Animal Welfare Policy
GUIDELINES
These guidelines are intended to help all those involved in the manufacture or supply of ASOS
products understand the main animal welfare issues associated with the fashion and cosmetic
industry, and the steps they can take to meet the standards set out in ASOS’ Animal Welfare Policy.
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Version 3 June 2016
CONTENTS
Animal Welfare Overview ........................................................................................... 2
Endangered Species .................................................................................................. 4
Fur .............................................................................................................................. 6
Angora & Other Rabbit Hair...…………………………………………………………….. 8
Leather & Skin .......................................................................................................... 10
Wool ......................................................................................................................... 13
Cashmere & Mohair ................................................................................................. 15
Other Animal Hair ..................................................................................................... 17
Feathers & Down ..................................................................................................... 19
Animal Testing ......................................................................................................... 21
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Version 3 June 2016
ANIMAL WELFARE OVERVIEW
What the policy says
•
Where animals are used in our products, suppliers should
implement industry recognised best practice to ensure higher
animal welfare during rearing, transportation and slaughter is
safeguarded at all times.
•
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 its country of origin
Why this is important
Animal welfare definition: Animal welfare means how an animal is coping, both physically and mentally,
with the conditions in which it lives. Protecting an animal’s welfare involves safeguarding a good quality of
life throughout its entire rearing process, including during transportation to slaughter, as well as ensuring a
humane death.
Higher animal welfare: The welfare of an animal can be described as good or high if the individual is fit,
healthy and free from suffering. The five freedoms set out below are used in many countries as best
practice measures by which to assess higher animal welfare:





Freedom from hunger and thirst
Freedom from discomfort
Freedom from pain, injury and disease
Freedom from fear and distress
Freedom to express normal behaviour
ASOS requires all animal derived materials to come from producers who ensure good animal husbandry.
By this we mean the producer safeguards all of the animal’s five freedoms. Look out for producers that
have achieved recognised organic certification (as detailed in the “Steps you can take table”), as producers
can only be certified organic if they achieve higher animal welfare standards.
Factory farming: 70 billion farm animals are reared worldwide every year for food (the majority of animal
derived materials used in the fashion industry come from animals raised for food). Two thirds of these farm
animals are raised on factory farms where animals’ five freedoms are not met. Animals farmed in these
intensive systems often face a lifetime of confinement indoors, cramped and unhygienic living quarters,
inadequate diets and health checks, painful medical procedures without anaesthetic and enforced
separation from their young. Animals can also suffer whilst being transported over long distances to
slaughterhouses.
Traceability: To ensure suppliers are complying with this policy and higher animal welfare standards are
being met ASOS is in the process of implementing an animal derived material traceability programme. We
ask all suppliers to provide us with accurate information on both the common name and the Latin name of
the species used. We request the Latin name for clarification purposes as often an animal derived material
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may be known by several different common names. We also ask for country of origin of where the
animal was reared (note: not the country where the hide, wool, hair or down was processed), as this
information provides us with a good indication of animal welfare standards.
Version 3 June 2016
Where to go for further Information
ASOS policy and process
 ASOS CR Team: [email protected]
General animal welfare information
 Compassion: https://www.ciwf.org.uk/farm_animals/default.aspx
 PETA: http://www.peta.org.uk/issues/animals-are-not-ours-to-wear/
 WSPA: http://www.wspa.org.uk/wspaswork/factoryfarming/
 RSPCA: http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/farm
Steps you can take
Avoid
1. Always check the
species. Ask for the
animal’s common
and Latin name
Good
Better
 Exotic, endangered, unborn or
aborted animals, fur, rabbit hair,
mulesed merino wool, down or
feathers not certified by
Responsible Down Standard,
products tested on animals
Best
 Permitted animals raised under
conditions of good animal
husbandry
 Consider synthetic alternatives
 If unfamiliar with the species
review Endangered Species
section for next steps
2. Check the country
of origin (ask where
the animal was
reared and
slaughtered)
 Refer to relevant animal
material section
 Refer to
relevant
animal
material
section
 Refer to
relevant animal
material section
 Refer to relevant animal material
section
3. Check producer
animal welfare
standards. Ask:
-Does the producer
have any higher
animal welfare or
organic farming
certifications?
-Does the producer
follow the five
freedoms?
 Producer with no or minimal
knowledge of animal welfare
issues and standards
 Animals have
access to the
outdoors
 Any producer
that follows the
OIE Animal
Health Codes
Higher animal welfare schemes:
 Holland: Beter Leven (Better life)
 UK: RSPCA Freedom Food
Scheme
 US: Animal Welfare Approved
Standard
 US: GAP 5-Step
Organic certification:
 UK/Global: Soil Association
 Global: Global Organic Textile
Standard (GOTS)
 US: USDA NOP Organic
Certification
 EU: EEC Organic Regulation
834/2007
 Japan: Japan Agricultural
Standard (JAS)
4. Check the product
is clearly labelled
 Product not labelled with
species of animal used
 Product
labelled with
species of
animal used
 Product labelled
with country of
origin where the
animal was
reared and the
species of
animal used
 Product labelled with country of
origin where the animal was
reared, the species of animal
used, whether or not the animal
is a by-product of the meat
industry
 Synthetic materials mimicking
animal parts should be clearly
labelled as synthetic.
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ENDANGERED SPECIES
What the policy says
Vulnerable and 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 ASOS Products.
Why this is important
Endangered species: The illegal trade in animals and plants to make clothing, medicine and ornaments,
together with habitat destruction and climate change, is driving species to extinction 1000-10,000 times
faster than the natural rate of extinction. Without a wide variety of species or biodiversity the ecosystems
that provide oxygen, food and fresh water are not able to function properly.
IUCN and CITES: The IUCN, the world’s largest global conservation network and CITES, an international
agreement to control trade in animals and plants, compile and regularly update lists of the most threatened
species, in order to protect them and prevent them from being traded.
