Article 7 — Animal testing

1. The compliance of detergents and surfactants with this Regulation shall be established by using non-animal testing methods validated at Union or international level. 2. Without prejudice to Article 1(1), the placing on the market of detergents and surfactants for which the final formulation or ingredients or combinations of ingredients have been the object of animal testing with a view to meeting the requirements of this Regulation shall be prohibited. 3. Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be applicable without prejudice to relevant Union law and shall not prevent the use of data acquired before 22 March 2026. 4. In exceptional circumstances, where concerns arise as regards the safety of an ingredient in a detergent or surfactant, the Commission may adopt an implementing decision granting a derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, on its own initiative or on the basis of a reasoned request from an economic operator or a Member State. 5. Where the Commission acts on the basis of a reasoned request from an economic operator or a Member State, as referred to in paragraph 4, that request shall contain an evaluation of the situation and indicate the necessary measures. On that basis, the Commission may consult the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM). 6. A decision granting a derogation, as referred to in paragraph 4, shall lay down the conditions associated with that derogation in terms of specific objectives, duration and reporting of the results. A derogation shall only be granted where: (a) the ingredient is widely used and cannot be replaced by another ingredient capable of performing a similar function; and (b) the human health or environmental problem is substantiated and the need to conduct animal testing is justified and is supported by a detailed research protocol proposed as the basis for the evaluation. The Commission shall address its decision granting a derogation to all Member States and shall immediately communicate it to them and to the relevant economic operators.