TGA proposes tougher sunscreen rules after SPF scandal

Regulator to require finished-product testing data, consider labelling overhaul

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published27 October 2026

Updated27 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources3 outlets

Illustration: TGA proposes tougher sunscreen rules after SPF scandal

Australia's medicines regulator has proposed sweeping changes to sunscreen testing and labelling rules, a year after consumer tests found that most sunscreens on sale failed to meet their SPF claims. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said the reforms aim to 'strengthen consumer confidence in sunscreen performance'.

The TGA outlined the proposed changes on Tuesday, following an independent test by consumer group Choice that found 16 of 20 sunscreens fell short of their sun protection promises. One sunscreen listed as SPF50+ returned an actual SPF of just four. The scandal led to a wave of product recalls.

Under current rules, manufacturers do not have to provide SPF testing data for the final product when applying for registration on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). They can instead rely on verification of base formulas, before customising the product in ways that may affect performance.

The TGA now intends to require manufacturers to submit SPF test results for the finished product before approval, and to provide that data on a confidential basis before the products reach shelves. Brands would also need to test their packaged products at various points during their shelf life to ensure performance does not deteriorate over time.

Testing methods could also change. Currently, sunscreens are tested in vivo, meaning they are applied to human subjects and exposed to infrared light. The TGA wants to allow in vitro testing, where the product is tested in isolation, to reduce variation across skin types.

In addition, the regulator is considering limiting SPF claims on cosmetic sunscreens, skincare products with auxiliary UV-blocking benefits. A broader review of the SPF rating system, which may replace numbers like SPF15 and SPF50+ with a scale from 'Low' to 'Very High', will follow further consultation.

'Sunscreen sponsors and manufacturers understand their regulatory obligations,' the TGA said. Some changes could take effect soon, while others require legislative changes and additional consultation.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

Consumers rely on SPF ratings to protect against skin cancer; inaccurate claims can lead to inadequate protection.
The reforms increase testing costs for manufacturers, which may affect product pricing and availability.
A shift to in vitro testing could improve consistency and reduce reliance on human test subjects.

Background

The TGA is Australia's national regulator for therapeutic goods. The proposed overhaul comes a year after consumer advocacy group Choice tested 20 sunscreens and found that 16 failed to meet their labelled SPF values. The results prompted recalls and eroded public trust in the sunscreen market.

What to Watch

The timeline for implementing finished-product testing requirements, which could be immediate.
Outcomes of the consultation on SPF labelling, particularly the proposed switch to descriptive categories like 'Low' to 'Very High'.
Whether the new rules set a precedent for other countries reviewing their sunscreen standards.

Sources

Checked

9 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 5 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedThe TGA proposed tougher sunscreen rules after the SPF scandal.SmartCompany: “The Therepeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on Tuesday proposed changes designed to bolster public faith after the shortfall scandal.”
SupportedThe TGA said the reforms aim to “strengthen consumer confidence in sunscreen performance”.SmartCompany: “the proposed changes are designed to “strengthen consumer confidence in sunscreen performance and ensure that sunscreen sponsors and manufacturers understand their regulatory obligations””
Partly supportedThe TGA said, “Sunscreen sponsors and manufacturers understand their regulatory obligations.”SmartCompany: “the proposed changes are designed to “strengthen consumer confidence in sunscreen performance and ensure that sunscreen sponsors and manufacturers understand their regulatory obligations””
Partly supportedConsumer tests found that most sunscreens on sale failed to meet their SPF claims.SmartCompany: “Choice independently tested 20 sunscreens and found 16 did not meet their sun protection promises.”
SupportedChoice found that 16 of 20 tested sunscreens fell short of their sun protection promises.SmartCompany: “Choice independently tested 20 sunscreens and found 16 did not meet their sun protection promises.”
SupportedOne sunscreen listed as SPF50+ returned an actual SPF of four.SmartCompany: “Among them was a sunscreen listed as SPF50+, which returned an actual SPF of only four.”
SupportedThe shortfall scandal led to a wave of sunscreen recalls.SmartCompany: “As a result, a swathe of sunscreens were recalled from sale.”
Partly supportedThe TGA is considering a broader SPF-rating review that may replace numerical ratings with a “Low” to “Very High” scale, and that review will follow further consultation.SmartCompany: ““Further review and consultation on SPF labelling will be undertaken at a later stage before progressing with any proposed labelling changes,” said the TGA.”
Partly supportedSome changes could take effect soon, while others require legislative changes and additional consultation.SmartCompany: “Some changes could come into effect soon, while others would take more time to implement, given the need for extra consultation and potential changes to the law.”