Illegal wildlife trade hotspots: Despite international protection, trade in endangered species is on the
rise, particularly in illegal trade hotspots such as China's international borders, East/Southern Africa and
South-east Asia, the eastern borders of the EU, Mexico, parts of the Caribbean (Dominican Republic,
particularly), parts of Indonesia and New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.
Endangered species traded for fashion and cosmetic purposes include:
 Big cats: Jaguars, leopards, ocelots and tigers are killed for their skin, teeth, claws and jaws to make
coats, jewellery and ornaments.
 Elephants & rhino: The illegal poaching of elephants and rhinos to supply demand for ivory to make
jewellery, and carvings, is on the increase in Africa and Asia.
 Perfume ingredients derived from vulnerable and endangered species: Ambergris from whales,
castor or castoreum from beavers, hyraceum from hyraxes, musk from musk deer and civet cat
excretions are used as fixatives in some perfumes.
 Tibetan antelope or chiru: The hair from the endangered chiru is very valuable and is made into
expensive shawls known as shahtoosh. Chirus have to be killed in order to obtain their hair. Refer to
the US Fish & Wildlife Service guidelines (see further information section) to help identify shahtoosh
from other materials.
 Tropical hardwoods: Tropical forest loss due to unsustainable and illegal logging is contributing to a
mass extinction of species. Tropical hardwoods, although mainly used in construction, can be made
into jewellery or jewellery boxes. Refer to Greenpeace’s Good Wood Guide for alternatives (see further
information section).
 Turtles: The shell or tortoiseshell from turtles is made into highly polished jewellery, combs, boxes and
other decorative items.
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Version 3 June 2016
Products that may contain endangered species
Products that may contain parts of endangered species, such as bone, coral, pearls, fur, horn, shells, skins,
teeth and tropical hardwoods include: shawls, coats, fur, items with fur trims, jewellery, jewellery boxes,
combs, ornaments, handbags, shoes, purses, gloves, cosmetics and perfumes.
Where to go for further Information
ASOS policy and process
 ASOS CR Team: [email protected]
Identifying threatened status of species
 IUCN: www.iucnredlist.org
 CITES: http://www.cites.org
 Animal Health Agency (UK): http://animalhealth.defra.gov.uk/cites/index.htm
Identification of shahtoosh
 US Wildlife & Fish Services: http://www.lab.fws.gov/idnotes/shahtoosh-web.pdf
Alternatives to tropical hardwoods
 Greenpeace’s Good Wood Guide: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/PageFiles/25698/6759.pdf
General information about endangered species and the wildlife trade
 CAFT: http://www.cawtglobal.org/
 WWF: http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/
Steps you can take
Avoid
Good
Better
Best
1. Ask what kind of
plant or animal is
used in the product.
Ask for the animal’s
common and Latin
name.
Do not source products that
contain species that cannot be
identified
Animals reared for the food industry
under good animal husbandry
conditions
Plants from certified sustainable
sources, such as FSC wood
2. Check the
conservation status if
you are unfamiliar
with the species
Any species that appears on the
IUCN and CITES threatened
species lists
Any species where you are
uncertain of the conservation
status
If you are unable to confirm the
conservation status of the
species contact the Animal
Health Agency for clarification
(UK only) or IUCN or CITES (rest
of world) -contact info above
3. Ask where the
animal was reared
and slaughtered or
where the plant was
harvested
Carefully check any products
sourced from the illegal wildlife
trade hotspots mentioned on the
previous page
4. Report any
suspicions
5. Check the product
is clearly labelled
Report any suspected products
containing endangered species
to the CR team (contact info
above)
Product not labelled with species
of animal or plant used
Product labelled
with species
of animal or
plant used
Product labelled
with country of
origin and the
species of
animal or plant
used
Product labelled with country of
origin, the species of animal or
plant used, whether or not the
animal is a by-product of the
meat industry
Synthetic materials mimicking
animal parts should be clearly
labelled as synthetic
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FUR
What the policy says
Real fur or pelts must not be used in ASOS Products. This includes
Karakul lambskin pelts from aborted or newborn lambs and
Mongolian lambs fur.
Why this is important
ASOS does not use fur in its products and or sell other branded fur items because of the cruel practices
associated with the rearing and slaughter of animals used for fur production.
Battery farms: Fifty million1 animals are farmed and killed each year for their fur. Most are raised in small,
individual wire cages on farms with poor animal welfare standards. Often the slaughter methods used to
preserve the pelts, such as electrocution or poisoning, are particularly inhumane, and may not kill the
animal directly before it is processed.
Trapping: Traps set to capture wild animals for their fur indiscriminately injure and kill approximately ten
million2 animals a year, including pets and endangered species.
Karakul: The production of Karakul3, the prized soft fur from young lambs involves, either killing the lamb
when it is only 1-3 days old, or killing the ewe whilst she is pregnant and removing the foetus.
Mongolian lambs fur: The traditional method of slaughter carried out in Mongolia is considered inhumane.
An incision is made below the ribs, putting a hand inside the chest and tearing or pinching the aorta without
any prestunning. Mongolia does not regulate slaughter practices and there is no system in place to monitor
the nomadic sheep herders’ welfare standards.
Angora and other rabbit hair: Angora and other rabbit hair must not be used in ASOS Products. The
majority of rabbit hair comes from Chinese farms, many with poor animal welfare practices, including live
plucking, a stressful and painful procedure which involves pulling out the rabbit’s hair whilst it is still alive
(see the Angora & Other Rabbit Hair section for further information).
Misleading labelling: Investigators from animal welfare organisations have found that some products
deliberately labelled as fake fur, particularly fur trimmed items from China, actually contained real fur. In
some instances, the fur has been found to come from cats4, dogs5 and endangered species. Real fur trims
can be difficult to identify, as they are often not labelled, and the garments they can be found on are cheap
misleading buyers into thinking the fur is fake.
