The European parliament has voted to ban the sale of all cosmetic products that have been tested on animals.

The new measure -- passed by the assembly in Strasbourg -- seeks to outlaw the sale in the EU of cosmetic products tested on animals anywhere in the world. The proposal will now be sent to EU member governments for consideration and, if approved, will come into force by 2005. Animal rights groups welcomed the decision; but officials warned that it could be blocked by EU nations where animal testing for cosmetics continues.

Cosmetics companies say the move would cost jobs and restrict consumer choice. Most of Europe's cosmetic testing is carried out in France and Italy.

Only Britain, Austria and the Netherlands have imposed bans on cosmetic animal testing.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service