Media Statement Accord Australasia
Sunscreen reform: Accord Australasia, the Australian Sunscreen Association, back modern testing, warn against higher costs and an SPF limit on make-up.
27 October 2026. Sydney, Australia. Industry body Accord Australasia and its sunscreen section, the Australian Sunscreen Association, have welcomed the Therapeutic Goods Administration's (TGA) move to modernise sunscreen testing. They have also warned that proposals for repeat testing, mandatory laboratory accreditation and a limit on SPF claims for make-up would raise prices and reduce choice, without the TGA showing what they would achieve.
Testing that keeps pace with the science
The TGA will let sponsors test SPF in the laboratory (in vitro) or on human volunteers (in vivo) and will reference international test standards directly so new methods can be adopted faster. Accord recommended both in its May 2026 submission. The TGA has also deferred changes to SPF labels, as Accord urged, until there is evidence that a new format would help consumers.
'Australians need confidence in the SPF on the label, and so do the companies that make sunscreen. Allowing modern test methods and adopting international standards faster are sensible steps, and we welcome them,' said Damian Mitsch, Executive Director of Accord Australasia.
Costs that flow to consumers
Accord supports the TGA’s goal of making sure every SPF on a label can be trusted. Where we differ is on how to get there. ‘Everyone wants SPF claims people can rely on. The way to get there is testing that is targeted and proportionate, so the money goes into reliable results rather than accreditations,’
Mr Mitsch said.
‘Every SPF test has natural variation. Industry has asked the TGA to confirm the margin of error it accepts, and that answer should be the starting point for any testing regime. We are encouraging the TGA to work through this with us so Australians can keep buying sunscreen that is both reliable and affordable.’
SPF limit on secondary (cosmetic) sunscreens
'The TGA also proposes a single SPF limit for secondary (cosmetic) sunscreens. It has not said what the limit would be or proposed for further consultation. Products above it would have to drop their SPF claim or be regulated as medicines. ‘We don’t know whether the TGA wants to regulate blushes and bronzers as medicines if they have a high SPF, or not allow any high SPF claims on any cosmetics, even moisturisers, or something in between,’ Mr Mitsch said.
‘Before any decisions are made, the TGA should explain the outcome it is seeking and consult with industry and the community,' Mr Mitsch said.
Next steps
Accord and the Australian Sunscreen Association will keep working with the TGA as the reforms are developed and have asked that their regulatory cost be assessed and consulted on before decisions are finalised.
About the Australian Sunscreen Association
The Australian Sunscreen Association is a section of Accord Australasia representing companies that make and supply sunscreens in Australia.
About Accord Australasia
Accord Australasia is the peak body for the cosmetic, personal care, home care, and industrial and institutional cleaning products industry in Australia. Accord has represented the sunscreen industry for 20+ years.
ENDS
For media inquiries: Damian Mitsch, Executive Director, Accord Australasia, 0403 372 900, dmitsch@accord.asn.au