Products that may contain fur or fake fur
The following products may contain fur, fur trims or fur accessories: gloves, hats, ear muffs, scarves,
handbags, purses, boots, shoes, coats, jackets, gilets, sweaters, hair accessories, belts and buttons.
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1
2
3
WSPA 2014
CAFT 2014
Be aware that Karakul lambskin fur has several names. The fur from foetal lambs is called karakulcha, cha or broadtail. Fur from newborn
lambs is known as karacul, caracul, qaraqul, astrakhan, swakara, swartkoppersie krimmer, nakara, blackhead Persian or Persian pelts.
4
Cat fur is known by several names including katzenfelle and goyangi.
5
Dog fur may be labelled as gae-wolf, goupee, or sobaki.
Version 3 June 2016
Where to go for further information
ASOS policy and process
 ASOS CR Team: [email protected]
 ASOS Technical Services Team: Womenswear: [email protected]
 Menswear: [email protected]
Fur trade and fashion
 PETA: http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/fur/
 Respect for animals: http://www.respectforanimals.co.uk/home/
 The Humane Society: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/fur_fashion/
Karakul
 PETA: http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/other-animals-used-for-their-skins.aspx
 The Humane Society: http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/fur/karakul_report.pdf
Identifying real from fake fur
 ASOS’ Identifying Faux From Real Fur Guide can be found on the intranet and on the supplier extranet
Fur free retailers and suppliers
 Fur Free Retailers: http://www.furfreeretailer.com/
 PETA fake fur retailers: http://www.peta.org/living/fashion/cruelty-free-clothing-guide/cruelty-freeclothing-guide-alternatives/
Steps you can take
Avoid
1. Check the product,
including trims and
accessories, does
not contain real fur.
Ask: what type of
material the product,
trim and accessories
are made of?
Any animal fur
Karakul
Mongolian lamb fur
Rabbit hair
Any product including trims &
accessories, that looks like fur
and is not labelled fake fur, or
that is labelled fake fur but you
suspect is real fur
2. Check the country
of origin (ask where
is the item sourced
from?)
Pay close attention to fake fur
products or unlabelled fur type
products from China, Mongolia,
Taiwan and Philippines
3. Check the product
is clearly labelled
Unlabelled products
 Products labelled fake fur but
are suspected to be real. Use
the faux from real fur guidelines
for clarification.
Good
Better
Best
Fine synthetic or acrylic polymers
are good alternative materials to
fur
Review identifying Faux from Real
Guide if you are unsure
If still undecided, contact ASOS’
Technical Services Team
If product does contain real fur
inform the ASOS CR team
All products containing fake fur,
including trims and accessories
to be labelled as fake fur
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Version 3 June 2016
ANGORA & OTHER RABIT HAIR
What the policy says
Angora and other rabbit hair must not be used in ASOS
Products.
Why this is important
Rabbits are the fourth most farmed animal in the world but have very limited protection under animal
welfare laws. ASOS does not use angora or other rabbit hair in its products or sell other branded rabbit hair
items on its website because of the poor welfare conditions many rabbits are kept under, and because of
the cruel practices used to harvest rabbit hair.
Factory farms: Most rabbits are reared on factory farms in China (the largest angora producer), France,
Italy and Spain, where they are kept in small individual cages to preserve their coats. The wire cages can
damage the rabbits’ feet, and deny them of important physical and behavioural needs, such as hopping,
digging, socialising or grooming.
Live plucking and shearing: The harvesting of angora by live plucking occurs on approximately 50% of
farms in China, according to a recent PETA investigation. Live plucking or shearing, procedures which both
involve strapping a rabbit to a board to keep its skin taut, can cause the rabbit extreme distress and injury
and leave them exposed to cold temperatures and illnesses.
Slaughter: When angora rabbits are past their prime they are normally killed for their pelts. Prior to
slaughter, rabbits are likely to be hung upside down unsupported, causing them stress and possible injury.
Research has shown that rabbits may be incorrectly stunned or not stunned at all, and as a result,
processed whilst they are still alive.
Products containing rabbit hair
Products that may contain rabbit hair include: hats, gloves, scarves, coats, jackets, sweaters, socks, arm
and leg warmers, ear muffs, hair accessories and trims on boots, jackets, hats, gloves and bags.
Where to go for further Information
ASOS policy & process
 ASOS CR Team: [email protected]
 Endangered Species section of these Guidelines
Animal welfare standards
 Animal Welfare Approved Standards: http://animalwelfareapproved.org/standards/rabbit-2014/
 World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE): http://www.oie.int/international-standard-setting/terrestrialcode/
Rabbit welfare
 PETA: http://action.peta.org.uk/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=5&ea.campaign.id=23870
 Compassion in World Farming:
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http://ciwf.org.uk/farm_animals/rabbits/higher_welfare_alternatives.aspx
 RSPCA: http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/farm/rabbits/farming
Version 3 June 2016
Steps you can take
Avoid
1. Check the product,
including trims and
accessories, does
not contain real
rabbit hair (ask what
the product, trim and
accessories are
made of? If it’s
animal material ask
which species the
hair comes from)
Rabbit hair
Any product including trims &
accessories, that looks like
rabbit and is not labelled fake
fur, or that is labelled fake fur
but you suspect is real fur
2. Check the country
of origin (ask where
is the item sourced
from?)
Pay close attention to fake fur
products or unlabelled fur type
products from China, Taiwan
and Philippines
3. Check the product
is clearly labelled
Unlabelled products
Products labelled fake fur but are
suspected to be real
Good
Better
Best
Fine synthetic or acrylic polymers
are good alternative materials to
fur
Review identifying Faux from Real
Guide if you are unsure
If still undecided, contact ASOS’
Technical Services Team
If product does contain real fur
inform the ASOS CR team
All products containing fake fur,
including trims and accessories
to be labelled as fake fur
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Version 3 June 2016
LEATHER & SKIN
What the policy says
• Only cow, buffalo, sheep, goat or pig leather or skin, sourced as
a by-product of the 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.
