Art. 46 TierSchVersV

The Bf3R's Centre for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternatives to Animal Experiments (ZEBET) advises the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and other federal ministries as well as state authorities and the EU Commission on questions concerning alternative methods to animal experiments. In Germany, the conduct of animal experiments is subject to approval. The BfR advises the competent approval authorities on the existence of alternative methods to the animal experiments submitted for authorization. 

Legal background
The amendment of the German Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG) on July 12, 2013 created new responsibilities for the BfR.

In accordance with Art. 46 of the regulations on the welfare of animals used for experiments or for other scientific purposes (Tierschutz-Versuchstierverordnung - TierSchVersV, August 1, 2013), the BfR advises the competent authorities on matters concerning alternatives to animal experiments.

Inquiries to the BfR
Only approval authorities may send inquiries to the BfR. Please send your inquiry in writing either by standard mail or as an attachment to an e-mail to the following address:

Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung
Stichwort: "Beratung nach §46 TierSchVersV"
Postfach 12 69 42
10609 Berlin

e-mail: beratung-paragraph46-tierschversv@bfr.bund.de

Handling of your inquiry
Once your inquiry has been received, you will be sent a confirmation of receipt by e-mail. It generally takes 3 to 4 weeks to process your inquiry. The counselling service deals exclusively with alternatives to animal experiments. It does not include either a review of the ethical justifiability of the animal experiment or a definitive assessment as to whether or not the animal experiment is absolutely necessary.