TGA proposes reforms to Australian sunscreen regulations amid SPF testing controversies
Consensus Summary
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has proposed major reforms to Australia’s sunscreen regulations following widespread concerns about SPF protection claims. Consumer group CHOICE’s 2023 testing revealed 16 out of 20 popular SPF50+ sunscreens failed to meet advertised SPF levels, with some products like Ultra Violette’s SPF50+ testing as low as SPF4. The TGA’s draft proposals aim to improve SPF testing reliability, strengthen oversight of testing labs, and simplify labeling—potentially replacing numerical SPF ratings with qualitative terms like 'low' or 'high'. The regulator has also defended its handling of the scandal, noting recalls of over 20 products since CHOICE’s findings and emphasizing a risk-based approach. While CHOICE supports expanded testing and transparency, it opposes replacing SPF numbers with word ratings, citing consumer familiarity. The TGA’s reforms come amid Australia’s high skin cancer rates, with around 2,000 deaths annually, and aim to restore public trust in sunscreen efficacy.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) proposed sweeping reforms to Australian sunscreen regulations in response to concerns about SPF protection claims.
- Consumer group CHOICE tested 20 popular SPF50 and SPF50+ sunscreens in June 2023 and found 16 did not meet their advertised SPF claims.
- Banana Boat Baby Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ tested at SPF 28, Coles SPF 50+ Sunscreen Ultra Tube tested at SPF 43, and Ultra Violette’s Australian Sunscreen SPF 50+ tested at SPF 4 (per CHOICE).
- More than a dozen sunscreens have been pulled from shelves or paused from supply in Australia over SPF concerns.
- Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer and melanoma globally, with around 2,000 deaths annually.
- The TGA’s proposed reforms include changes to SPF testing requirements, oversight of testing labs, and potential replacement of SPF numbers with 'low', 'medium', 'high', and 'very high' ratings.
- The TGA has opened a public consultation process on the draft proposals, citing international and domestic developments as reasons for reform.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The TGA acknowledged that publicly available SPF testing data could expose trade secrets and allow competitors to reverse-engineer formulations or benchmark products unfairly.
- CHOICE Director Andy Kelly stated the group is against replacing SPF numbers with word/graphics ratings, calling it a 'concern' for consumer familiarity.
- The TGA proposed requiring manufacturers to publicly disclose SPF testing data to support transparency and evidence-based decision-making.
- The TGA cited 'misconceptions' about the SPF scale, noting the difference between SPF 30 and 50 is minimal and becomes even smaller at higher values.
- The TGA found some product owners and manufacturers lacked understanding of their legal obligations regarding sunscreen claims.
- Ultra Violette’s Instagram post claimed testing their sunscreen cost up to $150,000, emphasizing their commitment to integrity.
- The TGA revealed current exemption rules for cosmetic sunscreens are described as complex and need reform.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC (Article 1) states the TGA proposed removing SPF numbers and replacing them with 'low', 'medium', 'high', and 'very high' ratings, while ABC (Article 2) does not explicitly contradict this but focuses more on the TGA’s defense of existing investigations.
- No contradiction found regarding the number of sunscreens recalled or paused, but ABC (Article 1) mentions 'more than a dozen' while ABC (Article 2) does not specify a number but states 'over 20 products have either been recalled or paused from sale' after CHOICE’s test.
Source Articles
TGA releases proposed reforms to Australian sunscreen regulation
The proposals include a number of changes to SPF testing requirements, oversight of the labs that do SPF testing, and the way SPF is labelled — reforms that would overhaul the sunscreen industry....
TGA not 'sitting on our hands', defends handling of sunscreen scandal
In his first interview since the sunscreen controversy erupted almost 10 months ago, the Therapeutic Goods Administration head says he hopes the proposed shake-up of regulations will restore consumer ...
Regulator’s crackdown on dud sunscreen claims
Australia’s medicines regulator has revealed new regulations for sunscreen after it was revealed some of the most iconic Aussie brands may not meet their labelled SPF claims...