Why this is important
Meat industry by-product: Animals should not be killed specifically for their skins. Leather and skin
should be sourced from animals that were reared for the meat industry, by producers who maintain good
animal welfare standards. Over sixty five billion6 animals are slaughtered each year for their meat. Many
are reared inside on factory farms with poor animal welfare standards.
Aborted animals: Calf leather, called slink, and lamb skin known as karakul, from purposefully or
otherwise aborted animals, are used to make luxurious items such as coats, gloves, bags and trims and
should not be used in ASOS products.
Live skinning: Evidence from animal welfare organisations has shown that in some slaughterhouses
animals are inhumanely killed, and on occasion, are still alive when processing begins. Some animals,
such as snakes and lizards, are intentionally skinned alive because it is believed this makes the leather
more supple.
Veal and sow creates: Calves raised for veal are often kept in solitary confinement or veal crates. The
crates are designed to prevent movement to ensure the calf’s meat is pale and tender when slaughtered.
Veal crates have been banned in many parts of the world. Sows are often kept in narrow crates for their
entire lives to prevent them from fighting. Sow crates are being phased out gradually in many countries
because of the health and welfare issues associated with keeping pigs in confinement.
Exotic and endangered animals: There are welfare issues associated with how farmed exotic animals
are reared, transported and slaughtered, and how wild animals are captured or killed. Ostrich leather must
not be used in our products because ostriches are generally reared for their skin and are therefore not a
meat industry by-product. There are also substantial welfare issues associated with the rearing,
transportation and slaughter of these birds. The accidental or intentional trapping of endangered species
for their skins is also an ongoing problem.
Regional standards:
China: According to PETA, some skins originating from China are intentionally mislabelled and have been
found to derive from cats and dog fur farms.
10
India: Cows are revered animals in India and their slaughter is banned in many states. As a
consequence cattle are transported, on foot or in crowded trucks, over long distances to
6
Compassion in World Farming 2014
Version 3 June 2016
slaughterhouses, many of them operating illegally under unsanitary, polluting and inhumane conditions.
South America: Uruguay is emerging as the South American leader for its cattle welfare, transportation
and slaughter standards. Argentina and Brazil have also recently implemented welfare standards for cattle.
When sourcing leather from this region ensure it does not come from cattle raised in the Amazon biome
(mainly the Brazilian Amazon, as well as parts of Peru, Colombia and Bolivia). Livestock production is
responsible for 65-80% of deforestation in the Amazon.
Products containing leather or skin
Products that may contain leather or skin include: jackets, coats, skirts, dresses, trousers, shoes, shoe
inner soles, bags, purses, wallets, gloves, hats, hair accessories, jewellery, watch straps, buttons and belts.
Where to go for further Information
ASOS policy & process
 ASOS CR Team: [email protected]
Animal welfare standards
 Global Round Table for Sustainable Beef: http://www.saiplatform.org/uploads/Modules/Library/saiplatform-principles-for-sustainable-beef-farming-final.pdf
 Soil Association Organic Hide, Leather and Skin:
http://www.soilassociation.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=0IbGn2DRZAo=&tabid=353
 Animal Welfare Approved Standards (US): http://www.animalwelfareapproved.org/standards/
 RSPCA Freedom Foods (UK): http://www.freedomfood.co.uk/industry/rspca-welfare-standards
Farmed animals
 Compassion in World Farming: http://www.raw.info/the-problem/animal-cruelty
 RSPCA: http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/farm/-/article/FAD_AllAboutAnimalsFarmAnimals
Faux leather suppliers
 PETA: http://www.peta.org/living/fashion/cruelty-free-clothing-guide/cruelty-free-clothing-guidealternatives/
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Version 3 June 2016
Steps you can take
Avoid
Good
Better
Best
1. Check the
species. Ask for the
animal’s common
and Latin name.
Remember to check
to see if shoe inner
soles are made of
leather
 Exotic, endangered & some
7,
domestic species* unborn or
aborted animals (slink from
unborn calves)
 Mongolian sheep/goats should
be avoided.
 If unfamiliar with the species
review Endangered Species
section for next steps
 Cow, buffalo, sheep, goat or pig
reared, transported and
slaughtered under conditions of
good animal husbandry
 Synthetic alternatives to leather
include: pleather, poromeric
imitation leather (Corfam),
koskin, leatherette, Birko-Flor.
2. Check if the leather
or skin is a byproduct of the meat
industry. Ask what
purpose the animal
was reared for. If the
skin is from calves or
pigs ask whether the
animals were
confined in individual
crates
 Leather or skin that is not a byproduct of the meat industry
 Leather or skin from veal calves
or sows reared in crates
 Leather or skin that is a byproduct of the meat industry
3. Check the country
of origin. Ask where
the animal was
reared and
slaughtered
 Africa, most of India
(transportation and slaughter)
 China (poor animal welfare
standards, possibility skin is
from cat or dog)
 Mongolia (poor animal welfare
and lack of traceability)
 Amazon biome (parts of Brazil,
Bolivia, Colombia, Peru)
 US (veal and
sow crates
banned in a
small number
of states)
 EU continent
 Uruguay,
Argentina, Brazil
(not Amazon
regions)
 UK, Ireland
4. Check producer
animal welfare
standards. Ask:
-Does the producer
have any animal
welfare or organic
farming
certifications?
-Does the producer
follow the five
freedoms?
-Was the animal
reared indoors? How
was it transported &
slaughtered?)
