The European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods
The European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) promotes the scientific and regulatory acceptance of non-animal tests.
It was created by the European Commission to validate and support the acceptance of methods to replace, reduce or refine the use of laboratory animals. This work is required by Directive 86/609/EEC on the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes.
In many industry sectors, reliance on animal test procedures is being progressively reduced. ECVAM coordinates independent evaluation of the relevance and reliability of tests for specific purposes in areas of biologicals, chemicals, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Via its Tracking System for Alternative test methods (TSAR), the European Commission provides a view on the status of alternative methods as they progress from purely scientific protocols submitted for pre-validation to being actively used in a regulatory context.