Sao Paulo is the first Brazilian state to ban animal testing

The move is set to affect more than 700 companies and the state is the latest to be influenced by the sweeping ban last March in Europe.

Since then India and Israel have jumped on the bandwagon and countries like New Zealand, South Korea and Australia are feeling the pressure to follow suit.

Governor Geraldo Alckmin announced the ban throughout the state after meeting with opponents of the practice, representatives of the cosmetics industry as well as with veterinarians and scientists.

He signed the bill prohibiting the testing of cosmetics on animals just last week, stating that; "We listened to all sectors and decided to pass the law."​

Those found to violate the ban will pay the price...​

This legislation demands a hefty fine be given per animal to the tune of $435,000 on any institution or research center that fails to comply.

Which will then double for repeat offenders as well as the closing of an establishment wither temporarily or permanently.

"Professionals found to be violating the law will also face fines," ​Alckmin warns.

Rest of the world feeling the weight of the EU ban ​

On March 11, 2013 the European Union fully implemented the ban on the sale of cosmetic products tested on animals, which in turn urged other markets to take note.

Testing cosmetics on animals had been banned across the EU since 2009; but up until last year, retailers still could sell cosmetics containing ingredients that had been animal-tested in other countries.

EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy Tonio Borg affirmed his commitment to the sales ban as he assumed his new role late last year.

Since then it has prompted animal rights organizations to work in the likes of India, Canada, South Korea and beyond to encourage other countries to follow Europe’s compassionate lead.