The announcement — made by the Gansu Province National Medical Products Association — ends cosmetic animal testing for all finished imported and domestically-produced products. International animal welfare organization Cruelty Free International (CFI) applauds the news as an “important step” toward ending animal testing around the world.

In the past, China has been known for testing international and domestic products on animals after they have come to market.

“This assurance by the Chinese authorities that post-market animal testing is now not normal practice is an enormous step in the right direction and most welcome,” said Michelle Thew, the chief executive of CFI, in a statement.