The Russian regulations for cosmetics safety state that toxicological tests are required, which has led many to believe that animal testing was still mandatory in Russia. Cruelty Free International asked the Ministry of Health to issue an unambiguous statement on this, and in reply the Ministry states “Toxicological testing is performed by means of testing for skin allergic reaction or test on slime / eye area (with use of lab animals) or by use of alternative general toxicology methods (in vitro). In this manner the technical regulations include measures which provide an alternative to animal testing”.

More information:
http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/