Australia Advances Sunscreen Testing And Ingredient Reforms

Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration has set out sunscreen reforms it will develop following consultation. The 27 October announcement covers stronger testing, ingredient quality, cosmetic sun-protection-factor claims and manufacturing guidance. These are planned reforms for sponsors and manufacturers, with further work needed before implementation. TGA announcement.

Testing And Product Evidence

TGA plans to permit either in-vitro or in-vivo testing where appropriate, strengthen laboratory accreditation and refer directly to ISO standards in legislation. It also plans finished-product SPF testing and periodic testing while products remain on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Reform programme, section 1.

Sponsors would provide testing data to TGA at listing. The regulator says it would hold that information confidentially. Its programme says the testing measures will be introduced in stages. Section 1.

Ingredients And Cosmetic Claims

The programme includes quality requirements for specific sunscreen ingredients and a consistent limit on the SPF rating claimed by secondary, cosmetic sunscreens. TGA will also review good manufacturing practice guidance. Sections 2–4.

The announcement does not itself establish a new numerical SPF ceiling or an implementation date. Separately, TGA says proposed changes to how SPF ratings appear on labels need further review and consultation. Current status and section 5.

Earlier Investigation And Consultation

TGA's published timeline records investigations from June 2025 into products whose efficacy had been questioned. It then consulted on regulatory reform options from March to May 2026. The October programme follows consideration of that feedback. Reform timeline.

The regulator says individual measures will take time to develop and may require further consultation and legislative amendments. Current status.