 Producer with no or minimal
knowledge of animal welfare
issues and standards
 Animals have
access to
pasture
 Any producer
that follows the
OIE Animal
Health Codes
 Global Round Table for
Sustainable Beef (new
environmental and animal
welfare standard)
 Soil Association Organic
Standard for Hides, Leather and
Skin (new standard)
 UK: RSPCA Freedom Food
scheme
 US: Animal Welfare Approved
Standard
 EU: EEC Organic Regulation
5. Check the product
containing leather or
skin is clearly
labelled
 -Product not labelled with
species of animal used
 Product
labelled with
species of
animal used
 Product labelled
with country of
origin where the
animal was
reared and the
species of
animal used
 Product labelled with country of
origin where the animal was
reared, the species of animal
used, whether or not the animal
is a by-product of the meat
industry
 Synthetic materials mimicking
animal parts should be clearly
labelled as synthetic.
12
7
These animals include but are not restricted to: snakes, lizards, crocodiles, alligators, cayman, ostriches, peccory, zebra, sharks and stingray
(shageen) (shark and stingray leather is known as galuchat), eel, toads, frogs, seals, cats and dogs (dog skin can be known as special skin, lamb
skin or mountain goat skin).
Version 3 June 2016
LEATHER & SKIN
WOOL
What the policy says
• Sheep and lambs’ wool must be sourced from
producers with good animal husbandry.
• Merino wool used in ASOS Products must not be
sourced from farmers who practice mulesing.
Why this is important
Although most sheep are generally reared outdoors in less intensive farming systems than cows, pigs,
chickens, rabbits, ducks and geese, many still face significant welfare issues.
Lameness: Lameness, caused by bacterial infection is one of the major welfare problems in sheep. In
many flocks not enough is being done to prevent or successfully treat lameness.
Transportation: Live sheep and lambs are transported in large numbers around the world on overcrowded
ships or trucks to be sold and slaughtered. These journeys may take weeks, and without inadequate food,
water, space and rest many sheep fall ill or die during the journey.
Procedures without painkillers: Sheep are often subjected to painful procedures such as castration, tail
docking or mulesing without painkillers.
Shearing: Shearing can be stressful, cause injury and may be carried out with little regard for the animal’s
welfare, leaving sheep exposed to cold temperatures and to illness.
Mulesing: Mulesing is a procedure undertaken to reduce the risk of fly strike in merino sheep, carried out,
in many cases, without pain relief. It involves cutting away flesh from the sheep’s rump in an attempt to
produce a smooth wool-free area that is less attractive to flies. Mulesing is banned in New Zealand and
South Africa in favour of less painful methods of flystrike prevention, but is still a continued practice in
Australia.
Products containing wool
Products that may contain wool include: coats, jackets, dresses, skirts, jumpers, cardigans, trousers, socks,
hats, gloves, scarves, arm and leg warmers and tights.
Where to go for further Information
ASOS policy & process
 ASOS CR Team: [email protected]
 Endangered Species section of these Guidelines
Animal welfare standards
13 
NewMerino® (sustainable farming & animal standards): http://newmerino.com.au/wp/q-a/
 National Wool Declaration (non-mulesed) http://www.awex.com.au:publications:national-wooldeclaration-nwd.html
 Global Organic Textile Standards Wool: http://www.global-standard.org/the-standard/generaldescription.html
Version 3 June 2016
 Animal Welfare Approved Standards: http://animalwelfareapproved.org/standards/sheep-2014/
 RSPCA Freedom Foods: http://www.rspca.org.uk/freedomfood
Sheep welfare
 Compassion in World Farming: http://www.ciwf.org.uk/farm_animals/sheep/welfare_issues.aspx
 RSPCA: http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/farm/sheep/keyissues
 Animal aid: http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/CAMPAIGNS/vegetarianism/ALL/501/
Steps you can take
Avoid
1. Check the species.
Ask for the animal’s
common and Latin
name
 Shahtoosh and wool from other
endangered species.
 Angora or other rabbit hair
 If unfamiliar with the species
review Endangered Species
section for next steps
 Mongolian sheep/goats should
be avoided
2. If Merino wool,
check how flystrike is
prevented. Ask which
procedures are used
to prevent flystrike
 Producers who practice
mulesing
3. Check the country
of origin. Ask where
the sheep were
reared and
slaughtered.




4. Check producer
animal welfare
standards. Ask:
-Does the producer
have any animal
welfare or organic
farming
certifications?
-Does the producer
follow the five
freedoms?
-Was care taken
during the shearing
process?
How were they
transported &
slaughtered?
 Producer with no or minimal
knowledge of animal welfare
issues and standards
5. Check the product
containing wool is
clearly labelled
 Product not labelled with
species of animal used
Good
Better
Best
 Sheep reared, transported and
slaughtered under conditions of
good animal husbandry
 Synthetic alternatives to merino
wool: polyester fleece, synthetic
shearling, Tencel, Polar Tec
Wind Pro, nylon, acrylic
 Use of clips and
intrajectables
(topical proteinbased
treatments
which kill wool
follicles),
insecticide
treatment
 Selective sheep breeding to
produce smoother rump (i.e.
plain-bodied merino sheep)
 UK, New Zealand, South Africa
(Merino), Australia (Newmerino
certified or NWD non-mulesed
merino wool only)
Africa
Australia (mulesed wool)
China
Mongolia
 Product
labelled with
species of
animal used
 Any producer
that follows the
OIE Animal
Health Codes or
the International
Wool Textile
Organisation’s
sheep welfare
guidelines
 Newmerino certified
 Global: Global Organic Textile
Standard
 NWD non mulesed (NM) or
ceased mulesed (CM) wool
 UK: RSPCA Freedom Food
Scheme
 US: Animal Welfare Approved
Standard
 EU: EEC Organic Regulation
834/2007
 Product labelled
with country of
origin where the
animal was
reared and the
species of
animal used
 Product labelled with country of
origin where the animal was
reared and the species of animal
used
 Synthetic materials mimicking
animal parts should be clearly
labelled as synthetic.
