In brief
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has unveiled reforms that will strengthen testing standards for sunscreens, set ingredient quality requirements and restrict the SPF claims that sunscreen products can make. The changes come after an independent study found that some Australian sunscreens did not meet their labelled SPF, undermining public confidence and raising concerns about Australia’s high skin‑cancer rates. Industry, consumer groups and scientists, including Dr. David Whiteman, welcomed the move and are expected to give further comments before the TGA finalises the rules.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced on Tuesday that it is working on reforms to tighten sunscreen regulation in Australia. The proposal, outlined in a TGA statement, will strengthen sunscreen testing requirements, set specific ingredient quality standards and limit the SPF claims that cosmetic sunscreens can make. The agency also plans to review good manufacturing practice guidance so manufacturers are clear on expectations.
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, the TGA said, and the chief goal of sunscreen regulation is to ensure product quality, safety and effectiveness in protecting consumers from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The reforms are aimed at restoring consumer confidence after reports that some sunscreens failed to meet their labelled SPF in independent tests.
A public consultation run from March to May gathered almost 120 responses from industry, testing laboratories, health professionals, consumer groups, academia and other stakeholders. The findings of that consultation entered into the review process for the new rules.
Dr. David Whiteman, a scientist at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, backed the changes, saying that “improving the rigor and transparency of sunscreen testing and reviewing manufacturing practices will help ensure people get the protection they expect.”
The TGA said it will hold further consultation on SPF labeling before any changes become law. The reforms are expected to reduce skin-cancer incidence over time by ensuring sunscreens perform as advertised.
