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Animal testing laws in India: a complete guide

By Animal Writes ·

Experiments on animals are legal in India, but only under rules. This guide sets out each law, who enforces it, what is banned, and what the 2026 draft rules would change.

1. The Act: Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

Chapter IV of the PCA Act covers experiments. Section 14 says nothing in the Act makes experiments unlawful when they are done to advance knowledge useful for saving or prolonging life, relieving suffering or fighting disease in humans, animals or plants. Sections 15 to 19 set up the regulator and give it powers to make rules, inspect and prohibit. Section 17(2) lists what the rules must aim for, including anaesthesia for operations as far as possible, avoiding experiments where books, models or films will do, and proper care before and after.

Section 20 sets the penalty for breaking the regulator’s orders: a fine of up to ₹200. Only Parliament can change it; rules cannot.

2. The regulator: CCSEA

The Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA), called CPCSEA until 2023, registers establishments, appoints nominees to their ethics committees, approves protocols on large animals and inspects facilities. CPCSEA full form, and why it’s now CCSEA.

3. The rules in force: 1998 Rules

The Breeding of and Experiments on Animals (Control and Supervision) Rules, 1998, amended in 2001 and 2006, require:

  • registration with CCSEA of every establishment that breeds animals for experiments or experiments on them;
  • an Institutional Animals Ethics Committee (IAEC) in each establishment, with CCSEA nominees;
  • animals from registered breeders, or other legal sources only with written permission from a competent authority (2006 amendment);
  • anaesthesia for any procedure more severe than simple inoculation or superficial venesection (Rule 9(d));
  • consideration of non-animal alternatives and the fewest animals possible, and aftercare and rehabilitation by investigators (2006 amendment).

Under CCSEA’s procedures, experiments on large animals need CCSEA’s approval; the IAEC approves those on small animals.

4. What is banned

  • Cosmetics: testing on animals is banned since , and so is importing cosmetics tested on animals after (Cosmetics Rules, 2020, Rules 39(7) and 18(4)).
  • Severe, lasting pain: the 2026 draft would bar experiments with severe pain that is likely to last long and cannot be relieved (Rule 7(2)).

5. Non-animal methods for drugs

Since the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules list cell-based assays, organ chips, computer modelling and other human biology-based methods alongside animal studies. Alternatives to animal testing used in India.

6. Wild and protected animals

Under the 2026 draft, species protected under the Wild Life (Protection) Act can be used only for listed purposes, with justification and permission, and stray and feral animals of domestic species “shall not be used” except under exemptions from “competent authorities” that the draft does not define (Rules 5 and 6). Strays, wild animals and primates in the draft.

7. The 2026 draft rules

G.S.R. 864(E), published on , would replace the 1998 Rules. Its biggest change: a lab’s own IAEC would approve all mild and moderate experiments on every species, and CCSEA would see only severe and non-recovery ones on animals above rodents and rabbits. Objections close on .

8. The law in practice

The case of Palamur Biosciences in Telangana shows how these rules are enforced: an inspection report, a police FIR, CCSEA’s public notice and two petitions in the Delhi High Court. The Palamur beagles case: a timeline.

Questions and answers

Is animal testing legal in India?

Yes. Section 14 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 allows experiments for medical and scientific knowledge, subject to the rules made by CCSEA. Testing cosmetics on animals is banned.

Who regulates animal experiments in India?

The Committee for Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA), formerly CPCSEA, together with each establishment’s Institutional Animals Ethics Committee.

What is the penalty for breaking the rules on animal experiments?

A fine of up to ₹200 under Section 20 of the PCA Act. CCSEA can also bar an establishment from experimenting, or suspend or cancel its registration.

What are the 2026 draft rules?

Draft Laboratory Animals Rules, G.S.R. 864(E), published on to replace the 1998 Rules. Objections can be sent to CCSEA until .

Objections to the draft lab animal rules can be sent to CCSEA until . Write and send yours in two minutes.

This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Sources

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