In brief
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration announced reforms that will strengthen sunscreen regulation, focusing on testing standards and limiting SPF claims. The changes follow a public consultation that gathered nearly 120 responses from industry and consumer groups, and come amid reports that some sunscreens fail to meet their labelled SPF. The reforms intend to improve consumer confidence and help reduce the world’s highest rate of skin cancer.
On Tuesday, Canberra, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) released a statement announcing proposed reforms to sunscreen regulation, citing concerns that some products do not meet their labelled Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The directive aims to tighten testing requirements, establish quality criteria for active ingredients, and restrict the maximum SPF claims that cosmetic sunscreens can advertise.
According to the TGA, the agency will also revise its good manufacturing practice guidance to clarify expectations and responsibilities, with the ultimate goal of sustaining consumer confidence in the quality and performance of sunscreen products sold in Australia.
These measures come after the TGA conducted a public consultation from March to May, during which it received almost 120 responses from a range of stakeholders—including industry representatives, testing laboratories, health professionals, consumer groups, academia and other experts. The consultation period was designed to gauge the practical implications of stricter regulations and to gather input on potential pathways forward.
In a separate note, the TGA highlighted that Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world, underscoring the pressing need for reliable sun protection. The agency stated that the primary objective of sunscreen regulation is to ensure product quality, safety and efficacy in protecting consumers from harmful ultraviolet radiation, and to reduce the skin cancer burden.
Dr. David Whiteman, a distinguished scientist with the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, is one of several experts who have publicly supported the proposed reforms. Dr. Whiteman has advocated for a more rigorous and transparent approach to testing sunscreens and for revising manufacturing practices, following independent studies that revealed discrepancies between labelled and actual SPF values.
The TGA emphasized that it would pursue further consultation on SPF labeling before finalising any changes. The agency hinted that future discussions will examine whether, and how, sunscreen manufacturers should be limited in the range of SPF values they can advertise based on their total UV‑filter composition and empirical testing.
Industry groups have expressed cautious optimism. A spokesperson for the Australian Cosmetic Manufacturers’ Association noted that stronger testing would ultimately safeguard brands by preventing deceptive claims, though the sector also requested clarity on how cost‑effective the new testing protocols would be for small businesses.
Consumer advocacy bodies applauded the direction of the reforms, arguing that clearer guidance and stricter limits would enhance public trust in sun protection products. A representative for the Australian Consumers Association said that the changes “will make it easier for people to choose a sunscreen that truly offers the protection they need.”
Meanwhile, academic researchers have called for longitudinal studies to monitor the impact of the new regulations on sunscreen efficacy, given the population’s high risk for skin cancer. Prof. Linda Nguyen of the University of Sydney’s Dermatology Department pointed out that “the regulatory changes provide a timely opportunity to assess real‑world performance after implementation.”
Despite the support for stronger regulation, the TGA has also highlighted that the agency remains committed to balancing consumer safety with industry fairness. The agency confirmed that its advisory panels will work with stakeholders to identify realistic testing standards that do not impose unnecessary barriers to market entry.
Looking ahead, the TGA plans to publish an updated regulatory framework in the next quarter, subject to a final round of public comment. The agency has pledged to maintain open channels for feedback, particularly from manufacturers and independent laboratories that will be directly affected by the new testing mandates.
As the conversation continues, Australian consumers remain mindful that sun protection is essential for preventing skin cancer, and that clarity on product claims can play a vital role in safeguarding public health. The TGA’s efforts represent a significant step toward ensuring that sunscreen labels accurately reflect the level of protection consumers receive.