14
Version 3 June 2016
CASHMERE & MOHAIR
What the policy says
•
Cashmere and mohair used in ASOS Products must be sourced
from producers with good animal husbandry.
•
Hair must not be harvested by live plucking.
Why this is important
Increased demand for cashmere (the soft undercoat of a goat, usually a cashmere goat) and mohair (from
the angora goat) has led farmers, particularly in Asia to abandon traditional sustainable husbandry
methods, in favour of high volume production. This has resulted in a decrease in animal welfare standards
and an increase in environmental problems dues to overgrazing.
Procedures without pain relief: According to many animal welfare organisations goats may be subjected
to painful procedures, such as dehorning and castration, without anaesthesia.
Live plucking and shearing: Hair that is harvested from goats by live plucking or shearing can cause the
animal distress and injury, and leave them particularly susceptible to cold temperatures and illnesses.
Goats should not be forcibly restrained and should be shorn upright.
Killing of unwanted animals: According to PETA, 50-80% of young goats whose coats do not meet the
expected quality standards are slaughtered before they reach the age of two.
Environmental Issues: In China and Mongolia, the two largest producers of cashmere, extensive
overgrazing by cashmere goats has led to land degeneration, resulting in desertification, dust storms and
increased levels of pollution.
Products containing goat’s hair
Products that may contain cashmere and mohair include: hats, gloves, scarves, coats, jackets, sweaters,
socks, arm and leg warmers, ear muffs, hair accessories and trims on boots, jackets, hats, gloves and
bags.
Where to go for further Information
ASOS policy & process
 ASOS CR Team: [email protected]
 Endangered Species section of these Guidelines
Animal welfare standards
 Global Organic Textile Standards: http://www.global-standard.org/the-standard/generaldescription.html
 Animal Welfare Approved Standards: http://animalwelfareapproved.org/standards/goat-2014/
15
Goat welfare issues
 NRDC: http://www.nrdc.org/international/cleanbydesign/files/CBD_FiberFacts_Cashmere.pdf
 The Vegan Society: http://www.vegsoc.org/page.aspx?pid=528
 Action for our planet: http://www.actionforourplanet.com/#/wool/4548164102
Version 3 June 2016
Steps you can take
Avoid
Good
Better
Best
1. Check the species.
Ask for the animal’s
common and Latin
name
 Hair from endangered species
 If unfamiliar with the species
review Endangered Species
section of these guidelines for
next steps
 Goats reared, transported and
slaughtered under conditions of
good animal husbandry
 Synthetic alternatives to animal
hair include: polyester fleece,
synthetic shearling, Tencel, Polar
Tec Wind Pro, nylon, acrylic
2. Check the country
of origin. Ask where
the animal was
reared and
slaughtered
 Mongolia and China
 UK, US, South Africa
3. Check producer
animal welfare
standards. Ask:
-Does the producer
have any animal
welfare or organic
farming
certifications?
-Does the producer
follow the five
freedoms?
-Do the goats have
access to fresh food
and water, company
and exercise? Are
they tethered? How
were they
transported &
slaughtered?
 Producer with no or minimal
knowledge of animal welfare
issues and standards
 Producers who keep animals
tethered
 Any producer
that follows the
OIE Animal
Health Codes
 Global: Global Organic Textile
Standard
 UK/Global: Soil Association
Organic Certification
 US: Animal Welfare Approved
Standard
 US: USDA NOP Organic certified
 EU: EEC Organic Regulation
834/2007
4. Check how the hair
is harvested. Ask:
-How is the hair is
collected?
-If by shearing, ask
how stress to the
goat is minimised)
 Live plucking
 Shearing best
practice:
-performed by an
expert handler
-equipment is well
maintained
-stress to the
animal is
minimised (no
tethering)
-not done during
winter in cold
environments
 Hair collected during gentle
combing
5. Check the product
containing goat’s
hair is clearly
labelled
 Product not labelled with
species of animal used
 Product labelled
with country of
origin where the
animal was
reared and the
species of
animal used
 Product labelled with country of
origin where the animal was
reared and the species of animal
used
 Synthetic materials mimicking
animal parts should be clearly
labelled as synthetic.
 Product
labelled with
species of
animal used
16
Version 3 June 2016
OTHER ANIMAL HAIR
What the policy says
• 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.
Why this is important
Procedures without pain relief: Many animals are subjected to painful procedures, such as dehorning,
castration and tail docking without anaesthesia.
Live plucking and shearing: Hair that is harvested from animal by live plucking or shearing can cause
distress and injury, and leave the animal particularly susceptible to cold temperatures and illnesses.
Alpaca: Three quarters of all alpaca are raised in Peru. However, alpaca hair is more waterproof, softer,
more durable and warmer than sheep’s wool which has led to an increase in demand for alpaca farms in
other parts of the world, including the US and Europe. PETA claim the influx of alpaca into these other
markets has led to the neglect, abuse and abandonment of animals that are unable to breed.
Endangered and wild species: Shahtoosh: The hair from the endangered Tibetan antelope or chiru is
very valuable and is made into expensive shawls known as shahtoosh. Chirus cannot be domesticated and
have to be killed in order to obtain their hair.
Vicuñas: Vicuñas live in the South American Andes and are related to camels and llamas. Vicuña hair is
one of the most expensive materials used to make clothing. To obtain their wool, wild vicuñas are typically
herded into a V-shaped “funnel trap”, are shorn and then tagged without pain relief. Normally hair is only
left on the animals’ bellies and chests, leaving them susceptible to the extremes of temperature in the
Andes
Products containing animal hair
Products that may contain animal hair include: hats, gloves, scarves, coats, jackets, sweaters, socks,
trousers, suits, arm and leg warmers, ear muffs, hair accessories and trims on boots, jackets, hats, gloves
and bags.
