Download ASOS Animal Welfare Policy

ASOS Animal Welfare Policy
ASOS firmly believes it is not acceptable for animals to suffer in the name of fashion or
cosmetics.
Where animal materials are used in our products, suppliers should implement industry
recognised best practice to ensure animal welfare during rearing, transportation and
slaughter is safeguarded at all times. ASOS follows industry recognised standards that
recommend animals should be afforded: 1. freedom from hunger and thirst; 2. freedom from
discomfort; 3. freedom from pain, injury and disease; 4. freedom to express normal
behaviour; 5. freedom from fear and distress1.
Animal products and synthetic materials made to look like animal products must be clearly
labelled to avoid confusion.
Suppliers must provide ASOS with information on the name of the species of animal used in
our products (common and Latin name) and the country of origin of where the animal was
reared.
All suppliers are required to ensure they comply with this policy.
THE FOLLOWING ANIMAL MATERIALS MUST NOT BE USED IN OUR
PRODUCTS:
ENDANGERED SPECIES
Vulnerable or endangered species appearing on either the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) or the Convention of International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES) lists must not be used in our products.
FUR
Real fur or pelts must not be used in our products. This includes Karakul lambskin pelts from
aborted or newborn lambs.
ANGORA & OTHER RABBIT HAIR
Angora and other rabbit hair must not be used in our products.
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The five freedoms were developed by the UK’s Farm Animal Welfare Committee and have been adopted as the foundation of
higher animal welfare standards globally. These higher welfare standards are referenced throughout this policy under the term
“good animal husbandry”.
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Version 2 August 2014
THE FOLLOWING ANIMAL MATERIALS CAN BE USED IN OUR PRODUCTS,
WITH SOME EXCEPTIONS:
LEATHER & SKIN
 Only cow, buffalo, sheep, goat or pig leather or skin, sourced as a by-product of the
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meat industry and from producers with good animal husbandry can be used in our
products.
Leather or skin must not be obtained whilst the animal is still alive or from aborted
animals.
Leather or skin must not be obtained from animals kept in confinement in veal or sow
crates.
Leather or skin from wild-caught animals, exotic animals or vulnerable and
endangered species must not be used in our products.
WOOL
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Sheep and lamb’s wool must be sourced from producers with good animal
husbandry.
Merino wool used in our products must not be sourced from farmers who practice
mulesing.
CASHMERE & MOHAIR
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Cashmere and mohair used in our products must be sourced from producers with
good animal husbandry.
Hair must not be harvested by live plucking.
OTHER ANIMAL HAIR
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Only cow, buffalo, yak, horse, goat, pig and alpaca hair from producers with good
animal husbandry can be used in our products.
Hair must not be harvested by live plucking.
Hair from vulnerable or endangered species must not be used in our products.
FEATHERS & DOWN
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Feathers and down must not be used in our own-label products. This includes down
insulated garments, as well as feathers used in trims, jewellery and other
accessories.
Only products from brands that have provided evidence to demonstrate an active
commitment to sourcing Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified down, or other
similar robust standards assessed and agreed by ASOS on an individual basis, can
be sold on ASOS.com.
ANIMAL TESTING
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ASOS is opposed to testing cosmetics on animals.
ASOS does not produce its own brand cosmetics, and in accordance with the EU
ban that came into effect on 11th March 2013, ASOS does not sell branded
cosmetics that have been tested on animals.
Version 2 August 2014