Australia proposes stricter sunscreen testing regulations

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has announced proposed reforms to strengthen sunscreen testing and transparency in Australia. The move follows findings by consumer advocacy group Choice, which reported that 16 out of 20 tested sunscreen products failed to meet their labeled SPF claims. In one instance, a product labeled as SPF50+ was found to have an actual SPF of only four.

Under the proposed rules, manufacturers would be required to provide SPF testing data for finished products to the TGA before they are listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Currently, brands are only required to provide data upon request, often relying on testing of base formulas rather than the final product. The reforms also suggest continuous testing of products after they reach shelves and require that laboratories conducting these tests hold international accreditation.

While the TGA intends to use this data to clarify regulatory obligations and bolster consumer confidence, the information provided to the regulator would remain confidential. Advocates have suggested that test results should be made publicly available to ensure public safety, particularly given Australia’s high skin cancer rates.