Australian sunscreen testing to undergo major shake-up after SPF scandal
Australia’s sunscreen market is facing significant changes to its testing process following last year’s SPF scandal.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on Tuesday outlined several elements of new testing standards, which aim to strengthen sunscreen regulation, will force brands to test SPF multiple times and provide results before products hit the shelves.
Sunscreen sold in Australia will have to go through more rigorous testing following last year’s SPF scandal. iStock
The medicine regulator’s proposed new rules come after testing by consumer advocacy group Choice published last October revealed 16 out of 20 popular Australian sunscreens failed to meet the SPF claims listed on the labels.
Some brands that had advertised SPF levels of 50+ returned results of SPF 4.
The fallout led to several sunscreens being pulled off the shelves.
The TGA’s proposed reforms will force brands to test the SPF of their finished product rather than just the base formula before being listed with the TGA, and the sunscreen will also have to be repeatedly tested over its shelf life.
The changes will also crack down on cosmetic products with built-in UV protection by capping the SPF claims they can advertise.
The TGA said its proposed changes, published on Tuesday, aim to create a clear divide between dedicated sunscreens designed primarily for sun protection and secondary cosmetic products.
Choice welcomed the proposal, saying its testing prompted urgent changes in sunscreen regulation, but noted they were not perfect.
“Currently, sunscreen brands are not required to provide any SPF testing data to the TGA unless requested, so this change would greatly improve the transparency around how brands have tested their products,” it said.
However, Choice said the TGA isn’t looking to monitor and evaluate test results and that brands would be able to provide the findings to the administration confidentially – something it has warned against.
The fallout led to several sunscreens being pulled off the shelves. Getty
“In the interest of transparency and public safety, we believe these results should be made available to everyone and that the TGA should routinely monitor test results, as well as conduct its own compliance testing program,” it said.
The consumer advocacy group said it is a step in the right direction in a country where two in three people will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
The TGA did not say when the new testing rules will be finalised and implemented.
Broader changes to SPF labelling remain on hold for now, with authorities planning further review and consultation before introducing updated packaging guidelines.
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