Australia is tightening its rules for sunscreen makers after a scandal that shook public trust. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the country’s medicines regulator, announced the proposed changes on Tuesday. They include tougher testing and quality checks, particularly for certain ingredients.
The move follows a report last June by the consumer group Choice. It tested 20 popular sunscreens and found that 16 did not provide the protection printed on the label. Several of these were expensive, premium brands. One product, Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen Skinscreen, was sold with differing SPF (Sun Protection Factor) ranges that were SPF 50+ but tested at just SPF 4. The company recalled it voluntarily.
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, so the news caused real anger. More than a dozen products were pulled from shelves or had their sales paused.
Dr Robyn Langham, the TGA’s chief medical adviser, said the aim is to make SPF claims more trustworthy. According to her, Australians expect solid evidence to support the number on the label.
Under the proposals, companies would have to hand over their SPF test results when they list a product with the TGA. Currently, they only need to do so if asked. Products would also be retested regularly while they are on sale.
Cosmetic products, such as make-up with some sun protection added, would face limits on the SPF claims they can make. This should help shoppers tell the difference between true sunscreens and beauty products where sun protection is only a bonus.
The changes will be introduced in stages. Any changes to labelling will come later, after more review and public consultation.
Choice welcomed the plan but said it does not go far enough. It pointed out that the TGA has not promised to routinely check and assess the test results it receives. The group also wants the results made public, not just shared with the regulator. In its view, that would be better for transparency and public safety.
The message for shoppers is straightforward for now. The rules are getting stricter, but they are still only proposals. Keep using sunscreen, apply it generously, and reapply it often when outdoors.