Where to go for further Information
ASOS policy & process
 ASOS CR Team: [email protected]
17 
Endangered Species section of these Guidelines
Animal welfare standards
 Global Organic Textile Standards: http://www.global-standard.org/the-standard/generaldescription.html
 Animal Welfare Approved Standards: http://animalwelfareapproved.org/standards
Version 3 June 2016
Identification of shahtoosh
 US Wildlife & Fish Services: http://www.lab.fws.gov/idnotes/shahtoosh-web.pdf
Welfare issues
 PETA: http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/animals-used-skins/
 NRDC Alpaca: http://www.nrdc.org/international/cleanbydesign/files/CBD_FiberFacts_Alpaca.pdf
 Action for our planet: http://www.actionforourplanet.com/#/wool/4548164102
Steps you can take
Avoid
Good
Better
Best
1. Check the species.
Ask for the animal’s
common and Latin
name
 Hair from endangered species
such as chirus
 Hair from wild and exotic
animals such as vicunas
 If unfamiliar with the species
review Endangered Species
section of these guidelines for
next steps
 Cow, buffalo, yak, horse, goat,
pig and alpaca reared,
transported and slaughtered
under good welfare conditions
 Synthetic alternatives to animal
hair include: polyester fleece,
synthetic shearling, Tencel, Polar
Tec Wind Pro, nylon, acrylic
2. Check the country
of origin. Ask where
the animal was
reared and
slaughtered
 China
 India (cow and buffalo)
 UK, EU, New Zealand, Australia
3. Check producer
animal welfare
standards. Ask:
-Does the producer
have any animal
welfare or organic
farming
certifications?
-Do the animals have
access to fresh food
and water, company
and exercise?
-Are they tethered? How were they
transported &
slaughtered?
 Producer with no or minimal
knowledge of animal welfare
issues and standards
 Producers who keep animals
tethered
 Any producer
that follows the
OIE Animal
Health Codes
 UK/Global: Soil Association
Organic Certification
 US: Animal Welfare Approved
Standard
 US: USDA NOP Organic certified
 EU: EEC Organic Regulation
834/2007
 Global: Global Organic Textile
Standard
4. Check how the hair
is harvested. Ask:
-How is the hair is
collected?
-If by shearing, how
stress to the animal
is minimised)
 Live plucking
 Shearing best
practice:
-performed by an
expert handler
-equipment is well
maintained
-stress to the
animal is
minimised (no
tethering)
-not done during
winter in cold
environments
 Hair collected during gentle
combing
5. Check the product
containing animal
hair is clearly
labelled
 Product not labelled with
species of animal used
 Product labelled
with country of
origin where the
animal was
reared and the
species of
animal used
 Product labelled with country of
origin where the animal was
reared and the species of animal
used
 Synthetic materials mimicking
animal parts should be clearly
labelled as synthetic.
 Product
labelled with
species of
animal used
18
Version 3 June 2016
FEATHERS & DOWN
What the policy says
• 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.
Why this is important
ASOS does not use down or feather in our own label products, including garments and accessories
because of the cruel practices associated with the rearing, feather harvesting and slaughter of ducks and
geese, as described in the sections below.
Responsible Down Standard: ASOS will only sell products from brands on its website that have provided
evidence [see Steps you can take table] that they are working towards sourcing Responsible Down
Standard (RDS) certified down. The new global RDS, launched in 2014, has been designed to ensure
feathers and down are sourced from responsibly treated geese and ducks, and provides traceability
assurance back to farm level. The first products containing responsible down will be available in A/W 2015.
Patagonia: The only other standard ASOS currently accepts is Patagonia’s Traceable Down Standard.
The standard was created to ensure all of Patagonia’s independent third-party verification and certification
audits are completed to the same principles, scope, and methodology, in terms of animal welfare and
traceability.
Foie gras: Foie gras production is illegal in the UK but still occurs in France, Hungary, Bulgaria, Spain and
Belgium. Ducks and geese are kept individually in small wire cages and are forced fed 2-3 times a day, in
order to unnaturally enlarge the liver. Force feeding, aside from being extremely stressful, prevents the bird
from carrying out its normal behaviours, damages the throat and can cause the liver to stop working.
Live plucking: Live plucking causes geese and ducks unnecessary pain and distress. During plucking
birds are physically restrained and are often wounded. Although live plucking is illegal in the EU and the
US, it is a continued practice in the three top down producing countries, China, Germany, Hungary, Russia
and Ukraine. Research by PETA suggests between 50-80% of down comes from live plucked birds.
Endangered species: Peacocks are a protected species in India. However, the demand for peacock
feathers has led to an increase in poaching and a serious decline in the peacock population. The country is
in the process of banning the sale, trade and transport of peacock feathers.
Products containing feathers or down
Products that may contain feathers or down include: trims or accessories on dresses, jumpers, lingerie,
wraps, hats and fascinators, jewellery, down jackets, gloves and body warmers and feather boas.
19
Where to go for further Information
ASOS policy & process
 ASOS CR Team: [email protected]
Version 3 June 2016


ASOS Technical Services Team:
Womenswear: [email protected] Menswear: [email protected]
Endangered Species section of these Guidelines
Animal welfare standards
 Responsible Down Standard: http://textileexchange.org/sites/default/files/te_pdfs/integrity/TE
Responsible Down Standard v1.pdf

Patagonia Traceable Down Standard:
http://www.patagonia.com/pdf/en_US/PATAGONIA_TRACEABLE_DOWN_STANDARD_121013.pdf
Foie gras and live plucking
 PETA: http://www.peta.org/features/investigation/
 Four paws: http://www.four-paws.org.uk/campaigns/farm-animals/live-feather-plucking/
 RSPCA: http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/farm/poultry/ducks/keyissues
Steps you can take
Avoid
Good
Better
Best
1. Certification
required
 Any product not certified under
the Responsible Down Standard
or Patagonia’s Traceable Down
Standard
 We prefer to use alternative
synthetic materials for down
filling include: Primaloft, Pureloft,
Thermolite, polyester fill, Thermal
R, Omni-Heat. Aerogel,
Polarguard, Thermore, Fiberfill,
Thermaball
 Feathers and down certified
under the Responsible Down
Standard or Patagonia’s
Traceable Down Standard.
