Australia and New Zealand Adopt Updated Sunscreen Standard

In a significant step to improve public health and safety, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has announced the adoption of the new Australian/New Zealand Sunscreen Standard: AS/NZS 2604:2021 on 11 April 2024. This update aims to align sunscreen regulations in both countries, ensuring higher standards of safety and efficacy for consumers.

Key Highlights of the Proposed Sunscreen Standard AS/NZS 2604:2021

The proposed standard introduces several key changes:

1. Improved UV Protection: The new standard emphasizes improved protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. This change is designed to provide better protection against skin cancer and premature ageing caused by sun exposure.

2. Stricter Testing Requirements: Sunscreen products will undergo more rigorous testing to verify their efficacy and safety. This includes mandatory broad spectrum testing to ensure comprehensive UV protection.

3. Updated Labelling Guidelines: The new standard requires  clearer and more informative labelling. Consumers will benefit from easy-to-understand information on the level of protection offered, water resistance and proper use instructions.

4. Regulatory Harmonization: By adopting AS/NZS 2604:2021, Australia and New Zealand aim to streamline sunscreen regulations to facilitate smoother cross-border trade and reduce confusion for manufacturers and consumers.

Public Health Benefits

The adoption of this updated standard is expected to bring significant public health benefits. The stricter regulations will ensure that only high quality sunscreen products are available on the market, increasing consumer trust and promoting better skin health. Improved UV protection and clearer labelling will help consumers make more informed choices, ultimately reducing the incidence of skin cancer and other UV-related health problems.

Industry Implications

For manufacturers, the new standard presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While the increased requirements may require adjustments to formulation and testing processes, they also offer a chance to demonstrate a commitment to quality and safety. Compliance with AS/NZS 2604:2021 is likely to become a mark of excellence in the sunscreen industry, distinguishing high quality products in a competitive market.

Transitional Arrangements

The following transitional arrangements will apply:

• From 1 July 2024, all new sunscreen products registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) must comply with the 2021 Sunscreen Standard.

• Existing aerosols and spray pump packs listed on the ARTG before 1 July 2024 will be given a 1-year transition period to comply with the updated labelling requirements of the 2021 Sunscreen Standard.

• All sunscreen products (both aerosols and non-aerosols) already listed in the ARTG before 1 July 2024 will have a 5-year transition period during which they may comply with the testing requirements of either the 2021 Sunscreen Standard or the previous standard (2604:2012).

After the transition period, all existing sunscreen products listed on the ARTG, and all new products released for supply must comply with the 2021 Sunscreen Standard.

Conclusion

The adoption of the new Australian/New Zealand Sunscreen Standard: AS/NZS 2604:2021 is a significant step forward for public health and safety. By setting higher standards for sunscreen efficacy and safety, Australia and New Zealand are leading the way in protecting their populations from the harmful effects of sun exposure.