The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia’s regulatory authority, has initiated an eight-week public consultation titled “Seeking improvements to the regulation of sunscreens in Australia,” inviting feedback from interested parties until May 23.
Australia experiences the highest rates of skin cancer and melanoma globally, resulting in approximately 2,000 fatalities annually. This underscores the importance of ensuring that regulatory frameworks are effective in maintaining consumer trust in sunscreen products.
Sunscreens play a vital role in protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is a significant risk factor for skin cancer. These products typically contain ingredients that absorb or reflect UV rays.
The consultation paper outlines multiple suggested enhancements to the current regulatory landscape, which include: improving the reliability and transparency of SPF testing; facilitating the quick adoption of innovative testing technologies; intensifying oversight of testing laboratories; reinforcing lifecycle quality assurance through routine testing and ingredient standards; clarifying and simplifying SPF labeling; ensuring consistency between the claims made by therapeutic and cosmetic sunscreens; and updating good manufacturing practice guidelines to enhance production quality.
These proposals aim to bolster confidence in the performance of sunscreens. If approved, the implementation will be conducted in a measured and targeted manner, allowing for appropriate transition periods.
The TGA plans to host a webinar on April 14 to provide stakeholders with an overview of the consultation paper’s key proposals. Consumers are encouraged to visit the TGA’s dedicated sunscreen hub for guidance on selecting the appropriate sunscreen, proper application techniques, understanding labeling, and staying informed about SPF testing. The hub also includes details on recent sunscreen recalls and ongoing reviews of sunscreen ingredients, as well as the importance of continued sunscreen use during this process.
(Source: TGA)
Published on April 6, 2026.