3. Check producer
animal welfare
standards and
certification. Ask:
-Can the producer
provide evidence to
show they are
committed to
sourcing
Responsible Down
Standard or
Patagonia standard?
 Any product not certified under
the Responsible Down Standard
or Patagonia’s Traceable Down
Standard
 Factory certification
 If producer is in the process of
applying for RDS or is working
towards complying with RDS ask
to see their completed RDS
application form and/or contact
the RDS team at Control Union
for clarification:
[email protected]
 If the producer is a certified RDS
producer ask to see their scope
certificate which states they are
able to produce under the RDS
label.
4. Check the product
containing down or
feathers is clearly
labelled
 Product not labelled with
species of animal used
 Product not certified under RDS
and not labelled.
 Synthetic materials mimicking
animal parts should be clearly
labelled as synthetic
 Product labelled with
Responsible Down Standard logo
or Patagonia’s Traceable Down
Standard
20
Version 3 June 2016
ANIMAL TESTING
What the policy says
•
ASOS is opposed to animal testing on cosmetics.
•
ASOS does not produce its own brand cosmetics, and in
accordance with EU ban that came into effect on 11th March 2013
ASOS does not sell branded cosmetics that have been tested
on animals.
Why this is important
EU ban: Europe is the world’s largest cosmetic market. Animal testing on products and ingredients is
banned in the EU (& Norway). In addition a complete ban on the sale of cosmetics developed through
animal testing is now in effect.
The testing ban on finished cosmetic products applies since 11 September 2004; the testing ban on
ingredients or combination of ingredients applies since 11 March 2009.
The marketing ban applies since 11 March 2009 for all human health effects with the exception of
repeated-dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity and toxicokinetics. For these specific health effects the
marketing ban applies since 11 March 2013, irrespective of the availability of alternative non-animal tests.
Rest of the world: Israel is the only other country that has banned animal testing and the sale of newly
animal tested beauty products. India banned in country cosmetic animal testing in 2013 and the
government is currently looking at a sales ban. In August 2014 Brazil brought a bill into effect prohibiting
the use of animals for cosmetic testing where alternative testing methods have already been established.
80% of countries worldwide, including the US and Asia, still allow animal testing on cosmetics products and
ingredients. Although many countries such as Australia, US and New Zealand are looking at implementing
bans. China has also announced it plans to remove mandatory animal testing of cosmetics for domestically
manufactured products by June 2014. Over time these new rules may be expanded to include imported
products and “special" cosmetics defined as hair dyes, deodorants, sunscreen and skin whitening products.
Currently imported cosmetic products still need to be tested on animals before they can be sold in China.
At the end of 2013 Russia announced it will no longer require cosmetics to be tested on animals and that it
will accept cruelty free testing methods. There is no indication that Russia is intending to implement a full
testing ban in the near future.
Unnecessary tests: In most countries, animal testing is neither required nor prohibited for ordinary
cosmetics like makeup and shampoo. To be able to market a cosmetic product a company must
demonstrate its safety. These safety checks can be achieved by using approved non-animal tests, and by
using ingredients from the list of 15,000 that have already been proven safe for use. Cosmetic tests to
check ingredients and products for skin sensitisation, toxicity and carcinogenicity are still, however, being
carried out worldwide on thousands of rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats every year.
Unpredictability of tests: According to animal welfare organisations the safety of ingredients and products
tested on animals cannot be guaranteed. Different species can respond differently when exposed to the
same chemicals, so results from animal tests may not be relevant to humans, making them unreliable and
21 difficult to interpret.
Misleading labels: Animal testing labels are unregulated outside of Europe. Some companies make
misleading ‘not tested’ claims on packaging that only relate to testing of the final product and not to the
ingredients used in the product, which may have been tested on animals by the ingredient supplier.
Version 3 June 2016
Products that may have been tested on animals
The following products may have been tested on animals: cosmetics, personal care products, perfume.
Where to go for further Information
ASOS policy & process
 ASOS CR Team: [email protected]
EU ban
 EC: http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/sectors/cosmetics/animal-testing/index_en.htm
Animal testing issues
 Cruelty Free International (BUAV): http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/en/the-issue
 PETA: http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-experimentation/
Animal testing free certification
 Humane Cosmetic Standard or leaping bunny standard, developed by over 50 animal welfare
organisations: http://www.gocrueltyfree.org/consumer/the-leaping-bunny
 Soil Association Organic Standard: http://www.soilassociation.org/whatisorganic/organicbeauty
Animal testing free suppliers
 Leaping bunny: http://www.gocrueltyfree.org/search?product-type=cosmetics&country=231
Steps you can take
Avoid
Good
Better
Best
1. Ask if the product
has been tested on
animals
 Any products that have been
tested on animals since
September 2004
Leaping bunny logo: ECEAE’s
Humane Cosmetics Standard is
the only internationally
recognised scheme
2. Ask if any of the
ingredients in the
product have been
tested on animals
 Any product with ingredients
that have been tested on
animals since March 2009
Leaping bunny logo: ECEAE’s
Humane Cosmetics Standard is
the only internationally
recognised scheme
3. Check if the
product has achieved
any free from animal
testing certifications
 No certification
 Soil Association
Organic
Standard
 Leaping bunny logo: ECEAE’s
Humane Cosmetics Standard is
the only internationally
recognised scheme
4. If the product is
labelled free from
animal testing check
that this includes all
of the ingredients as
well as the product
 Products not labelled free from
animal testing
 Soil Association
Organic
Standard
 Leaping bunny logo: ECEAE’s
Humane Cosmetics Standard is
the only internationally
recognised scheme
22
Version 3 June 2016