The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has an 8-week public consultation seeking feedback on improvements to the regulation of sunscreens in Australia.

The consultation paper proposes a range of options to provide the following improvements to the current regulatory framework:

• Improving reliability and transparency of SPF testing.
• Enabling new testing technologies to be adopted in a timelier manner.
• Strengthening oversight of testing laboratories.
• Enhancing lifecycle quality assurance, including periodic testing, and ingredient standards.
• Simplifying and clarifying SPF labelling.
• Providing greater consistency with the indications that therapeutic and cosmetic sunscreens can make.
• Updating Good Manufacturing Practice guidance to improve manufacturing quality.

The TGA says these proposals are intended to strengthen confidence in sunscreen performance. If accepted, options presented in this paper would be implemented in a proportionate and targeted manner, with appropriate transition periods incorporated.

Action welcomed

Consumer group CHOICE, which was instrumental in raising awareness of SPF failures last year, has welcomed the consultation announcement.

“Sunscreen regulation has been top of mind for the Australian public since CHOICE raised the alarm last year on test results revealing that 16 of 20 sunscreens failed to meet their SPF claims, including one product with an SPF of only 4,” said Andy Kelly, Director of Campaigns at CHOICE.

“Proposals to improve and expand testing requirements, require accreditation for testing laboratories, and increase transparency will help restore consumer trust in the reliability of SPF claims. While there are some options we don’t support, such as replacing the current SPF numbering system, we commend the TGA for acting.”

Following CHOICE’s sunscreen investigation in 2025, over 20 sunscreens were pulled from sale in Australia due to concerns that they did not meet the SPF claims on their label. Without this investigation, it’s likely these products would still be available for sale.

“In a country where two in three people will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime, it’s vital that consumers can rely on SPF claims when purchasing products to protect their skin from the harsh Australian sun,” said Mr Kelly.

“We look forward to working with the TGA to ensure this will be the case going into the future.” 

Consultation open

The TGA will host a webinar on 14 April 2026 at 1 pm to provide stakeholders with an overview of the key proposals in the consultation paper. Attendees will be given the opportunity to ask questions of the TGA’s expert panel ahead of submitting their response to the consultation.

Interested parties can read the consultation and provide a response by 23 May 2026 here.