy, notentailing the use of live animals, shall be used instead of a procedure.
Member States shall ensure that the number of animalsused in projects is reduced to a minimum without compromising the objectives of the project.
Member States shall ensure refinement of breeding,accommodation and care, and of methods used in procedures,eliminating or reducing to the minimum any possible pain,suffering, distress or lasting harm to the animals.
This Article shall, in the choice of methods, be implemented in accordance with Article 13
On September 16, 2021, the European Parliament adopted Resolution 2021/2784(RSP) on plans and measures to accelerate the transition to innovation without the use of animals in research, regulatory testing and education.
A response from the European Commission was published on February 10, 2022 (SP(2021)787). Among other things, it proposes an increase in the resources allocated to the development of non-animal methods and tools, and support for the implementation of educational and training programmes on the 3Rs.
Regulation (EU) 2026/405 (February 11, 2026) on detergents and surfactants prohibits animal testing for these products in the European Union from 2029. Manufacturers will be required to use validated alternative methods. Exemptions will remain possible only for irreplaceable ingredients posing a proven risk to health or the environment.
In June 1, 2026, the European Commission presented a roadmap aimed at phasing out animal testing for chemical safety assessments. This action plan sets out 22 measures, more than 30 recommendations, the development of alternative methods, the strengthening of research and international cooperation, as well as monitoring of progress up to 2029.
