Consultation: Improvements to the regulation of sunscreens in Australia

While the consultation is open you can make a submission at our consultation hub.

After the closing date, the submissions will be reviewed and our decision will be published on the same consultation page.

About this consultation

The primary objective of the regulation of sunscreens is to ensure their quality, safety and efficacy to protect consumers from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, to reduce the incidence and impact of skin cancer.

The current regulatory framework for sunscreens has been in place for some years, and the regulatory landscape has changed over this time. Recent international and domestic developments have highlighted a number of matters in relation to the current regulation of sunscreens, such as the variability of sunscreen sun protection factor (SPF) claims, the reproducibility of current SPF testing methods, the level of oversight of laboratories performing SPF testing, and the understanding of sponsors (product owners) and manufacturers of their regulatory obligations.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is seeking feedback on proposed changes to improve the regulation of therapeutic sunscreens in Australia. These proposals are intended to strengthen confidence in sunscreen performance. If accepted, any reforms will be implemented in a proportionate and targeted manner.