Australia proposes tougher SPF testing rules after widespread sunscreen failures
The Therapeutic Goods Administration announced new regulations requiring multiple SPF tests and regulator-submitted results before sunscreens can be sold, following a consumer group’s finding that most tested products fell short of their label claims.
A consumer-group investigation showed that the majority of leading Australian sunscreens failed to deliver the SPF stated on their packaging, prompting the Therapeutic Goods Administration to propose sweeping regulatory changes. Under the draft rules, manufacturers must test the SPF of each finished product multiple times, provide the data confidentially to the TGA before market entry, and continue periodic testing throughout the product’s shelf life.
The agency is also allowing the use of in-vitro testing on plastic plates as an alternative to the traditional in-vivo method, though both may still be required for certain formulations. Additional proposals include stricter accreditation of overseas testing labs, clearer labeling distinctions between cosmetic and therapeutic sunscreens, and a review of ingredient quality standards. Some provisions could be rolled out in the short term, while others will need further consultation and possibly legislative amendment. The reforms aim to restore consumer confidence in sunscreen efficacy, a key tool in preventing skin cancer, which affects two-thirds of Australians.
Why it matters
Reliable SPF labeling is essential for protecting Australians from skin cancer, the country's leading cause of death.
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